A REPORT ON INTERNSHIP AT ZENITH SOCIETY FOR SOCIO-LEGAL

EMPOWERMENT GWALIOR BRANCH

12/30/1899

FROM 5TH FEBRUARY 2024 TO 5TH MARCH 2024

DECLARATION
I, Khushi Rajput, a student enrolled at the National Law School of India University,
Bengaluru, hereby affirm that the contents of this field attachment report are entirely the
product of my own endeavor. I have diligently composed this report based on factual
accuracy, ensuring to duly reference all activities and responsibilities undertaken by me
during my six-week field attachment training period with the Zenith Centre for Socio-
Legal Empowerment. Furthermore, I assert that this report has not been previously
submitted to any other institution of higher learning by any individual.

Signature Date
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I express my gratitude to the Almighty God for granting me the
strength and guidance to successfully complete my fieldwork without any hindrance.
Secondly, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my supervisor, Miss Divyangi Bhargava,
whose mentorship has endowed me with invaluable academic knowledge and skills,
empowering me with the confidence to confront the challenges of fieldwork with
resilience.

I am immensely grateful to my other supervisors, Miss Meenakshi Tripathi, Miss

Bhawana Parmar, Mr. Swapnil Shukla, Mr. Snil, and the entire team at Zenith Society for
Socio-Legal Empowerment, for their unwavering support, guidance, and meticulous
supervision of my work, which has enabled me to gain invaluable hands-on experience. I
attribute the successful completion of my fieldwork to their dedicated efforts and
steadfast assistance.

Lastly, and with profound humility, I extend special thanks to my family members,
especially my parents, for their unwavering support throughout this endeavor. I also
acknowledge the camaraderie and collaboration of my fellow interns, with whom I shared
and surmounted numerous challenges during our time in the field. Their companionship
made this experience truly memorable and enriching.
ABSTRACT
This report serves as a comprehensive documentation of the completion of office work,
encompassing the practical application of skills acquired in the workplace and field. It
comprises preliminary pages outlining the structure and content of the report.

Chapter One provides an overview of the organization, including its background,

mission, vision, goals, and the significance of fieldwork. Additionally, it delineates the
organizational structure, highlighting various departments such as the Youth and
Development Organization Department.

Chapter Two delves into the activities undertaken by the intern, including community
mobilization for obtaining case certificates and land certificates, as well as engaging in
community visits and addressing community grievances.

Chapter Three encapsulates the lessons learned, experiences gained, and skills acquired
throughout the internship period.

Chapter Four offers conclusions drawn from the internship experience and provides
recommendations for both the institute and the organization, aiming to enhance future
endeavors and organizational effectiveness.
CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO FIELD ATTACHMENT

INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the background to the internship exercise,objectives of the
internhsip programme,backgroud of the organization and the activiies of the organization
and its clients

Background to the Internship Exercise

The internship exercise serves as a practical avenue for students to translate theoretical
knowledge acquired in the classroom into real-world applications. Its primary objective is
to provide students with supervised training, allowing them to bridge the gap between
theory and practice within a professional setting. Furthermore, the internship aims to
furnish students with pertinent work experience essential for their career development,
while also acquainting them with the organizational dynamics and ethos.

At the Zenith Society for Socio-Legal Empowerment, where the student undertook their
internship, the focus lies on grassroots legal empowerment of marginalized communities,
including Adivasi, Dalit, and other underserved groups. Additionally, the organization
endeavors to cultivate safe spaces for youth, nurturing their leadership potential and
fostering active citizenship for a more just and equitable society.

During the internship tenure, students engaged in a diverse array of activities, ranging
from facilitating dialogues with local colleges to understand community grievances
firsthand, to immersing themselves in grassroots communities to grasp the realities faced
by marginalized populations. They also facilitated the completion of essential
government forms such as caste and land certificates, while actively listening to and
addressing the grievances of local residents. Sessions were conducted to augment existing
knowledge, with a strong emphasis on humanitarian principles.
Through these multifaceted activities, interns were provided with comprehensive training
relevant to their professional aspirations. Tasks included empowering youth for self-
development, disseminating crucial information about legal rights to local populations,
and offering legal assistance at nominal costs. The successful execution of these activities
not only endowed interns with practical skills and experience but also instilled a deep
sense of motivation and inspiration to continue collaborating with diverse communities,
embracing various cultures, and advocating for inclusivity and justice.

