An Internship Full Of Knowledge, Excitement And Bliss SOS Childrens Village, Rourkela

SOS, as it says Save Our Souls, had saved my soul by giving me such good interface with the childrens and the society here. I do remember the very first day, when I approached the Village Director, Mr. Hara Prasad Mahapatra. The way he welcomed me inside his office, the way he treated me was worth seeing. His humbleness, down-to-earth attitude, calmness and discipline moved me and at that point of time I made it final that SOS will be the destination where I will land up myself. On the very first day, I was sent to Mr. Tripathys Cabin where I was to be briefed about the various models and modes of the SOS Childrens Village. As mentioned, Tripathy Sir briefed me about the FBS (Family Based Scheme) and FSP (Family Strengthening Programme). I was said about the functioning of the families of the SOS Childrens Village. As much as I had deciphered, there were 89 childrens in a home under the supervision of a Mother. The Home is maintained and governed by the Mother in whatsoever way she wants to. She had been given full freedom to go on with her planning and daily chores. All the childrens were sent to various schools for their primary and secondary education. As I progressed with the information, I got the basic idea that the homes inside the SOS was maintained and governed just like any other normal home. It enlightened me on the functioning and the funding which SOS gets every year. This was a kick start for my internship. I read the annual magazine of SOS i.e. DISHA. It gave me a brief idea about the founder, General Secretary and the other dignitaries. As the In charge of FSP and FBS was Mr.S.K.Ojha, I was asked to report to him. But due to some work, he was not present at the very time in his office. On the second day, as usual, I reported firstly to Mahapatra Sir. There only I met with my counterpart Ms.Namrata Behera. She is a NLUO student currently enrolled in her 1st semester. We were then asked to report to Ojha sir. Ojha Sir briefed us about the FSP and FBS with all the details he could give us to get some knowledge of it. He cleared away the cloud of doubts of our mind and we were well thorough with the work which we had to do in the upcoming weeks. After briefing us, Ojha sir took us to the nearest Balwadi Centre i.e. Bagbudi-C. That was my first field work where I saw the real life meetings held with the SHG members and the local peoples. The main aim of the meeting was to facilitate poor people with some accessories according to their choice which can add to their income generation. Most of the womens were interested in cattle rearing, but Ojha sir enlightened them with the problems which could arise due to cattle rearing. He advised them to take up stitching and tailoring. To improve the skills of those womens, he even advised them to search for tailoring coaching institutions nearby which can help them hone their skills. He gave the SHG leader the address of the shop where the stitching machine was available at a wholesale rate. The way Ojha sir treated these poor people with a sense of personal level moved me to a greater extent. This organization helps them kick start their livelihood by granting them adequate funds and likewise if they encounter that the person to whom the funds had been allocated does well with his business, then
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An Internship Full Of Knowledge, Excitement And Bliss SOS Childrens Village, Rourkela
they provide him assistance every year till he gets himself into a desirable position. After the completion of all these procedures, we came back to the village and Ojha sir briefed us about the work done for the community development. We were given the manual of FSP which they call the BIBLE OF FSP. We were given a case study of Mr.Bikas Parida who was selected for MBBS course in a coveted college and how SOS helped him achieve success. From the very first day I had respect for him, but on that very day after seeing his benevolence towards the poor peoples, the level of respect went up to infinity. I was directed to study the FSP reports of the adopted villages. There were many interesting reports regarding the development and the upliftment of the peoples of rural areas. Some were given aid to start their own Goat rearing practice; some were given initial aid to kick starting their local practice like watering the plants through a modernized motor. Likewise, the reports included the particulars of the person and the cause he/she was obtaining the facilities by SOS Village, the number of childrens she had and what all facilities her childrens was obtaining from here. Likewise I was seated in the training room and I studied the monthly expenditure reports and the FSP reports which gave me an insight on the functioning of the SOS Village. I visited the homes made for the childrens inside the SOS campus. I met with one of the mothers of a house named Ananya where 9 childrens was housed in. We came to know that these womens who had been assigned as the mothers for a home were well experienced in this field. One of them had an experience of 15 Years and before she joined in SOS Childrens Village, she had worked in a Dalit Orphanage in Balasore. After that she joined in the regional office of SOS Childrens Village in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. We