AUG 12: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has commenced its two-week Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI), aimed at deepening understanding of: human rights, related laws, and institutional mechanisms among young scholars. Out of 1,957 applicants, 80 university-level students from 21 States and Union Territories, representing diverse academic disciplines, have been shortlisted for the programme.
Inaugurating the internship, NHRC Member Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi underlined that safeguarding human rights is central to ensuring dignity, liberty, equality, and justice for all. He urged the interns to evolve as committed human rights defenders, capable of protecting the rights of every individual. “The contributions of human rights defenders must be valued, and this programme is an opportunity to make a lifelong commitment to the cause,” he said.
Justice Sarangi outlined NHRC’s mission under the Protection of Human Rights Act and the constitutional safeguards under Articles 14, 19, and 21, which align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He also highlighted NHRC’s proactive interventions, including initiatives to mainstream the rights of transgender persons.
Earlier, NHRC Joint Secretary Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak briefed participants on the programme’s structure, which includes 46 sessions led by serving and retired senior government officers, NHRC officials, core group members, academicians, civil society representatives, and human rights defenders. The curriculum blends academic sessions with experiential learning through activities like group research presentations, book reviews, declamation contests, and virtual field visits to Tihar Jail, a police station, and the ASHA Kiran Shelter Home.
She said the programme is designed not only to impart knowledge but also to instil sensitivity and a sense of responsibility, enabling interns to contribute meaningfully as ambassadors of human rights. NHRC Joint Secretary Shri Samir Kumar, Director Lt Col Virender Singh, and other senior officers were also present.
, India, has commenced its two-week Online Short Term Internship Programme){kind=link}