Objectives of the Internship Programme:

1. To acquaint the student with the operational dynamics within applied settings, thereby
facilitating familiarity with the organizational environment and culture.

2. To provide students with a platform to acquire pertinent work experience essential for
their professional growth and career advancement.

3. To assist students in acquiring practical insights into identified issues and potential
solutions, thereby enhancing their comprehension and problem-solving capabilities.

Introduction:
Zenith Society for Socio-Legal Empowerment is a distinguished non-profit organization
passionately committed to championing the grassroots legal empowerment of
marginalized communities, including Adivasi, Dalit, and other underrepresented groups,
nestled within the sprawling state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Duly registered under the
esteemed Madhya Pradesh Societies Registration Act of 1973, Zenith stands resolute in
its mission to uplift these communities by fostering a profound comprehension of their
legal entitlements and emboldening them to pursue justice and dignity with unwavering
resolve.

Objectives:
1. To vigorously imbue marginalized communities with a comprehensive understanding
of their legal rights, thus catalyzing a seismic shift towards equitable justice.
2. To ardently catalyze and support community-driven initiatives, meticulously tailored
towards the realization of a society characterized by justice and dignity for all.

3. To fervently confront and dismantle the pervasive institutional and structural violence
that perennially afflicts marginalized groups through strategic legal empowerment.

4. To dynamically awaken the latent agency of community members, compelling them to

architect their vision of societal metamorphosis and passionately advocate for their
inherent rights.

Programs:
1. Access to Justice: Zenith endeavors to democratize legal access, offering marginalized
communities a veritable cornucopia of legal resources and unwavering support to deftly
navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the justice delivery system.

2. Clinical Legal Education: Through innovative pedagogical interventions, Zenith equips

the burgeoning cadre of youth and community members with the indispensable skills and
erudition requisite for effective advocacy and righteous vindication of their rights.

Projects:
1. Madhya Pradesh Socio-Legal Innovation Challenge (MPSIC): This groundbreaking
initiative seeks to galvanize ingenious solutions to the myriad socio-legal quandaries
bedeviling marginalized communities across the expanse of Madhya Pradesh.

2. Shivpuri Youth Forum: A vibrant crucible of ideas and activism, this forum serves as
an empowering platform for the burgeoning youth of Shivpuri, fostering spirited
dialogues and catalyzing grassroots movements aimed at ushering in a new era of legal
empowerment and social justice.

3. Anil Dwan Legal Resource Centre: A bastion of hope and succor, this resource center
serves as an indispensable sanctuary, offering indispensable legal assistance and
unfaltering support to marginalized communities in their valiant quest for justice and
dignity.
Branches:
1. Shivpuri: Nestled amidst the verdant splendor of the Shivpuri region, this branch
stands as a beacon of hope, orchestrating a panoply of local initiatives and outreach
endeavors aimed at nurturing the flames of legal empowerment and social justice.

2. Gwalior: Situated in the historic heartland of Gwalior and its environs, this branch
serves as a steadfast ally to marginalized communities, steadfastly championing their
cause and tirelessly endeavoring to expand the frontiers of legal empowerment and access
to justice.

3. Malanpur: In the hallowed precincts of Malanpur, this branch diligently extends the
benevolent embrace of Zenith's services, passionately endeavoring to fortify the fabric of
societal cohesion by instilling in marginalized groups the inviolable principles of legal
education and empowerment.

Our main work assigned under Clinical Legal Education

The Clinical Legal Education (CLE) Program constitutes a pivotal aspect of our
organizational endeavors, specifically aimed at enhancing the capacity of law schools to
contribute significantly to grassroots legal empowerment. While the inception of law
schools was rooted in the noble aspiration of nurturing social engineers, the realization of
this vision has remained largely elusive. Consequently, there exists a pressing need to
transcend the confines of traditional clinical legal education paradigms and forge
innovative pathways to actively engage law students in effecting tangible change within
communities striving for equitable access to justice.

