**Executive Summary**
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, concluded its first Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) for February 2026, which began on February 2, 2026. The program hosted 71 university-level students selected from 1,114 applicants. The Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, urged interns in his valedictory address to spread human rights awareness in schools using the knowledge they gained.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Internship Overview:**
* The Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) was conducted by the NHRC, India.
* 71 university-level students from 18 states and union territories successfully completed the program.
* **Secretary General's Valedictory Address:**
* Shri Bharat Lal congratulated the interns on completion of their internship.
* He urged interns to internalise their learning, develop sensitivity, and become model citizens.
* He emphasised self-introspection and reflection to catalyse change.
* He stated the importance of promoting human rights and that it is the responsibility of both the government and citizens.
* He mentioned that justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are pillars of the Constitutional framework.
* He advised interns to raise awareness in schools about hygiene, sanitation, sexual offences and human rights.
* **Internship Report:**
* Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak, Joint Secretary, NHRC presented the internship report.
* Students were exposed to various aspects of human rights.
* Interactive sessions were conducted with eminent speakers including Chairperson, Members, Secretary General, senior officers from NHRC, Government of India, and civil society experts.
* Winners of competitions (book review, group research project presentation, declamation) were announced.
* **Vote of Thanks:**
* Lt. Col. Virender Singh, Director, NHRC delivered the vote of thanks.
**Impact Analysis**
**Interns**
* **Impact:** Completion of the internship program; increased awareness of human rights issues.
* **Action Required:** Visit schools and spread awareness about human rights.
**NHRC**
* **Impact:** Successful completion of the first OSTI program.
* **Action Required:** Continue to organise and improve future internship programs.
**Schools & Students**
* **Impact:** Potential increased awareness of human rights and related issues through intern outreach.
* **Action Required:** Be open to receiving interns and learning from them regarding human rights and related issues.
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The primary organization responsible for the Online Short Term Internship Programme.
Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI): An internship program conducted by NHRC for university-level students.
Shri Bharat Lal: Secretary General of NHRC, who addressed the interns.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India’s Online Short Term Internship
Programme for February 2026 concludes
71 university-level students from diverse academic
backgrounds shortlisted out of 1,114 applicants attended
Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal in his valedictory address
urges interns to visit schools and spread human rights
awareness with the knowledge gained during the internship
Posted On: 17 FEB 2026 1:45PM by PIB Delhi
The first two-week Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) in 2026 of the National Human
Rights Commission (NHRC), India has concluded which began on 2nd February 2026. 71 university -
level students from 18 states and union territories, including remote areas, successfully completed it.In his valedictory address, NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal congratulated the interns on
completion of their internship. He urged them to internalise what they learnt during the internship to
develop sensitivity and responsiveness and evolve as model citizens who are aware of their rights and
duties. He emphasised the importance of self - introspection and reflection on one’s own actions in order
to become catalyst of change. He said that responsibility to protect and promote human rights does not lie
only with the government but with citizens also.
He said that justice, liberty, equality and fraternity are pillars of Constitutional framework ensuring that
everyone is treated with respect, dignity and equality. Often, vulnerable people are those who are victims
of their circumstances. Beggars, transgender persons, persons with disabilities among others, often face
serious violations of their rights and dignity and they need to be helped to get their rightful dues. He also
advised the interns to visit schools and spread awareness among students about hygiene, sanitation, sexual
offences and other such issues which may impact people’s human rights. He said that such small efforts
can make a meaningful contribution to society.Before this, Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak, Joint Secretary, NHRC presented the internship report. She
said that the students were given exposure to various aspects of human rights during the interactive
sessions with eminent speakers including Chairperson, Members, Secretary General, senior officers from
NHRC, Government of India, as well as experts from the civil society. She also announced the winners of
various competitions which were held during the internship programme. These included book review
competition, group research project presentation and declamation competition.Lt. Col.Virender Singh, Director, NHRC delivered the vote of thanks.
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NSK
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