Payal Choudhury, Intern
MA in Media & Communication Studies, Christ University, Bengalore

CYSD, a non-government organization, works for the betterment of the mankind as a whole. It not only works for the needy people but also acts as an assessment and monitoring agency and initiates a lot of programmes. A lot of enthusiastic, determined and selfless people are working in the organisation who not only inspire but also motivate youngsters to do something for the society. As a media student, I was only focused on commercial face of the media and had zero touch with the development sector. I got a privilege to work in this prestigious and well-known organization as part of my Development Communication subject. Little did I know it will be a journey full of learning experiences!

My first step into the office was full of confusion and nervousness, I had no ideas what to do and what do the people of the organization expect me to do. But the very first day became the very first and huge step towards a whole new learning experience. I got an opportunity to work under Shri Jagat Parida and Shri Umankanta Patra who showed me the way till the very last day. Firstly, I got to work on the bi-monthly Newsletter “OUR VOICE” which brushed up my writing, editing and designing skills. Seeing my name under the editorial team along with my highly experienced mentors was no less than an achievement for me. My CYSD journey was actually a roller coaster ride, as the destructive Cyclone FANI struck Odisha, for which I got an opportunity to work closely and observe how an organization works at this time. To my fortune, I also got a chance to work under Shri Ananta Kishore Swain who was a continuous motivation for me.

Talking about achievements, the whole journey created milestones for me – starting from getting recognized for my writing to work on the news desk of the daily bulletin – #FANI 2019 which got circulated all around the country and also abroad. I cannot thank CYSD enough for helping me in exploring my own abilities and boosting my confidence. In the whole journey I made some amazing friends who made sure I had a great time in the office. All the staffs are so warm and welcoming- entering the gate getting greetings from the security guard, then meeting Prachi Ma’am with a smile, getting tea from the canteen boy and of course all the officials who always gave me positive vibes which motivated me to do a bit better every day. I found a small family in CYSD. Well there are a lot of memories, experiences and teachings that I am going to take back with me. I was praised, I was criticized, I was taught- what an amazing journey it was.

I wish all the best to the organization and will be looking forward for future collaboration