Central to our approach is the recognition that involving law students in clinical work
holds immense potential to cultivate a dynamic learning environment characterized by
experiential learning. By immersing students in real-world legal challenges, we aim to
sensitize and prepare them to emerge as catalysts for positive social transformation.
Through this hands-on approach, students are not only equipped with practical legal skills
but also imbued with a deep-seated commitment to effecting change in the spheres they
inhabit, be it within educational institutions or professional arenas.

At the heart of Zenith's strategy lies a steadfast commitment to fostering meaningful

youth engagement. Through the CLE Program, our overarching objective is to furnish
young law students with the requisite tools and insights to navigate the complexities of
legal practice while concurrently nurturing their capacity for effecting meaningful
change. Furthermore, the program serves as a dynamic platform for students to incubate
and experiment with innovative ideas aimed at advancing the cause of social justice. By
establishing a network of Legal Services Clinics within law schools, we endeavor to
create a sustainable ecosystem wherein students can actively contribute to addressing
pressing legal and social challenges within their respective communities.

Activities of the Organization:

1. Legal Aid:

Providing free or low-cost legal assistance and representation to individuals who cannot
afford legal services. This may include offering advice, drafting legal documents,
representing clients in court, and facilitating alternative dispute resolution methods.

2. Public Relations and Increasing Public Knowledge:

Engaging in outreach activities and communication efforts to foster positive relationships

with the public and enhance understanding of legal rights and procedures. This can
involve organizing workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate the
community about their legal rights and responsibilities.

3. Connectivity Between the Beneficiaries and Government Schemes:

Facilitating access to government welfare programs and schemes for eligible individuals
within the community. This includes providing information about available programs,
assisting with the application process, and advocating for the effective implementation of
government initiatives.
4. Filling Forms of Schemes:

Assisting community members in completing application forms and paperwork required

to access government schemes and benefits. This ensures that individuals understand the
requirements and procedures involved in applying for assistance and helps overcome
bureaucratic barriers.

5. Listening to Grievances and Complaints of the People:

Establishing mechanisms for community members to voice their concerns, grievances,

and complaints related to various issues, including encroachment, domestic violence, and
other injustices. This may involve setting up helplines, legal clinics, or community
meetings to address community needs and advocate for solutions.

6. Dissemination of Legal Knowledge:

Sharing information about legal rights, laws, and legal procedures with the broader
community through educational initiatives and awareness campaigns. This helps
empower individuals to assert their rights, navigate legal processes, and make informed
decisions.

7. Empowering Local People:

Supporting and empowering community members to take ownership of their legal rights
and become agents of change within their own communities. This may involve providing
training, resources, and opportunities for community leadership and advocacy.

8. Legal Education:

Offering formal and informal educational programs to enhance public understanding of

the law, legal principles, and the justice system. This includes providing legal literacy
training, conducting workshops, and promoting civic engagement to empower individuals
to participate effectively in legal processes and uphold the rule of law.
CHAPTER TWO

FIELD ATTACHMENT ACTIVITIES

INTRODUCTION
This Chapter presents the organisation objectives,activities of the department and the
designation of the person heading it,description of the responsibilities assigned to the
student ,names of the officers the student worked with and their responsibilities and the
roles of the workplace supervisor.

OBJECTIVES
From the activities described above, we can extract the following objectives of the
organization:

