Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 25th June 2026

NHRC, India’s four- week in-person Summer Internship Programme concludes

96 students from various universities across the country successfully completed it

Addressing the valedictory session, NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal says, Commission's internship initiative for the youth aims to shape their career goals and personal values

Urges the interns to remain curious, continue asking questions and listen to others to make constructive contributions to society

The four-week in-person Summer Internship Programme (SIP) of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India concluded in New Delhi today. 96 students selected out of 1,768 applicants from different universities across the country participated in the programme. Addressing the valedictory session, NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal said that the interns represented diverse academic disciplines, regions and backgrounds, reflecting the richness of India’s diversity. NHRC Joint Secretaries, Shri Samir Kumar and Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak; Presenting Officer, Smt. Neeru Kamboj; DIG, Shri Gaurav Garg; Director, Shri Irsad Alam and other senior officers were present.

He encouraged the interns to pause and reflect not merely on what they have learnt over the past four weeks of the internship, but on how this experience would shape the direction of their lives. He asserted that the true value of an internship lies not in its certificate, but in the clarity, purpose and character it helps cultivate. Highlighting the increasing impact of Artificial Intelligence and automation in day-to-day life, the Secretary General said that mediocrity would increasingly be replaced by technology. Therefore, the interns should pursue excellence in their chosen fields. He emphasised that, unlike previous generations, today's youth have better access to resources and, therefore, have a greater responsibility to excel and contribute to society.

Shri Lal also highlighted the emerging global challenges and said that workers’ rights, living conditions, environment, climate and sustainability would increasingly influence future economic activities and global competitiveness. Referring to the constitutional principle of fraternity, he said that one should devote some time, energy and resources to others to discover the true essence of life. He said that protecting human rights is not the responsibility of the government alone; it requires collective action from all sections of society. He urged the interns to remain curious, continue asking questions and listen to others to make constructive contributions to society.

Giving an overview of the internship programme, NHRC, India Joint Secretary, Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak said that the programme provided a dynamic platform for interns to explore the multifaceted dimensions of human rights during their interactions with NHRC Chairperson, Members, Secretary General, Special Monitors and Special Rapporteurs, senior functionaries from various Ministries, experts and civil society representatives. The field visits and activities such as book reviews, research project presentations and declamation contests further augmented their knowledge and appreciation of human rights and values. She said that the programme encouraged critical thinking, collaboration and a more profound understanding of human rights advocacy, inspiring the interns to become advocates for justice, dignity and equality.

*****