had a conversation with her which gave us a brief idea about the functioning of the homes, the structure of the family, and authority of the mother. The system adopted by the SOS was as similar as that of a normal family. The SOS Homes were built in a spacious area with adequate number of rooms, sanitary space, kitchen and a common room. The house was equally maintained by the mother and the elder childrens. There were Youth Homes for boys who had completed 14 Years of age. They were shifted to these hostels as they gain sexual maturity and knowledge and that was the preferred time to let them stay in a youth hostel with those students of their age. Each House had 3 spacious rooms with 2 Bathrooms, 1 kitchen, 1 room for the Mother and all the necessary accessories a mother needs to nurture her children. SOS had never implied their directions on these families and that led to a peaceful and harmonious living for the childrens. All the childrens were facilitated with all the necessary belongings a child would ever need. Starting from stationary items like pens and pencils to accessories like shoes and slippers were provided to each and every child here and to all those people of the community villages which was adopted by SOS. All the childrens under FBS were provided education in different schools and educational institutions within the purview of the city. Starting from English medium schools like Deepika E.M. School to Oriya medium schools like Saraswati Sisu mandir, all the childrens were facilitated with education to the fullest extent. There was a separate department sorted out for Education which was
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An Internship Full Of Knowledge, Excitement And Bliss SOS Childrens Village, Rourkela
headed by Mr.K.K.Tripathy and assisted by Ms. Avneet Kaur. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping up a childs future and SOS here was a ray of hope for these childrens who had an eagerness to learn. During the interaction with the childrens inside the SOS Childrens Village, I saw the smile of those little faces when I asked about their school. They felt proud to tell about their class and the school in which they were studying. When I asked a child about the one whom she liked the most in this village, she said with shyness on her face, The new DIDI who had joined SOS. She plays with us, talks with us in Hindi and gives us chocolate. At that point of time, I recalled my childhood days when I always used to become very happy after getting a chocolate from the one which I liked the most. To mention the New Didi, she was none other than Ms.Avneet Kaur who had joined SOS as a co-worker in the Education Department. The very next day, another intern joined us in our group. Sradha Chandel, a student of KIIT Law School arrived at Ojha sirs cabin and introduced herself. Ojha sir briefed her about the FSP and FBS related things and in the meantime directed Namrata and me to go and study the FSP reports in the Training Room. We were given a sample form of FSP to study and fill it up resembling ourselves as a poor family filling up the form describing his/her family members, household income, occupation etc. It was very fascinating for us to know about the questions being asked in the form and entering random names and information was real fun for us. We got to learn a lot from this form about the need based things needed to get enrolled in FSP. As FSP denotes Family Strengthening Programme, it does what its name says. Family is strengthened when proper care is taken by the family members. And FSP was a helping hand to those poor strata of peoples who had the ability to take care of their families but find it hard to meet the day-to-day requirements of the family. Love was needed to nurture a family, and SOS was the best example to describe how LOVE can be spread in all sphere of the society. We 3 interns got an opportunity to visit the nearest Village i.e. Luakera Village. It was nearby SOS and it had been adopted by SOS. There was a SHG functioning in that village which looks for the betterment of the poor and the needy womens. We were accompanied by Ms. Prabhati Pasayat who was the Animator/Leader of the SHG. She briefed us about the village, the number of peoples living there and the number of poor families being adopted by SOS. All total of 27 families were adopted by SOS in Luakera Village. They were provided assistance all round the year to have a sustainable living. We visited 2 womens who were benefited by SOS. They had set up a shop each selling small grocery items to the villagers. The way they treated us was really commendable. We were mere students who had gone there to visit their village, but the way they treated us we can never ever forget that. They welcomed us in a grandeur style giving us a bottle of Coke to quench our thirst. When we asked for the bill, they didnt take any sort of money from us saying that Guests are never charged for anything. This welcoming nature of these peoples moved me to a greater extent and I extended my heartiest thanks to them and promised them to visit their village next time. Ms. Prabhati took us to a nearby place where one of the villagers had cultivated a variety of vegetables and had also
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An Internship Full Of Knowledge, Excitement And Bliss SOS Childrens Village, Rourkela