1. The objective is to ensure that individuals who cannot afford legal services have
access to assistance and representation. This aims to promote fairness and justice
by bridging the gap between legal services and those in need.
2. The organization seeks to increase public knowledge about legal rights and
procedures through various outreach efforts. This objective aims to empower
individuals by equipping them with the necessary information to navigate the legal
system effectively.
3. By connecting beneficiaries with government welfare programs, the objective is to
ensure that eligible individuals receive the support they are entitled to. This aims
to address social inequalities and promote inclusive development.
4. Helping community members fill out forms for government schemes aims to
simplify bureaucratic processes and ensure that individuals understand and fulfill
requirements accurately. This objective aims to overcome barriers to accessing
essential services and resources.
5. By listening to grievances and complaints, the organization aims to address
injustices and advocate for solutions. This objective promotes community
 engagement and empowerment by giving individuals a voice in matters affecting
their lives.
6. Disseminating legal knowledge aims to empower individuals to assert their rights
and make informed decisions. This objective contributes to the overall goal of
fostering a more just and equitable society.
7. Supporting and empowering local people to become advocates for their rights aims
to create sustainable change within communities. This objective promotes
community leadership and resilience.
8. Providing legal education programs aims to enhance public understanding of the
law and legal processes. This objective promotes civic engagement and ensures
that individuals can participate effectively in legal proceedings.

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN
The following activities were undertaken by the intern during internship training

Orientation:
On the 5th of February, 2024, I commenced my engagement with Zenith Society for
Social Legal Empowerment, Gwalior Branch, by undergoing orientation at the
organization's office. During this orientation session, I was provided with comprehensive
insights into the organizational culture, code of conduct, and the overarching mission of
Zenith Society.

I had the privilege of being introduced to the esteemed staff members who form the
backbone of the organization. This introduction allowed me to familiarize myself with
the diverse team dedicated to the noble cause of social and legal empowerment.

Furthermore, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Swapnil Shukla, the Co-founder of Zenith
Society. His guidance and leadership embody the values and aspirations of the
organization, setting a precedent for excellence and dedication.

Subsequently, I had the pleasure of meeting fellow interns who, like myself, were
committed to contributing to the organization's objectives.
During the orientation, I was provided with a comprehensive overview of my assigned
tasks and responsibilities. My role encompasses both social and legal dimensions,
necessitating interaction with local communities and staying abreast of recent legal
developments. This multifaceted approach entails engaging in social outreach initiatives
while also undertaking legal assignments assigned to me.

As part of my daily routine, I am entrusted with completing tasks assigned by

supervisors, which may vary depending on organizational needs. Additionally, I am
tasked with submitting two articles by the end of each month, thereby contributing to the
organization's knowledge dissemination efforts and promoting awareness of pertinent
legal issues.

In essence, the orientation provided me with a solid foundation and clear direction for my
role within Zenith Society for Social Legal Empowerment, instilling a sense of purpose
and commitment to effecting positive change within the community.

ELABORATION:
1. Writing Legal Articles:
This involves researching and composing articles on various legal topics, such as
recent court decisions, changes in legislation, or analysis of legal issues. These
articles aim to inform and educate readers about legal matters, providing insights
into complex legal concepts and developments in the field.

2. Filling Forms of Caste Certificates:

Assisting individuals in completing paperwork and documentation required for
obtaining caste certificates. This process involves ensuring that all necessary
information is accurately provided and that the forms are submitted according to
the requirements of the relevant authorities.

3. Case Entries of Rape Victims:

 Recording details of cases involving rape victims, including relevant information
such as the date of the incident, parties involved, legal proceedings, and any other
pertinent details. This task requires sensitivity and adherence to confidentiality
protocols to protect the privacy and dignity of the victims.

4. Transcription of Oral Interviews:

Transcribing recorded interviews or statements given by individuals involved in
legal proceedings or investigations. This involves listening to audio recordings and
accurately transcribing the spoken words into written text, ensuring clarity and
precision in documenting the information provided.

5. Translation of Cases and Statements of the Undertrials:

Translating legal documents, case files, and statements of individuals who may not
understand the language in which legal proceedings are conducted. This task
ensures that all parties involved in legal proceedings have access to essential
information and can fully participate in the process, regardless of language
barriers.

