Name of the intern
Mathiyoli PM
Name of your college
School of Excellence in Law, Chennai
Name of the course and year of study
LLB (Hons), Final Year
Name and address of the organisation
National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC), Manav Adhikar Bhawan, Block-C, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi – 110023.
Internship Experience NHRC
Duration of internship
From: 20/12/2022 Till: 09/01/2023
How did you apply for the internship?
I applied for the internship on the NHRC website. The SSLC, HSC and Statement of Purpose contained marks based upon which candidates were shortlisted. [https://nhrc.nic.in/training-and-research/training-programmes/summer-intership-programmes]
First day formalities, infrastructure, first impression
On the first day, I reported to NHRC at 10 am and was provided with my ID card. The ID card needs to be carried without fail every day. It can be used to access the library and one can lend the books too.
After that, an inaugural and an introductory session was conducted. The SRO then informed interns about the nature of the work and gave us the schedule of the internship.
Main tasks
The internship consists of the following components:
1. Sessions by experts
2. Field visits (3-4)
3. Group Project and presentation
4. Book Review and presentation
5. Declamation contest
Session by experts:
There will be a maximum of 4 to 5 sessions every day by experts on various human rights issues followed by a Q&A. The sessions were conducted by prominent Human Rights activists and personalities from across the country.
There were a total of 30 sessions on various topics and the resource persons were bulwarks in their respective areas. These sessions gave an in-depth knowledge of Human Rights.
Field visits:
Interns were taken on field visits and transportation was arranged by NHRC itself. Our batch went on 4 field visits where I got first-hand experience with how human rights were being implemented at the ground level. We were taken to the following places:
1. Asha Kiran: Home for the intellectually disabled
2. Tihar Jail
3. National Commission for Women
4. Defense colony station visit, Delhi
During the field visits, the authorities explained how their institution was functioning and the efforts made by them to protect human rights. The interns were given a good amount of freedom to inspect these places and raise their questions to the authorities concerned.
The interns must submit a report on their field visits and come up with suitable recommendations to further improvise the functioning of these places.
Group Project and Presentation:
Interns were split into 8 teams. Each group was allocated a research topic and a Junior researcher of NHRC. Under the guidance of the JRC each team needs to create their research work and presentation.
There were separate discussion sessions twice every week. During these sessions, teammates along with JRC will brainstorm their ideas and check the progress of their research work. Finally, the project was presented before jury members & based on their scores three teams were announced as winners.
These three teams were given certificates and monetary prizes. The important aspect of this project was if NHRC finds a group’s recommendation workable they will send it to the parliament & parliamentary committees.
Book Review:
Each intern must take a book of their choice (related to human rights) and review it. Interns were split into groups and they must submit their book review to their respective jury members. The jury members then conducted a presentation and selected 5 members as winners. They were then awarded books.
Declamation contest:
This was conducted on the last day of the internship. Interested interns gave their names and 10 interns participated in the contest. On the spot, the topic was given to the interns and they gave a speech within the allotted time. The top 3 participants were awarded books and certificates.
Work environment
NHRC is one nice space for learning about Human Rights. The authorities and staffs in NHRC were so supportive and caring. It was a great place to go to work every day.
Good things
A great place to kick start one’s Human Rights Law career. Interns can find valuable and lasting connections. The knowledge gained during the course of the internship was immense.
Bad things
There is no bad thing as such. However, the internship was pretty hectic and packed. The deadlines and workload will be enormous.
The interns must prepare their minds for this. The NHRC was so strict about punctuality and expect the utmost discipline. Any irregularity in work by interns will not be entertained.
Stipend
Stipend is Rs. 12,000. Certificates will be provided (overall and for individual events)
Details about accommodation and commute
Interns need to arrange their own accommodation. It is better to stay in places closer to the INA area.There are lot of PGs in the nearby areas. Transportation costs from their home state will be given to the interns but one needs to produce their tickets (to & fro)
Anything else?
The best part is one can explore Delhi and nearby states with the co-interns during the weekends and evenings.
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Source: Lawctopus