maintained a Poultry Farm. This shown how the villagers had multiple ideas of income, and such a step taken by them gives everyone a step up force to do something for their own livelihood also. The quality of living of the villagers was very good and SOS had set an example by giving these peoples a good living condition in the society. We were then taken to a kindergarten which was run by some of the educated villagers and the kids of the villagers were sent there for basic education which enabled them to become respected individuals in the society. We interacted with the childrens and it was very fruitful for us to know about the way they saw their surrounding and the peoples around them. We played with them and this part of our internship took us closer to them. Ms. Prabhati helped us know the nearby village in a better way with a purview of better understanding and knowledge. It was a very unique and one of the best experiences in my life. Ms. Prabhati had got all the potential to lead the villagers to sustain a better life in this society. We returned to the office with some sweet and imprinted memories which turned out to be very beautiful and interesting. We got 2 days off as the Zonal Director had come to SOS Childrens Village, Rourkela to purview the projects undertaken by the organization was done properly. As all the officials were on toe to facilitate information to the superior, we were asked to report after the Zonal Director leaves the city. But, SOS had become an integral part of my life. I was so acquainted with the calm and serene environment of this place, which even one day off termed to be an impossible thing for me. The very next day I went to SOSCV just to wish everyone a Good Morning. That was a lame excuse from my side!! But after going inside SOS, I felt like my day took its start with a good go. This place appeals to every person; whosoever from my friends circle had ever been to this place had always praised accolades about this organization. Life had been taking its shape inside it since two decades and the way all the peoples were giving their part in shaping up the lives of these innocent and hungry-forlove childrens, it was worth appreciable and what I learnt here was to respect everyone here without and personal greed. Starting from the Director to the Gate-Keeper, everyone was humble and downto-earth in their behavior. Everyone did their part for the childrens and the society. And, we the students had got a chance to learn something from these peoples. The very next day, Mohanty Sir had planned a trip to a village near Panposh. But due to some problem, I was late in reaching SOS. As there was a meeting scheduled with the local peoples and the Mahila Mandals in Panposh, mohanty Sir had planned a trip with us so that we can gain some practical knowledge about the work done by SOS for the community development. But as the time was tickling, Mohanty Sir had to leave and we missed the opportunity of joining him for this noble cause. But hats off to him, he even called Vijay Sir to enquire about us and he gave the address of that village to Vijay Sir and had asked him to reciprocate the message to us. Vijay Sir did as directed by Mohanty Sir, but as I was unaware of the location exactly, I had to cancel the trip. I communicated with Mohanty Sir about the inconvenience. He didnt get furious over it and asked us to work on the FSP Reports. But, Vijay Sir had something different for us. Actually, that very day a consignment of Leather Items had arrived in SOSCV to be distributed to the Balwadi centers and the inhabitants of
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An Internship Full Of Knowledge, Excitement And Bliss SOS Childrens Village, Rourkela
the SOSCV. The respective group leaders of those communities had been to the office to get the accessories for their peoples. Vijay Sir asked all the group leaders to get assembled in the Training Room and asked us to interact with them. Firstly, we were feeling a bit awkward to ask anything to them, but gradually they became very comfortable with us. We, the interns, asked them about their work, the total population of their community, the help they get from SOS and why they were connected with SOS. The best answer, according to me, was from Ms.Sunita Hembram who was hailing from Jalda B Block. She said that, SOS had been a life saver for me. I was struggling to get funds from the government for the childrens of that area. But, when I came in contact with SOS, I got a chance to help those needy childrens in each and every aspect. I asked if SOS had ever restricted the funds for her community, she said No, SOS had never restricted the flow of funds for our community; rather they had supported us every time. Not only the childrens, SOS had helped rebuilding the lives of many manual labourers who didnt had any means of living by granting them various accessories and training in the area of their interest. After the interaction, I was feeling content and wonderful. It was not because I interned with an international organization, but for the work and the dedication these peoples of SOSCV had for their work. They never refrained from their ground work and the way they treated everyone was commendable. Earlier, before going for this internship I had enquired about this organization. And I am saying this; each and everyone had positive comments for SOS. My friend who