My Internship Journey with Dil Se - by Punya Sankar

My Internship Journey with Dil Se - by Punya Sankar
Punya and Ninu

When I first joined Dil Se, I knew I was stepping into an organization with a serious mission to prevent children from sexual abuse and create a safer environment for them to grow. What I didn’t know was how deeply this internship would shape my perspective, both professionally and personally.

From my very first day, I could sense the passion and dedication each team member brought to the cause. It wasn’t just a workplace; it was a community united by the belief that every child deserves safety, dignity, and respect.

About Dil Se

Dil Se focuses on preventing child sexual abuse through awareness programs, training sessions, community outreach. Their work includes conducting awareness classes in schools, engaging with parents and teachers, and collaborating with officials to strengthen child protection measures.

One of the initiatives that deeply inspired me was Tejus Home a center dedicated to rehabilitating pregnant teenagers and providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives. During my internship, I was thrilled to witness its procedures for reopening and see the efforts going into making it fully functional again. It reminded me that social work isn’t just about raising awareness, but also about creating safe spaces and tangible solutions for those in need.

My Role and Experiences

As an intern, I was able to experience the real, practical side of social work:

Weekly Monday Meetings – Every Monday, the entire team came together to share ideas, reflect on the past week, and plan the days ahead. These sessions weren’t just about scheduling; they were a hub of creativity, problem-solving, and encouragement. I learned how regular, open communication keeps a team united and efficient.

The Challenge of Permissions – Securing permission from schools to conduct awareness sessions wasn’t always easy. There were times we had to follow up repeatedly, face delays, and find alternative approaches. These moments taught me patience, persistence, and the importance of advocacy.

Meeting Officials – I had the chance to meet officials, learning how policy and administration play a role in child protection. It helped me connect the dots between fieldwork and the larger systems that govern it.

What I Learned

This internship expanded my knowledge about child sexual abuse prevention in ways that books and lectures alone could never match. I understood not just the “what” but the “how”- how awareness is built, how communities are engaged, and how challenges are navigated. A personal takeaway that will stay with me is the value of structured communication. If I ever start my own NGO or lead a team, I will ensure regular weekly meetings just like Dil Se to keep every member aligned, motivated, and heard.

A Heartfelt Thanks

I am deeply grateful to the entire team at Dil Se for welcoming me, guiding me, and allowing me to be part of their mission. The experience wasn’t just an internship; it was a journey of empathy, resilience, and growth. Witnessing the reopening of Tejus Home and seeing the foundation’s work in action has reaffirmed my commitment to making a difference, no matter where my career takes me.

Punya Sankar, MSW


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