1

Social Internship Report

June 2, 2025, to June 27, 2025

University Institute of Engineering

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Student Name: Akash Kumar
UID: 24BCS11573
Branch: B.E. CSE (General)
Section: 701-B Sheikh Afaan Farooq
(Dept. Social Internship
Co-ordinator)
Chandigarh University [Link] Irfan(Mentor)
 2

Certificate / Letter by the Gram Pradhan/ Sarpanch/ Mukhiya [duly signed and stamp]
 3

Certificate /Letter by NGO

 4

Acknowledgement

Iextend my sincere gratitude to ChandigarhUniversity for providing me with the

invaluable opportunity to undertake this SocialInternship Program. This experience has
significantly broadened my understanding ofrural development and community
engagement.

I am especially thankful to Sheikh Afaan Farooq, my DSIC, whose continuous guidance,

support, and insightful mentorship were instrumental throughout the duration of this
internship. Her expertise and encouragement were vital to my learning and the
successful completion of this report.

I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Udbhav Public Charitable
Trust, the NGO with which I had the privilege to work during this social internship
tenure. My deepest thanks go to Chirag, the Founder and Community Head, Anil
Kumar ,and all other dedicated members of the NGO for their unwavering support,
guidance, and for providing me with such a meaningful practical experience.

Finally, I am profoundly grateful to the residents of Tarkulwa, Bihar, for their warmth,
cooperation, and willingness to share their experiences and insights. Their active
participation made this internship truly meaningful.
This internship has been a transformative experience, and I am grateful to everyone who
contributed to its success.

Sincerely,

Akash Kumar
UID: 24BCS11573
701 - B
B.E CSE (General)
Chandigarh University
 5

ExecutiveSummary
The Social Internship Program was conductedfrom June 2 to June 27, 2025, as part
of the B.E. CSE (AIML) curriculum. Designed under the theme "Rural Livelihoods and
Sustainable Development", the internship aimed to provide students with practical
exposure to grassroots realities through direct engagement in rural fieldwork and
interaction with local development bodies and NGOs.

The four-week internship was structured in two phases. The first two weeks focused
on field observations in a rural setting, examining critical infrastructure components
such as housing, sanitation, electricity, handpumps, and road conditions. Students
interacted with farmers and residents to understand income sources, farming
practices, and daily challenges. This phase also helped identify key development
gaps, particularly in waste management, digital awareness, water quality, and public
service delivery.

The latter half of the internship emphasized deeper community engagement. Activities
included collaboration with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), participation in Gram Sabha
meetings, organizing awareness campaigns for schemes like MGNREGA, PM Awas
Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and studying local
economic upliftment programs like Atma Nirbhar Bharat. These engagements
provided insights into governance, policy awareness, and rural self-reliance models.
Key findings suggest that while various government schemes have reached rural
areas and some progress is visible, major gaps remain in infrastructure sustainability,
waste management systems, and digital inclusion. The role of SHGs stood out as a
promising model for empowering women and driving localized development through
collective action.

Overall, the internship served as a vital learning platform to observe the functioning of
rural governance systems and understand the socio-economic challenges at the
grassroots level, aligning academic learning with real-world community impact.
 6

Index

S. No. Chapter Page No.

1 Introduction 7
2 Social Internship Experience 9
[A] Stakeholder Interaction 9
[B] Data Collection & Analysis 10
[C] Initiatives Taken (if any) 11
[D] Implementation (if any) 12

3 Problem Statement 13

4 Reflections on learning 15
5 Conclusion 17
6 References 18
7 Annexures 18
 7

Introduction

The Social Internship Program was an essential part of the B.E. CSE (General)
curriculum at Chandigarh University, designed to instil civic values, promote social
consciousness, and enable students to apply their academic learning in real-world rural
development settings.

This internship was carried out over four weeks, from June 2 to June 27, 2025, under
the supervision of the Departmental Social Internship Coordinator, Sheikh Afaan
Farooq.