is a Law Student in KIIT Law School had said, Internship had never been so much of fun in any NGO. The way they teach you, and the way you will learn everything is rather a momentous one. And yes, whatever she had said was exactly right. My First Internship resulted in a very good note. For me, learning was never so much of fun, but SOS proved me wrong. The love, affection and care I got from this hearty organization were something I had never dreamt of. These 15 days of Internship had been engraved in my heart with some unforgettable and diligent memories. I met with many ignited minds and great peoples. They had shown me how to treat the mankind without any greed. Mr. HP Mahapatra A well known personality in and around the city. He is the director of SOSCV< Rourkela. A very down to earth, diligent and intellectual person with an aim of providing the society and the downtrodden peoples a life they had dreamt of. He had never boasted of his position or his superiority. The behavior he showers upon the peoples is worth seeing. He had never distinguished anyone under him. Rather, he never says they anyone is working under him. His simplicity had an appeal which attracts everyone. In one single word, he is a Marvelous Person Mr. KK Tripathy A well known person amongst the families of the SOSCV. The most sought out person in this arena; he is the senior co-worker in the Department of Education. He had the work of facilitating education and its perspectives to the childrens of the SOSCV and the nearby community. My first day had started with an introduction of SOS and it was given by Tripathy sir. He is a person who understands the power of education and the needs of the childrens. His benevolence and the caring nature towards everyone were more appealing. In one single word, he is a Smiling person.
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An Internship Full Of Knowledge, Excitement And Bliss SOS Childrens Village, Rourkela
Mr. S.K.Ojha My Role Model, I had seen something different in him which appealed to me a lot. He became my role model from the very first day I met him. The poise which he had is something which is seen in very less number of peoples. His way of talking, his glamorous smile and his style of teaching is something out of the world. Whatever he had said me, I still remember each and every word. To everyone I am saying that this person is a world full of knowledge. I cant describe his personality in one word, but yes, he is something which everyone dreams to be. In one word, he is a Dignified person. Mr. S. Mohanty The very first person who had shown us the way to intern in the organization. He redefined the meaning of internship in a very lenient way. In every organization, an intern is directed to work like anything, but here in SOS I was given very less but interesting work to do. He never burdened us with the organizational works and the best thing which I liked about him is that whenever he assigned me some work, he always used to ask me if I can do it or not! The way he treats the poor peoples and listen to the grievances is way good than anybody. His patience, gravity of knowledge and sense of humor is quite awesome to be said. In one word, he is a Jovial person. Mr. Vijay Vinod I had never much interaction with him till the last day of my internship. I always thought him to be a stubborn person, but he simply proved me wrong. The best thing which appealed to me was when I was sitting idle in the last day; he arranged a meeting with the SHG local group leaders in no time. He is of very good nature and his helpful attitude towards others is something very good. And what more can I say! Ms. Avneet Kaur I saw her in the very first day when I was asked to report to Tripathy Sir. I also thought her to be an intern, but in the gradual time I came to know that she is a co-worker in the Education Department. A well known person amongst the childrens of SOSCV, her face and activities compelled each and every one amongst us. She is very poised and reserved in her outlook, but with the children she is just like any other child. She is the favorite amongst the childrens and the childs used to call her New Didi. As I saw the work she used to do in the organization, I can surely say that she is a very hard-working person with a very good convincing ability. I was very reluctant to ask her something, but finally I gained some confidence and asked her the thing which was countering in my head. I hope she remembers that question!!

15 days of internship, full stock of cherished memories. What more can I expect from an internship. This internship was beyond my expectation. The warm behavior of the peoples of SOSCV had brought me much closer to them. Life had been a monotonous one; if I didnt had done my internship here. Meeting such young and impressive minds, they had changed my outlook towards the society. Life is redefined inside and outside the gates of SOSCV. I had promised them that I will visit every time I come to Rourkela. And, I will abide by my saying.
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An Internship Full Of Knowledge, Excitement And Bliss SOS Childrens Village, Rourkela
Thank You Very Much Sirs/Madams for making my internship a special and a memorable one. Thank You So much Sirs/Madams for shaping my life in such a short span of time.

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