The two-week Online Short-Term Internship Programme (OSTI) of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India concluded today with 95 university-level students completing it. The internship began on 14th September 2026. The interns were shortlisted out of 1008 applicants from 19 states and union territories across the country.

Chairing the valedictory session, NHRC Member, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, congratulated the interns on successful completion of the programme. He emphasised that the two-week training programme was not merely a journey but a valuable learning experience. Urging the interns to ensure that their efforts do not go in vain, he highlighted the importance of “Preach, Practice and Perform”, stressing that learning about human rights should continue throughout life and that the knowledge gained must be practised and shared with others.

Calling upon the interns to demonstrate human rights values in their everyday conduct, Justice Sarangi urged them to be compassionate towards others, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities and to extend appropriate consideration to their needs. He said that as young people, the interns carried great expectations for the development of the country and society.

Addressing the interns, NHRC Member, Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani said that the conclusion of the internship marked not an end but the beginning of a new responsibility. She urged them to carry forward a commitment to human rights, the Constitution and the nation, stressing that human rights are about dignity, justice, compassion and responsibility towards one another and should become a way of life.

Emphasising that human rights and patriotism complement each other, Smt. Sayani urged the interns to respect the Constitution, protect human dignity, serve the vulnerable and stand for justice. Drawing on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, she called upon them to become human rights ambassadors in their communities and highlighted “knowledge, compassion and service” as guiding principles for contributing to a stronger, more just and humane India.

In his address, NHRC Secretary General, Shri Piyush Goyal, congratulated the interns and emphasised the importance of developing sensitivity towards human dignity in everyday life. He said that academic learning is meaningful when translated into practice. Highlighting the value of teamwork and communication skills, he said that the team activities helped inculcate team spirit and collaborative skills. He urged the interns to become torch bearers of human rights by creating greater awareness of its practical dimensions in society.

Before this, NHRC Joint Secretary, Shri Samir Kumar, presented an overview of the internship programme, highlighting the opportunity provided to the interns to interact with NHRC Members, senior NHRC officers, eminent experts, academicians, Core Group members and representatives of civil society organisations. He expressed hope that the programme enriched the interns’ understanding of human rights. He also announced the winners of competitions, including book review, group research project presentation and declamation. Smt. Monika Joon delivered the vote of thanks.

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NSK

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