Why were you interested in taking part in the ProjectCHAKRA Internship and serving in India?
My interest in the ProjectCHAKRA internship in India was first sparked during one of the workshops they hosted at my university. The interactive games, which simulated the experiences of working people in India, were incredibly powerful in challenging perspectives and provoking reflection. I found myself connecting deeply with the message and values at the heart of the workshop, which further strengthened my passion for social innovation and driving meaningful change.
This internship felt like the right next step for me to continue following my interests and push me out of my comfort zone.
What did you do in India?
During my time in India, I became involved in many different aspects of Manav Sadhna (MS), often in ways that differed from the work of their usual volunteers. I dedicated most of my time to the Hope Project and the girls it supports - attending weekly classes focused on personal development skills and menstrual health. I also carried out weekly home visits within the slums, meeting families to better understand their living conditions and how these circumstances shaped other aspects of their lives. Over the six weeks, I built close relationships with the girls and began developing an educational board game on menstrual health and hygiene aimed at challenging stigmas. This is a project I am continuing to work on from home.
I was also lucky to have some really unique exposure, from visiting a female prison to staying in a village whilst volunteering for a health camp.
In India I also rediscovered my passion for dancing! When I was younger, this was my hobby, but I had stopped in recent years. Every week I got involved in the dance classes at MS and loved it.
What were the biggest learnings you took from your time in India?
Personally
It is difficult to put into words what an amazing and life-changing experience this internship was for me. I found that you learn so much more than you teach, and the personal growth is extraordinary. One of the greatest takeaways from my time at Manav Sadhna was witnessing the deeply positive and grateful mindset of everyone within the community. The resilience and inspiration I encountered there was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and it encouraged me to reflect on my own values, perspectives, and ways of facing challenges.
Professionally
The professional skillset I developed through this experience is both unique and invaluable. My ability to communicate effectively grew significantly over time. During my first home visits, I struggled to navigate the language barrier, but by the next visit I had created handwritten cards in Gujarati and came to understand that communication can sometimes be as simple as a smile. Learning how to connect with individuals in such diverse settings taught me that adaptability and empathy are at the core of effective communication - skills that are essential not only in professional environments but also in everyday life.
What did you find most challenging about your time in India and how did you overcome these challenges?
One of the most challenging aspects of my time in India was coming to terms with the fact that your work does not suddenly change people’s lives or solve their problems - and that, at times, people may not want to change. Witnessing the progress Manav Sadhna has achieved over the past 30 years was incredible, but it also served as a reminder that meaningful change takes time, patience, and persistence. Without visible or immediate transformation, it can be easy to feel as though your efforts haven’t made an impact. Yet, through conversations and heartfelt goodbyes, I came to realise how deeply we had affected and appreciated one another in ways that may not always be visible, but are profoundly meaningful.
How did you surprise yourself in India?
I surprised myself in many ways during my time in India - but most importantly, I felt truly proud of myself. I have been experiencing anxiety in recent years and so taking the step to go to India, navigate a new environment and successfully overcome all the challenges you naturally face, really built my confidence over my time there.
Almost every evening after work, I took time to sit, reflect, and fully cherish what I was experiencing. I was still in slight disbelief that it was really happening even six weeks in. I pushed myself beyond every personal boundary I had set, and the sense of growth and accomplishment I felt as a result was incredible.
After you returned from India, what has this experience inspired you to go on to do?
The truth is, this experience has opened my mind to new possibilities, and I am no longer certain that the degree I am pursuing fully aligns with my future path. What I do know, however, are the values I want to carry with me into any role I take on: to be happy, to create positive change, and to enjoy the work I do. Life is too short and serious to work in a job you dislike simply because it pays well. I am continuing to develop my educational board game and to participate in entrepreneurial workshops as I explore and refine the niche where my passion and purpose truly align.
What advice would you give to future ProjectCHAKRA Interns?
My advice to future interns is to arrive with an open mind and no fixed ideas about your project. Once you are immersed in these environments, your assumptions will quickly shift, and new, more relevant ideas will naturally emerge. I made the mistake of planning out website concepts before I arrived, only to realise almost immediately that they weren’t the right fit for the community. By going in without preconceptions, you allow yourself the space to listen, observe, and create projects that truly matter.
Anything else you would like to share?
Even if you only have the slightest interest or doubt, I encourage you to apply - you won’t regret it.
Thank you again for the opportunity! I miss it already.