6. Interaction with local people and taking notes of their grievances

Engaging with local community members involves actively listening to their
concerns and taking detailed notes of their grievances. This process allows
organizations to gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by the
community, enabling targeted interventions and fostering collaboration for
effective problem-solving and community development.
CHAPTER THREE

LESSONS LEARNT, EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS GAINED

INTRODUCTION:

In this chapter, we delve into the significant lessons gleaned from the internship
experience, categorizing them based on acquired knowledge and skills. We explore the
relevance of theories studied in the classroom to practical applications during the
internship. Furthermore, we examine how these newfound insights will contribute to the
professional development of the student. By reflecting on the integration of theory and
practice, we aim to elucidate the transformative impact of the internship experience on
the student's journey towards professional growth and advancement contribution to
theorganization as well as problems identified or encountered during the internship

Based on the activities described, the following skills were likely gained by individuals
involved in the organization's initiatives:

1. Communication Skills: Engaging in public relations efforts, facilitating

connectivity between beneficiaries and government schemes, and listening to
grievances require effective communication with various stakeholders, enhancing
interpersonal and public speaking skills.

2. Legal Knowledge and Research Skills: Providing legal aid, filling forms for
government schemes, and disseminating legal knowledge necessitate a sound
understanding of legal principles and procedures, as well as the ability to conduct
legal research and analyze complex information.
3. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Addressing grievances and complaints,
navigating bureaucratic processes, and empowering local communities demand
problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to identify and implement
effective solutions to legal and social challenges.

4. Empathy and Cultural Competence: Interacting with marginalized communities

and addressing their needs requires empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to
understand and respect diverse perspectives and experiences.

5. Organizational and Time Management: Managing various tasks such as

providing legal aid, conducting educational workshops, and assisting with
government scheme applications requires strong organizational skills and the
ability to prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines and fulfill organizational
objectives.

6. Advocacy and Leadership: Empowering local communities, advocating for

social justice, and promoting legal empowerment involve advocacy and leadership
skills, including the ability to inspire and mobilize others toward collective action
and positive change.

7. Adaptability and Flexibility: Working in diverse and dynamic environments,

such as responding to community grievances and adapting to changing legal and
social contexts, requires adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to navigate
 uncertainty with resilience and creativity.

CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the activities undertaken by the organization reflect a holistic approach to
promoting legal empowerment and social justice within marginalized communities.
Through initiatives such as legal aid, public relations, and legal education, a wide range
of skills were gained during the internship. Communication skills were enhanced through
client interactions and public outreach efforts, while problem-solving abilities were
honed through addressing community grievances and navigating bureaucratic processes.
Additionally, teamwork and collaboration skills were strengthened through working with
colleagues and community members towards shared goals. Overall, the internship
experience not only contributed to personal and professional development but also
fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of legal empowerment in creating
equitable and inclusive societies.

FEEDBACK
The organization's efforts to represent scheduled communities by employing them is
commendable and aligns with principles of diversity and inclusion. By providing
opportunities for individuals from marginalized backgrounds, the organization not only
promotes social justice but also enriches its workforce with diverse perspectives and
experiences.

Implementing pre-scheduled meetups and monthly plans demonstrates proactive planning

and organization. These structured meetings provide a platform for team members to
discuss goals, address challenges, and align efforts towards achieving objectives. It
fosters transparency and accountability within the organization, ensuring that everyone is
on the same page and working towards common goals.
Review meetings with interns are essential for providing feedback, assessing progress,
and addressing any concerns or difficulties they may be facing. These meetings should be
conducted regularly to support interns in their professional development and ensure that
their contributions are recognized and valued.

The organization's commitment to prior planned field visits is crucial for maintaining
engagement with the communities it serves and understanding their needs and challenges
firsthand. These visits offer valuable opportunities for interaction, assessment, and
feedback, guiding the organization's strategies and interventions effectively.

Furthermore, seeking opportunities for collaboration with other organizations or

stakeholders can enhance the impact and reach of the organization's initiatives.
Collaborative efforts enable resource-sharing, knowledge exchange, and collective action
towards common objectives, ultimately strengthening the organization's capacity to create
meaningful change.

Overall, the organization's initiatives reflect a proactive and inclusive approach to

promoting social justice and empowering marginalized communities. By continuing to
prioritize representation, planning, review, and collaboration, the organization can further
amplify its impact and drive positive change in society.