The program was structured to ensure active engagement with different aspects of
rural development through continuous fieldwork and community-level interaction in
Tarkulwa, Bihar. The internship allowed for observation, analysis, and participation in
key developmental areas:

• Week 1: Focused on evaluating the village’s basic infrastructure—roads,

drainage systems, lighting, water sources, and cleanliness. This provided a
comprehensive view of the quality of physical amenities in the village.

• Week 2: Continued with a deeper focus on sustainable resource use and local
livelihoods. I examined agricultural methods, livestock care, market systems, water
management practices, and observed services provided by Anganwadi centers.

• Week 3: Involved exploring mechanisms for social empowerment. Activities

included interacting with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), understanding their contribution to
women’s income generation, attending Gram Sabha meetings, participating in social
audits, and learning about local traditional crafts and livelihoods.

• Week 4: Centred on the awareness and assessment of welfare and livelihood

schemes such as MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and Beti
Bachao Beti Padhao. It also included observing support structures for traditional
industries (under SFURTI) and broader economic initiatives like Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
 8

This structure provided practical exposure to organized social service and developmental
initiatives. It offered meaningful insights into key areas such as community governance,
economic empowerment, health and education, women-led enterprises, and local
environmental sustainability.

The larger aim was to familiarize students with the ground realities of rural India and
highlight the role of government agencies, civil society organizations, and local
communities in enabling sustainable development. By conducting direct field studies,
interviews, and participating in developmental programs, I was able to connect
academic understanding with grassroots realities and develop a strong sense of civic
involvement.

Key learning objectives included:

o Evaluate how core infrastructure—roads, water, electricity, and sanitation—

affect daily life in rural communities.

o Understand agricultural activities, allied livelihoods like dairy or labor

migration, and their contribution to village economies.

o Assess the functioning of public service institutions such as CSCs and

Anganwadi centres.

o Contribute to public awareness efforts around hygiene, education, welfare

schemes, and social inclusion.

o Recognize the importance of technology, youth involvement, and voluntary

service in rural transformation.

Thisinternshipserved as a vital link between academic study and community experience.

It enhanced myproblem-solving skills, increased my awareness of developmental gaps,
anddeepenedmy empathy toward social issues. Each activity contributed uniquely to my
learning—showing how rural communities use innovation, tradition, and resilience to
movetowardself-reliance.
 9

Social Internship Experience

The social internship provideda structured and deeply immersivelearning journey,
unfolding across both rural village settings and through direct engagement with a
community service organization.

Over its three-week duration, this experience facilitated hands-on involvement, close
observation, extensive interaction with various stakeholders, and active participation in
activities focused on development and welfare. This comprehensive exposure offered
profound insights into the functioning of societal systems at the grassroots level.

[A] Stakeholder Interaction

In Tarkulwa, I held extensive dialogues with a range of local

stakeholders to gather firsthand knowledge.

• Farmers, daily wage labourers, and elderly community members shared

their experiences on farming patterns, income sources, irrigation, and
challenges with accessing government benefits.

• SHG members provided insight into microcredit use, small-scale

businesses, health issues, and women’s collective empowerment.

• By attending Gram Sabha meetings, I observed the community's

engagement in decision-making and local administration.

• Conversations with Anganwadi workers, shopkeepers, and artisans helped

me understand the reach of public welfare programs, education services,
and traditional skills.
 10

• Ialso interacted with local government staff and officials during welfare
campaigns and observed how they facilitated community awareness
and participation.

• NGOs and community leaders provided practical exposure to

awareness-building, health camps, and scheme outreach.

[B] Data Collection & Analysis

• I maintained systematic daily notes, charts, and observation
records for comprehensive analysis.

• In Sangroli, the following data points were documented.

• Conditions of streets, drainage lines, housing types, and

garbage disposal systems.

• Functionality of handpumps, availability of safe drinking

water, and instances of contamination.

• Agricultural land use, irrigation methods, and local efforts

toward energy and water conservation.

• Operational quality of services in Anganwadi centers and

Common Service Centres (CSCs).

• Documentation of cleanliness habits, hygiene infrastructure,

and community response to health promotion.

