NHRC Concludes Two-Week Online Internship Program, Encourages Youth to Champion Human Rights

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) successfully concluded its two-week online short-term internship program, which began on 17th September 2024. A total of 77 students from various universities across India, including participants from remote regions, completed the program. The online format allowed students to participate without incurring travel or accommodation expenses, making it accessible to a wider range of participants.

During the valedictory session, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Acting Chairperson of NHRC, encouraged the interns to evolve into Human Rights Defenders, with a focus on promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable sections of society. She stressed the importance of understanding the challenges faced by these groups and being proactive in addressing their concerns. Highlighting the NHRC’s mandate, Sayani reiterated the Commission’s commitment to organizing such internships to raise awareness about the protection of basic human rights.

Congratulating the interns on their successful completion, Bharat Lal, Secretary General of NHRC, expressed hope that the participants would apply the knowledge gained during the internship to advocate for human rights. He urged the interns to draw inspiration from the works of great human rights defenders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King, who devoted their lives to the selfless service of others. Lal encouraged the interns to reflect on how they could positively impact society by practicing the values and principles of human rights learned throughout the program.

Devendra Kumar Nim, Joint Secretary of NHRC, presented the internship report and announced the winners of various competitions held during the program, including the book review, group research project presentations, and the declamation competition. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Lt. Col. Virender Singh, Director of NHRC.