Transformative Summer Internship with Aatral Foundation

During my summer break, I had a fulfilling internship with the Aatral Foundation in Erode. Motivated by my interest in fieldwork in rural areas, I approached the foundation to gain hands-on experience and contribute to their social impact projects in education, healthcare, women empowerment, and social development. This blog captures my experiences and insights gained during this internship.

Throughout the internship, I resided at Aatral Foundation's field office, which allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture and lifestyle. By visiting various rural communities at Kumarapalayam, Kangeyam, and Modakurichi, I was tasked to collect field-level data and study the tangible effects of Aatral Foundation's outreach programs. This hands-on approach enabled me to witness firsthand the challenges faced by families living below the poverty line, predominantly relying on temporary agricultural labour.

One aspect of my internship involved interacting with women's self-help groups to comprehend the functioning of microfinance and its impact on those who were previously dependent on private money lenders, who were charging very high interest. Through these conversations, I gained insights into the transformative power of microfinance in bringing financial assistance to vulnerable communities. Witnessing the determination of these women was truly inspiring.

Another significant aspect of my internship was engaging with rural students to comprehend their educational experiences, their teachers, and the challenges they faced. Despite the numerous obstacles they encountered, I was amazed by their unwavering commitment to their studies. Their perseverance and determination further solidified my belief in the transformative potential of education in uplifting communities.

My time spent visiting village communities and sharing in their lives was a humbling experience that profoundly impacted me. Witnessing the daily struggles and aspirations of these individuals left me with a deep sense of empathy and a renewed desire to make a positive difference in their lives. This internship with Aatral Foundation has instilled in me a lifelong commitment to learning and serving others in whatever capacity I can.

My summer internship with Aatral Foundation in Erode was an invaluable opportunity that broadened my horizons, made me realise the privileges I grew up with, and deepened my understanding of social issues prevalent in rural areas. Engaging with various communities and witnessing the positive impact of Aatral Foundation's projects has fueled my determination to contribute towards creating a more equitable society. I am grateful for the transformative experiences and lasting connections I formed during this internship, which will continue to guide my path toward making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

A special mention to Mr.Ashok Kumar the founder of Aatral Foundation for his incredible work and Ms.Keerthana Muralikrishnan for her support during my internship.