The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India concluded its four-week in-person Summer Internship Programme in New Delhi on June 25, 2026. The programme saw participation from 96 students selected out of 1,768 applicants from various universities across the country, representing diverse academic disciplines, regions, and backgrounds.
NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal addressed the valedictory session, emphasizing that the commission's internship initiative aims to shape career goals and personal values rather than merely provide certification. He highlighted that the true value lies in the clarity, purpose, and character it helps cultivate. Lal urged interns to remain curious, continue asking questions, and listen to others to make constructive contributions to society. He also noted the increasing impact of Artificial Intelligence and automation, stating that mediocrity would increasingly be replaced by technology, and therefore interns should pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
Lal highlighted emerging global challenges, stating that workers' rights, living conditions, environment, climate, and sustainability would increasingly influence future economic activities and global competitiveness. He emphasized that protecting human rights is not solely the government's responsibility but requires collective action from all society sections.
Joint Secretary Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak provided an overview of the programme, noting that it offered a dynamic platform for interns to explore human rights dimensions through interactions with NHRC Chairperson, Members, Secretary General, Special Monitors, Special Rapporteurs, senior functionaries from various Ministries, experts, and civil society representatives. The programme included field visits and activities such as book reviews, research project presentations, and declamation contests to augment knowledge and appreciation of human rights and values. The initiative aimed to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and deeper understanding of human rights advocacy, inspiring interns to become advocates for justice, dignity, and equality.
Senior NHRC officials present at the event included Joint Secretaries Shri Samir Kumar and Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak, Presenting Officer Smt. Neeru Kamboj, DIG Shri Gaurav Garg, and Director Shri Irsad Alam.
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