• Interviews with families regarding employment, access to

food security, education, and scheme benefits.
 11

• Extensive photo documentation and captions were

maintained to support visual storytelling.
• Beneficiary feedback on government programs during audits
and public meetings.
• Data was later analysed to contrast traditional practices with
modern initiatives and identify actionable gaps.

[C] Initiatives Taken

➤ Weeks 1 & 2 – Infrastructure and Sanitation:

•Conducted a detailed cleanliness and hygiene audit, highlighting areas

for installing handwashing units.

•Collected and tested water samples from various sources and informed
residents about basic filtration methods.

•Facilitated informal community discussions to spread awareness on

sanitation and available village services.

•Compiled a photo essay capturing everyday life and shared it with the
community during a visual walk event.

➤ Weeks 3 & 4 – Governance and Empowerment:

•Participated in Gram Sabha discussions to understand grassroots

planning and civic participation.

•Engaged in social audits to assess the performance and fairness of

scheme implementation.
 12

•Helped organize awareness drives for PMAY, APY, BBBP, andrelated

schemes.

Observed and promoted traditional handcrafting practices by SHGs and

explored tourism-based economic opportunities.

• Assisted a local NGO in hosting a village-level seminar on Atma

Nirbhar Bharat, focusing on self-employment and loan facilitation
[D] Implementation
• Each day was carefully planned withspecific goals and learning outcomes,
supported by detailed log entries.

• My approach combined active listening, physical observation, and direct

participation in surveys and sessions.

• Data was consistently organized into thematic notes, visuals, and summary
tables for ease of reporting.

• Special attention was given to respectful communication and cultural sensitivity

during public-facing activities.

• All interactions were coordinated closely with SHG heads, Anganwadi staff, NGO
volunteers, and local influencers.

• These experiences helped build my confidence, sense of initiative, and practical

understanding of rural community development.
 13

Problem Statement

Over the course of my four-week social internship, which included

structured fieldwork in Tarkulwa, Bihar, and active participation in
various community-centric initiatives, I encountered a range of
interlinked challenges that continue to impede sustainable rural progress
and equitable welfare delivery. These issues stemmed from
infrastructural deficits, awareness gaps, underutilization of resources,
and inconsistencies in the implementation of development schemes.

• In Sangroli, while improvements in road connectivity and housing were

noticeable, critical concerns remained regarding waste disposal, open
drainage, and irregular sanitation practices. These factors contribute to
recurring health hazards and indicate a lack of structured community
participation and effective local governance in routine cleanliness and
solid waste management.

• Public amenities such as handpumps and drain systems were present

but often neglected or poorly maintained. Several handpumps either
had water quality concerns—identified during water sample testing—or
contributed to localized water stagnation, causing unhygienic
surroundings due to inadequate drainage.

• Although local farmers displayed deep-rooted agricultural knowledge,

there was limited adoption of updated tools, scientific techniques, or
market-oriented practices. This limited their productivity and income
potential. Access to formal training and market linkage for both farm
produce and traditional crafts remained minimal, thus restricting
economic mobility.

• Shifting livelihood trends were evident, particularly among youth who

were migrating to cities in search of work. However, such transitions
were typically unplanned and marked by insecure or low-paying urban
 14

jobs. Meanwhile, families relying on agriculture continued to face

financial uncertainty due to erratic weather and escalating input costs,
placing long-term stress on household economies.

• Despite the presence of numerous welfare schemes like PM Awas

Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana, many community members lacked
awareness of their eligibility or found the procedures too complex to
access benefits. This hindered the schemes' intended impact and left
several potential beneficiaries underserved.

• A major challenge observed was the persistent digital divide—many

villagers had limited or no access to smartphones, internet connectivity,
or the digital literacy necessary to benefit from e-governance tools like
CSCs or online agricultural marketplaces (e-NAM), further alienating
them from modern support systems.

• Across all activities and engagements, a consistent gap was noticed in

collective community action. While individuals often expressed
concerns, there was a visible absence of coordinated local efforts to
tackle shared problems—be it in ensuring hygiene, accessing
entitlements, or addressing resource gaps. This reflected a need for
stronger community leadership and structured capacity-building.

