First Impression of Mr. Anmol, MBA intern from SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai

First Impression of Mr. Anmol, MBA intern from SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai When I embarked on my journey from Nanded to Pondicherry, I was filled with mixed emotions. The long journey of over 20 hours by train and bus, from Nanded to Hyderabad and then to Pondicherry, had left me exhausted and anxious. I was worried about entering a completely new and unfamiliar environment, with a culture and language vastly different from what I was used to in Nanded. I was also apprehensive about working for an NGO in an unknown place, feeling the pressure to have a positive impact on the society. As I arrived in Pondicherry, I was struck by the beauty of the place, but also felt overwhelmed by the stark differences in culture and language. The fear of not being able to communicate with the locals and the feeling of isolation only added to my anxiety. Now, finding suitable accommodation was a very difficult task. The unfamiliarity of the place, and language barriers made it challenging for me to find a place. As I started my search for accommodation, I quickly realized that most of the local lodges and hotels were either too expensive or not in a suitable location. I felt lost and overwhelmed, not knowing where to turn. Fortunately, a local friend of mine offered to help me find a suitable place. He took me to a few guesthouses and lodges. However, just when I thought I would not find a place to stay, we stumbled upon a guesthouse in the heart of the city. The guesthouse was everything I was looking for. It was not too expensive, clean, and within walking distance from the NGO. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and they even helped me navigate the city, find an affordable two-wheeler rental for the month and provided me with useful tips on local culture and cuisine. Overall, my experience of finding accommodation in Pondicherry taught me the importance of being patient and open-minded. It also showed me the significance of having local connections and how they can help you navigate unfamiliar terrain. In the end, I was able to find a beautiful place to stay, and it added to the overall enjoyment of my trip to Pondicherry. Now, when I entered the NGO on my first day, I was surprised to find a very basic building as their workplace. They had only 4 full time employees who managed and handled all the activities in the NGO. They were – 1. Mr Savarinathan Maria Arasu – Founder and Managing Director of Prime Trust 2. Mrs. Mary Slessor - Program Manager – All the programs operated by Prime Trust are under her care. 3. Mrs. Nathali Raja – Secretary – She is responsible for handling bank-related tasks and assisting Arasu Sir in any way possible 4. Mrs. Kamala - House Keeping staff – A house help who ensures that everyone’s needs are taken care of and keeps the workplace clean. During our work with Prime Trust, Arasu Sir emphasized the crucial task of acquiring funds for Janani Home, an orphanage and shelter for girls with abusive parents. The homeowner had been increasing rent on a monthly basis, and relocating again would prove difficult due to the need to comply with government regulations for the orphanage. Updating the address across all administrative platforms would also be a daunting task and could potentially affect the emotional and mental well-being of the girls. To address this challenge, we were tasked with generating content, increasing awareness through social media campaigns, and reaching out to CSR foundations. In order to further connect with the project and the beneficiaries, we planned a visit to the orphanage to meet the girls for whom we were working. Seeing these young girls and witnessing their circumstances inspired us to work even harder towards our goal. I was excited to try out the local specialties. As I browsed through the menu, I felt a sense of anticipation, wondering what to order. When the food arrived, I was greeted by the tantalizing aromas of freshly prepared dishes. The fragrant spices of the Litti Chokha and the sweet aroma of Khaja made my mouth water. As I took my first bite, I felt the crunch of the samosas and the smooth texture of the Khoya Lassi. As I continued to eat, I noticed the different flavours and textures of each dish and appreciated the unique blend of spices and ingredients. I felt a sense of satisfaction and comfort, experiencing the warmth and richness of the food. Overall, my experience of enjoying food in Patna, Bihar, was a sensory and emotional journey. I explored the flavours and textures of local cuisine while immersing myself in the culture of the city. It was a memorable experience that I will cherish forever. As I work on this project, I will primarily focus on SDG-3, which aims to ensure Good Health and Well-Being for all individuals. This goal encompasses various aspects of health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being and access to quality healthcare. Moreover, the work we are doing for Janani Home also has a significant impact on other SDGs, including SDG-1 (No Poverty), SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), SDG-4 (Quality Education), and SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By providing a safe and nurturing home for orphaned children and girls from abusive backgrounds, we are addressing issues of poverty and hunger, promoting access to education and decent work opportunities, and ultimately contributing towards the achievement of multiple SDGs. Working with Prime Trust has been an eye-opening experience that has taught me the importance of basic well-being for all individuals. It has made me realize that every person deserves access to good health, education, and decent work opportunities. Through our small efforts, we are making a real impact on the ground. Our work for Janani Home, in particular, is helping to provide a safe and nurturing environment for orphaned children and girls with abusive backgrounds. By addressing these critical issues, we are contributing towards the betterment of society and promoting the overall well-being of individuals. Despite the initial challenges, I tried my best to adapt and overcome the obstacles. I connected with my batch mates who I did not know very well at that time and with locals who helped me navigate the new terrain. Their support and insights into the culture and language of Pondicherry helped me immensely in the beginning for the most basic of tasks.