A path towards inspiration: Dikshant’s internship at CRY

August 4, 2017August 18, 2017 Unnatti

About the Author: Dikshant Deshwal is currently pursuing MBA from IIM Rohtak. He shares how he landed an internship at CRY, his learning experiences, and his advice to interns.

I interned with Child Rights and You (CRY) from 18th April 2017 to 26th May 2017. I applied to CRY directly through their website. The application process was very simple. I was asked to fill an internship application form and mail it along with my resume. The internship application form consisted of questions like – ‘Why do you wish to intern with CRY?’ and ‘What do you understand regarding CRY’s approach to Child Rights?’. I was asked to present my views on various topics such as -“Charity is better than social security as a means of helping the genuinely disadvantaged”. I was also asked to share my views on a child rights issue which I felt strongly about.

I received an email citing that my resume had been shortlisted. The next step was a telephonic interview wherein I was asked why I wished to intern with CRY, and if I would be more comfortable working at the office or at the field. I preferred working at the office. I was selected for the internship and asked to come to office on April 18 for the orientation. My learning at CRY started the moment I entered the office for the orientation program. I was explained how CRY is trying to make a difference in the lives of children through their PAGs (Public Action Groups) all over Delhi/NCR. I learned about the problems faced by children in their daily lives and how these little guys overcome them becoming an inspiration to others. For instance, I’d like to share the story of a girl here. This girl was 16 and desired to study while her parents wanted her to get married. She convinced her family not to marry her off with the help of CRY and continued her studies. She has become an inspiration to a number of girls in her community.

While working at CRY, I came to know of various acts such as Justice Act, Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act, Right to Education Act, etc. This helped me understand what our nation’s government is doing for children and what more can be done for them. We had many discussions about child rights and abuses they face. Each discussion made me learn more about these issues and I had formed a whole new perception of the ground reality. I was also a part of Virtual Reality Paathshala and a health awareness camp which were held at Indirapuram and Dwarka PAGs respectively.

I have learned a great deal working with these kids. They taught me how you can handle any problem in life with a positive attitude and a never fading smile. When you see the enthusiasm to learn and work in kids who struggle to get even the basic amenities, you get inspired more and more each day. The amount of love these little humans give you is unmatchable. I have never felt such happiness and contentment in my life. Working with CRY induced in me the courage to fight any situation that might come my way and reach the other side of the tunnel where there will be brightness.

My tip to future interns will be to enjoy their work at CRY and to remember that every minute thing they do at CRY will have a large impact on the lives of children. This could be the best learning experience of your life – make the most of it. I found a family at CRY, a family that will stay in my heart forever, a family I would not want to leave ever; I can assure you will too. Like me, each one of you will have tears in your eyes on the last day of your internship. So join CRY at your own “risk”. I found my happy place at CRY, I hope you do too. Best of Luck!!

Are you also inspired by Dikshant’s story? Check out these latest social work internships.

Editor’s note – If you also have an interesting story to share, you can now participate in Your Internship Story Contest 2017 and win cash prizes and goodies worth INR 1 Lac!