Human Rights Ambassadors for the Future
Speaking at the valedictory session, NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal congratulated the graduating interns for completing an intensive academic and interactive programme. He emphasised that the selected 80 participants represent a promising group of young minds who now carry a deeper understanding of human rights issues. According to him, the programme’s primary purpose is to cultivate a generation that is conscious, empathetic, and proactive about human dignity and equality.
Shri Lal urged the students to evolve as human rights ambassadors in their communities, campuses, and future workplaces. He highlighted that human rights begin with personal conduct how individuals treat others around them. Only someone who practices fairness and compassion daily can meaningfully advocate for the rights of others, he said.
Internalising Human Rights in Daily Life
In his address, Shri Lal stressed that human rights must go beyond theoretical understanding. He encouraged the interns to internalise the values learned during the programme and apply them in everyday decisions. Whether it is helping vulnerable groups, speaking up against discrimination, or supporting inclusive policies, each action contributes to a more just society.
He also reminded the interns to carefully study India’s Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights. These constitutional foundations, he said, offer clarity on how the country envisions equality, justice, and welfare for all. Understanding these principles will help young citizens identify areas where human rights protections can be improved and strengthened.
Comprehensive Human Rights Learning Sessions
Earlier in the ceremony, NHRC Joint Secretary Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak presented the detailed internship report. The November 2025 OSTI programme included a rigorous schedule of 46 sessions led by NHRC Members, senior officers, domain experts, and civil society representatives. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including child rights, women’s rights, environmental justice, disability rights, digital privacy, and the workings of NHRC’s complaint redressal mechanisms.
Smt. Chhakchhuak also announced the winners of various competitions held during the internship. These activities were designed to encourage creativity, analytical thinking, and active engagement with human rights themes. The programme’s interactive structure allowed participants to ask questions, share perspectives, and present case analyses, further deepening their learning experience.
Senior Officials Praise Students’ Participation
Shri Samir Kumar, Joint Secretary, NHRC, and Lt. Col. Virender Singh, Director, NHRC, were also present during the ceremony. Both officials commended the interns for their active participation and curiosity throughout the programme. They noted that the OSTI initiative reflects NHRC’s ongoing commitment to fostering human rights awareness among India’s youth.
NHRC’s Online Short Term Internship Programme continues to attract significant interest from students across the country. With each edition, the Commission aims to broaden awareness and strengthen the nation’s collective responsibility for protecting and promoting human dignity.
