From Classroom to Community: Students Drive Change through Manav Rachna Social Internship Program

Faridabad , 20 June 2024, : Dr. OP Bhalla Foundation and Manav Rachna Educational Institutions organized a transformative Social Internship Program for Class 8 to 12 students designed to inspire and equip young minds to execute social projects. This initiative, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was aimed to instill a profound sense of social responsibility in students through an engaging and interactive learning environment.

The comprehensive 15-day program was conducted under the esteemed guidance of Dr. N.C. Wadhwa (IAS Retd), Director General of MREI and Vice Chairman of the Dr. OP Bhalla Foundation. The program fostered empathy towards societal and environmental issues through practical, hands-on learning. Delivered through the Career Development Center of Manav Rachna, the initiative featured a series of workshops and sessions focused on skill development and professional growth, especially with regards to managing social projects.

Students from MRIS Charmwood, MRIS Sector 14, Holy Child School, and Montessori Convent Sr. Sec. School participated in the programme. They were paired with mentors based on their specific project focus areas, ensuring tailored guidance and support. Notable mentors included Dr. Meena Kapahi (Dean, School of Sciences, MRU) and Dr. Nidhi Didwania (Director, Manav Rachna Centre for Medicinal Plant Pathology & Professor Biotechnology) for environmental projects; Dr. Priyanka Tiwari (HOD, Department of Psychology, School of Behavioural & Social Sciences), Dr. Mahak Sharma (Associate Professor, School of Allied Health Sciences), and Dr. Anoma Modak, Assistant professor & Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychology, School of Behavioural & Social Sciences) for health-related initiatives; and Dr. Shobha Shrivastava (Deputy Registrar – Administration and Associate Professor-Biotechnology) for projects centered on gender equality.

The Social Internship Program’s immersive approach heightened students’ awareness of critical social issues. By incorporating mentorship across various disciplines including Environment, Health, and Gender Equality, The program ensured a comprehensive developmental experience, featuring nature walks, survey forms, and workshops. Projects were categorized into different focus areas, allowing students to choose their areas of interest.

“Environmental Stewardship and Smart Consumption” focused on safeguarding natural environments and promoting sustainable consumption habits. “Reducing Inequalities” aimed to ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources, addressing disparities in income, education, and healthcare. “Everyday Lifestyles and Holistic Wellness” emphasized balanced well-being through healthy daily habits.

In the “Eco Wall: Environmental Stewardship and Smart Consumption” project, students constructed a vertical wall using medicinal herbs and upcycled waste materials, promoting greenery in confined spaces. The “From Diet to Dreams: Everyday Lifestyles and Holistic Wellness” initiative conducted a student survey highlighting the adverse effects of unhealthy diets and poor sleep habits. The “Beyond Bias: Reducing Inequalities” project explored perceptions of gender inequality through surveys involving students and women.

Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President of MREI, remarked, “Manav Rachna is dedicated to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainable practices through its initiatives. This internship program, led by Dr. OP Bhalla Foundation shares this objective and sensitizes youth and provides them with opportunities to engage in activities and initiatives that drive major social and environmental changes.”

Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice-President, MREI, shared “Every act of kindness initiates a profound ripple effect, touching lives and inspiring change. This program gave students a distinctive opportunity to create a significant impact, especially for the less fortunate.”

Dr. NC Wadhwa added, “Through this innovative social internship program, the university empowers school students to engage directly with community challenges, nurturing a sense of responsibility and driving meaningful changes for the underprivileged. ”

The Manav Rachna Social Internship Program has emerged as an invaluable platform for young students, endowing them with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to contribute meaningfully to society. By addressing critical areas, the program educates and empowers students to become agents of change. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering a sense of responsibility and active participation in the global community, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and equitable future.