Let us dive deep into the internship experience of the IPM Batch at NALSAR University. The article is based on a conversation with Mr. Ritivik Vanukuru, a founding member of the Placement Committee for the IPM Batch and a former national-level football player.
Introduction
The conversation revolves around the internship experience at BAIF, the Bhartiya Agro Industries Foundation. The experience is quite unique and allows students to gain real-life experience. Ritvik further talks about his experience interning with BAIF and being a part of a trailblazing initiative to transform the rural Indian landscape. We discuss how he spent 45 days across rural Gujarat and how he was involved in developing plans to enrich rural livelihoods.
Understanding NGOs
NGOs operate independently of the government and are often involved in humanitarian or environmental work. Many NGOs operate in rural areas and are involved in promoting sustainable development.
The perception of NGOs is often quite different from reality. A common misconception of the people on the outside is that NGOs do not have sufficient funding or resources to operate effectively. However, many well-managed NGOs exist throughout the country transforming lives on a huge scale.
The experience of working with NGOs can be life-changing.
Selecting NGOs for Internship
The Placement Committee for the IPM Batch is responsible for selecting NGOs that the students work with. The committee had to whittle down hundreds of NGOs to a few that could accommodate the first batch of 60 students. The selection process was based on the work that the NGOs do, their experience, and their long-standing tradition. The committee also took into account the recommendations of professors and their relations with the NGOs.
The Internship Experience at BAIF
The Bhartiya Agro Industries Foundation (BAIF) is one of the NGOs that the Placement Committee selected for the first IPM Batch. The organisation is involved in various activities such as CSR, education, agriculture, horticulture, and poultry.
As part of their internship, students spend 45 days across rural Gujarat, where they work on developing plans to enrich rural livelihoods.
The experience of interning with BAIF can be life-changing. It offers students a unique opportunity to work with a diverse organization that is involved in various activities such as sustainable development, education, and agriculture. Students work alongside BAIF's employees and get a firsthand look at how the organization operates. This experience can help students develop skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, which is invaluable in their future careers.
Exploring Rural India with BAIF
The first field trip experience with BAIF can be one of the most memorable moments in anyone's life. BAIF takes its interns on a journey to explore rural India and witness firsthand the impact of its programs on the surrounding environment.
The narrator and three others had no idea where they were going or what to expect during their first field trip. The destination was unknown, and they had no idea what to expect. They got into a Chevrolet Tavera car, and the four of them sat facing each other and had to cover 60 kilometers to reach their destination. They arrived at the village of Honda and were amazed by what they saw. The experience was indescribable, as they had no idea what to expect.
BAIF has a historical reputation for making a positive impact on the surrounding environment. They started with a basic understanding that improving farmers' income is not the only way to improve their lives. They created a value system focusing on sustainable development for the farmers and their families.
One of their models is the "Food for Work" program, which they renamed the "Food Forest" program. This program involves a one-acre land where they cultivate crops like mangoes and cashews, which are famous in the region.
As first-year interns at BAIF, the narrator and their colleagues had to adjust to a new environment. They had to learn about the local customs, including the importance of gift-giving and building relationships with the community. They also had to adapt to the challenges of working in a remote and rural area, such as limited access to resources and communication difficulties. Despite these challenges, the author and their team were able to successfully complete their project, which involved creating a database of farmers and their crops in the region. Through their work, they were able to gain a deeper understanding of the local agricultural practices and the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in the region.
Interning with NGOs can be an enriching and life-changing experience. It offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field, make a positive impact on society, and develop important skills that can be invaluable in their future careers. Selecting the right NGO to intern with is essential, and the Placement Committee for the IPM Batch at NALSAR University takes this responsibility seriously. BAIF is one of the NGOs that the IPM Batch interns with, and the experience of working with the organization can be transformative. Students get a firsthand look at how the organization operates and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities. Overall, interning with NGOs is a valuable experience that can help students develop both personally and professionally.