The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has begun its Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) for September 2025, which will run from September 22nd to October 3rd. The programme accepted 80 students from a total of 896 applicants representing various academic disciplines from 21 States and Union territories. NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, inaugurated the programme, emphasizing the dynamic nature of human rights and the need for constant re-evaluation and public engagement. The programme focuses on issues such as business and human rights, labour rights, and climate-induced displacement. Students will participate in lectures, virtual tours of institutions like Tihar Jail, Shelter Homes and Police Stations, and various activities and competitions. NHRC, India Joint Secretary, Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak formally greeted the participants and presented a detailed overview of the programme's curriculum. The programme aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Human Rights, foster awareness, sensitivity, and responsibility among youth, and shape them into ambassadors of human rights. The release was posted by PIB Delhi on September 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM. Release ID: 2169749.
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The organizer and host of the Online Short Term Internship Programme.
Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI): A two-week internship program focusing on promotion and protection of human rights for college/university students.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India’s two week Online Short Term
Internship Programme for September-2025 begins
Inaugurating it, NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri
Bharat Lal says, human rights are dynamic and
demand constant re-evaluation and public
engagement
80 students representing a variety of academic
disciplines from 21 States and Union territories
selected to attend the internship
Posted On: 22 SEP 2025 6:30PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) began its Online Short Term Internship Programme
(OSTI) for September 2025 today. A total of 896 applications were received out of which 80 students
representing a variety of academic disciplines from 21 States and Union territories across the nation have been
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selected. The two-week programme, w.e.f. 22 September to 03 October 2025, aims to provide college/
university students with a comprehensive understanding of promotion and protection of Human Rights in our
country.
In his inaugural address, NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal emphasised that the internship
programme aims to foster awareness, sensitivity and responsibility among youth toward the evolving field of
human rights. Grounded in constitutional values, it highlights the significance of civil, political, social andcultural rights, while addressing modern challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, cybercrime
and gig economy exploitation.
He noted that human rights are dynamic and demand constant re-evaluation and public engagement. Interns
are encouraged to actively participate, ask questions and internalise values like justice, empathy and dignity.
The programme aims to shape them into ambassadors of human rights individuals who apply these principles
in both their personal and professional lives.
Shri Bharat Lal said that emerging issues such as business and human rights, labour rights and climate-
induced displacement are key focus areas. He stressed that true leadership lies not only in taking action
against injustice but also in refusing to be silent or complicit. This programme is a call for self-reflection,
purposeful living and making a meaningful contribution to society because those who live for others are the
ones who are truly remembered.
NHRC, India Joint Secretary, Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak formally greeted the participants and presented
a detailed overview of the programme's carefully designed curriculum. This includes lectures and virtual tours
of institutions such as Tihar Jail, Shelter Home and Police Station to offer direct insights into the realities of
human rights. She further informed the interns about various activities and competitions aimed at enhancing
their understanding of human rights and bolstering their confidence.
The Online Short Term Internship Programme is structured to impart students from varied academicdisciplines with the requisite knowledge and competencies to tackle human rights challenges. Through
meticulously designed interactive sessions and engaging activities, participants will acquire an in-depth
understanding of international human rights law, human rights issues pertinent to India and effective advocacy
strategies, thereby fostering their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the promotion and protection of
human rights.
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NSK
(Release ID: 2169749)