Core Issues Identified:

• Inadequate sanitation infrastructure and ineffective waste management

systems.

• Lack of digital literacy and limited access to modern technology.

• Unstable and unplanned livelihood transitions with poor market

integration.
 15

•Low awareness and accessibility of government schemes and public

services.

•Minimal community coordination and civic participation in addressing

local challenges.

Reflections on learning

During my four-week social internship, I gained profound insights and experienced

significant personal growth:

1. Understanding Rural Infrastructure Through Lived Realities:

During my time in Tarkulwa, I came to realize how even small infrastructure
gaps can disrupt the daily life of villagers. While some roads were paved and
power supply was available, issues like clogged open drains, scattered
garbage, and under-maintained handpumps created discomfort and health
concerns. Observing this made me understand that public dignity and
wellbeing are directly tied to how well basic facilities are managed and
maintained, no matter how minor they may seem.

2. Evolving Livelihood Patterns in Rural Areas:

Conversations with families during field visits showed me that traditional
agriculture is no longer the sole livelihood. Many youths now migrate to cities,
take up government jobs, or start small local ventures. Some households are
even reviving traditional crafts to generate income. These stories gave me
insight into how villagers are strategically diversifying their income sources to
adapt to modern economic pressures and secure their future.

3. Building Empathy Through Direct Dialogue:

Field interactions helped me develop empathy and the ability to listen without
judgment. Whether speaking with farmers about climate risks or SHG
members about their entrepreneurial struggles, I began to value personal
stories over data. These human experiences—about rising input costs,
difficulty accessing schemes, or being excluded from digital systems—
 16

deepened my understanding that empathy is central to meaningful

development work.

4. Learning from Grassroots Action with Udbhav Public Charitable Trust:

Partnering withUdbhav Public Charitable Trust during awareness activities
opened my eyes to the impact of small, consistent community efforts. I
observed their commitment to welfare campaigns, women’s empowerment,
and support for traditional skills. Despite limited funding, the foundation
showed that when purpose-driven work meets dedication, lasting impact is
possible. This reinforced my belief that social change starts with local
involvement and passionate volunteers.

5. Gaining ConfidenceinCommunicationand Public Interaction:

Initially hesitant, I gradually became comfortable initiating conversations and
facilitating community discussions. Whether interacting with SHGmembers,
Anganwadi workers, or local artisans, I improved my ability to askmeaningful
questions and engage in respectful, two-way communication. These
experiences not only boosted my confidence but also taught metoadapt my
language and tone depending on the audience.

6. Recognizing the Role of Technology in Rural Development:

Through digital service centers and renewable energy initiatives in Sangroli, I
saw how technology is becoming a bridge between rural populations and
essential services. Villagers used Common Service Centres (CSCs) for
official documentation and bill payments, saving time and money. Exposure to
solar lighting and water heating systems demonstrated how low-cost tech can
enhance rural sustainability. This highlighted how access to digital and green
technologies can transform everyday life in underserved regions.

7. Becoming a Responsible Youth Contributor:

This internship helped me become more responsible and aware of my role in
society. Whether planning field surveys, leading welfare awareness drives, or
participating in group discussions on rural issues, I began taking initiative with
confidence. I understood that youth, even at the student level, have the
capacity to contribute to social change—not only through grand innovations
but also through consistent, ground-level actions that raise awareness and
strengthen community participation.
 17

Conclusion
The four-week socialinternshipundertakeninTarkulwa, Bihar ,wasapowerful
journey of experientiallearning,personalgrowth,[Link]
more than a curricularrequirement—itwasanopportunitytoimmersemyselfinthe
lived realities of ruralIndia,interactwithcommunitiesontheground,andwitnessthe
intricacies of developmentworkatthegrassrootslevel.

