An internship to remember

I had never worked before this. Come October 2010, and I was all ready to set out on my first job-- an internship with an NGO. I was being sent to Actionaid India International in Kolkata for six weeks as a part of my course curriculum at Commits. I was excited, nervous at the same time because I had never worked earlier and was a little aware of what was expected of me and how things would be once I began my work.

I clearly remember my first day in the Actionaid office. Located in a narrow lane next to Menoka Cinema, Southern Avenue, the office is small, but welcoming. I was told that I had to work on issues and problems faced by women in West Bengal. This involved regular field visits, and later preparation of a report based on the information and data collected from these visits.

I went on six field visits, met and interacted with a lot of women living in both rural and urban Bengal. Women who were poor, deprived, victims of domestic violence, eviction, physical and mental abuse. Their stories were heart-rendering, but it was amazing to see how some of them fought, despite all odds. They were made aware of their rights and responsibilities, understood the importance of education for their children, and also knew that they had to raise their voice against any form of violence inflicted on them. This was all thanks to the NGOs that are working for them and are constantly striving towards their betterment. Some women, of course were afraid to speak about or against any of the atrocities meted out to them, thinking that it was their 'right' to be abused and kept in inhuman conditions.

The field visits, whether in rural, or urban Bengal were more or less similar. Each trip involved meeting and talking to these women, knowing how they coped, earned their livelihood to make both ends meet. But each visit was unique in a very surreal way. I realised how fortunate I am-- to be able to enjoy the luxuries and benefits I have been brought up with. I have started appreciating my life much more now, and I am more grateful to God than ever before for giving me the comforts I have today. What touched me was the warmth with which the women I met treated me, the respect they gave me, and the hope in their eyes that I would be able to do something for them was something I'll never forget. 

I don't see myself working with an NGO in the near future. But I do hope that I can some day work towards making a positive difference in their lives. All they need is encouragement, hope, and the confidence that they can make their lives more meaningful and worth living, with monetary aid of course. Hope I can contribute to society by helping people who need it, and bring a smile on their faces.