NHRC urges youth to champion human rights and constitutional values

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Member Vijaya Bharathi Sayani called upon the youth to remain vigilant, raise their voices against injustice, and contribute towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.

She made this appeal to students during the valedictory session of an online training programme aimed at sensitizing university students to the challenges of human rights in India.

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In her address, Sayani urged the participants to become active defenders of human dignity and to use their knowledge for the greater good of society. She also encouraged them to uphold constitutional principles in both their personal and professional lives.

On Friday, NHRC concluded its third Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI), which was attended by 74 students from 21 states and Union Territories across India.

Inaugurated on 22 September by Bharat Lal, Secretary General and CEO of NHRC, the programme included virtual tours of Tihar Jail, a police station, and the Asha Kiran Shelter Home in Delhi.

According to the Commission, these sessions offered young participants an opportunity to gain insights into the functioning of government institutions, the mechanisms adopted to safeguard human rights, the realities faced on the ground, and the measures taken to protect vulnerable sections of society.

Sayani also commended NHRC’s work as a guardian of justice and equality, highlighting its role in areas such as women’s rights, child protection, mental health, custodial justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Through the OSTI programme, NHRC equipped students from diverse academic fields with practical tools to understand and address human rights issues. Interactive discussions and experiential learning exposed them to international law, human rights concerns in India, and effective advocacy strategies.