Throughout the internship,Iexploredvariousdimensionsofrurallife—rangingfrom

infrastructure and hygienetolivelihoodpatterns,governance,andaccesstopublic
welfare. Each weekpresentednewchallenges,newinsights,anddeeperreflections.
I began to understandhowtheabsenceofproperwastedisposal,irregular
sanitation, or neglectedhandpumpsdoesnotjustaffectinfrastructure—itdirectly
affects people’s health,dignity,[Link]
is not just about creatingassets;itisaboutmaintainingthem,makingthem
accessible, and ensuringtheytrulyservethepeople.

The internship alsohelpedmeengagewith

Self-Help Groups ,Anganwadi centres ,
and local stakeholders,whereIwitnessedthepotentialofcommunity-driveneffortsin
promoting women'sempowerment,localentrepreneurship,andparticipatory
governance. EquallyinsightfulwasobservingGramSabhameetings,social
audits, and welfareschemeawarenesscampaignsthatrevealedboththe
strengths and [Link]
observation was thedigitaldividethatstillpersistsinvillageslikeSangroli—limiting
access to services,schemes,andeconomicopportunitiesforthosewithoutdigital
literacy or connectivity.

My collaboration withthe
Udbhav Public Charitable Trust duringtheseweeks
added a valuable [Link],
their unwavering commitmenttoeducation,healthawareness,andeconomic
upliftment stood [Link]’sgrassrootsinitiatives—whetherorganizing
scheme awarenessdrivesorsupportinglocalcrafts—showedmethat real change
does not always [Link],whatisneededis
sustained effort, empathy,andaclearvisionforcommunitywell-being.
 18

REFERENCES
• Udbhav PublicCharitable Trust , East Champaran , Bihar

• Common Service Centres (CSC) e-Governance Services India Ltd. (n.d.).

Retrieved from [Link]

• Direct observations and interviews with residents, community members, and

local organizations in Tarkulwa, [Link] June 2025.

• Personal interview data and daily observation notes recorded during Weeks 1
to 4 of the internship period (June 2025).

Photo Evidences
Week 1:
Day1:

tarkulwa, bihar, India tarkulwa, bihar, India

Khen Matrawa tarkulwa Road, Dhand, Kaithal, Khen Matrawa tarkulwa Road, Dhand, Kaithal,
bihar 136021, India bihar 136021, India
Lat 29.809179, Long 76.638364 Lat 29.809179, Long 76.638364
02/06/2025 01:23 PM GMT+05:30 02/06/2025 01:23 PM GMT+05:30
Note: Captured by GPS Map Camera Note: Captured by GPS Map Camera
 19

Day 2:

tarkulwa, bihar, India

Khen Matrawa tarkulwa Road, Dhand, Kaithal,
bihar 136021, India
Lat 29.809179, Long 76.638364
03/06/2025 01:23 PM GMT+05:30
Note: Captured by GPS Map Camera

Day 3:

GPS Map Camera

tarkulwa,bihar, India Tarkulwa, bihar, India

Kheri Sakra tarkulwa Road, Dhand, Kaithal, bihar Khen Matrawa tarkulwa Road, Dhand, Kaithal,
136021, India
bihar 136021, India
Lat 29.812993, Long 76.642257
Lat 29.809179, Long 76.638364
04/08/2025 05:46 PM GMT+05:30 04/06/2025 01:23 PM GMT+05:30
Note: Captured by GPS Map Camera Note: Captured by GPS Map Camera
 20

Day 4:

Tarkulwa, bihar, India Tarkulwa, bihar, India

Khen Matrawa tarkulwa Road, Dhand, Kaithal,
Khen Matrawa tarkulwa Road, Dhand, Kaithal, bihar 136021, India
bihar 136021, India Lat 29.809179, Long 76.638364
Lat 29.809179, Long 76.638364 04/06/2025 01:23 PM GMT+05:30
Note: Captured by GPS Map Camera
04/06/2025 01:23 PM GMT+05:30
Note: Captured by GPS Map Camera

Day 5:
 21

Week 2:
Day 1:

Day2:
 22

Day 3:

Day 4:
 23

Day 5:

Week3:
Day 1:

Day 2:
 24

Day 3:

Day 4:
 25

Day 5:

Week 4 :

Day 1:
 26

Day 2:

Day 3:
 27

Day 4:

Day 5: