My name is Deepika Lakshmi Ganesan. I hold a Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai. I came to know about FMCH when I was on a hunt for exploring my likings to work towards ‘Community Nutrition’. FMCH seemed like the perfect place to send in my details for a volunteership opportunity during the lockdown period. The journey since then has been explorative with many learning curves.
I committed to a 3 month volunteership/internship with FMCH from September to December 2020. The organisation and staff created an environment which helps you learn and seek answers. I would like to thank Ms. Jesmina, the Senior Manager and Ms. Bhagyada, the Manager, Partnerships and Training vertical for their constant support and encouragement through my tenure.
Through the internship, I was interested in topics such as Policy writing, Nutrition Education, Content Creation, Partnership formation, Data Analysis technique and Proposal writing. The tasks given to me during my time helped me explore different departments and functioning of the same.
Through the 3 months, I also learnt the practicalities in applying principles of nutrition in a community setting. I created learning tools like presentations, videos and scripts for voice overs by applying theory of nutrition into a practical setting. While formulating this content, my strategy was to understand the psyche of the beneficiaries and how they perceive the information. Multiple follow ups were conducted to get the desired result for the public.
I was able to apply the principles of nutrition learnt through my graduation in a pragmatic approach in order to give the most to the community at large. All through this, FMCH encouraged me to express myself and my contributions in a manner that reflected my creative thinking. I was given multiple opportunities to create nutrition related content and can say that I re-learnt nutrition through a realistic lens.
FMCH strives to create a relaxed working environment and focus on an integrated approach to the health of their workers. Emphasis on physical, emotional and mental health of the workers was constantly focussed. Rather than creating deadlines to tasks, there was always communication on what submission date would be preferred by either party. In times of uncertainty, during the pandemic, this approach of FMCH to consider and understand the needs of the interns was a great positive.
The benefit of volunteering with FMCH was their approach to teaching the fundamentals and assisting the interns on terms and actions commonly followed in any organisation. It acts as a brilliant platform for Freshers to explore their interests and learn a lot about organisational activities – something that is crucial to hone while climbing the ladder in one’s career.
The highlight of interning with FMCH was the job opportunity that they offered upon recognising my contributions during my internship period. The recognition given by the organisation to the talents, effort and contributions of the different interns is remarkable. It felt gratifying for my efforts to be recognised to an extent of offering a position in the company; during my volunteership, rather than after it ended.
Needless to say, through my 3 months with FMCH, I have felt that I was a part of their family and stepped up my knowledge on nutrition, professionalism and dedication towards this sector. I am grateful to FMCH for what they have provided me through this internship and I would highly recommend like minded persons to be involved with this esteemed organisation, if they get the chance to.
