Experiential learning: My month-long advocacy internship with PGDM’s DoCC
Chelsi Bansal, SPJIMR, PGDM 2023-25
I am thrilled to share that I recently completed a month-long internship with the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee as part of the DoCC SPJIMR internship. Alongside amazing batchmates – Mohit Shukla, Preety Purohit, and Siddhant Singh, we delved into the dynamic world of social work, focusing on supporting sex workers in Kolkata. The idea of understanding the world of sex workers firsthand had always intrigued me, and being assigned to Durbar for the project was the perfect opportunity.
Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee is not just an organisation; it’s a movement, a family. Founded formally in 1995, its roots trace back to Dr. Smarajit Jana’s HIV intervention research in 1992. Today, with over 40,000 members across West Bengal, Durbar is a beacon of empowerment for sex workers and their families. Witnessing their initiatives in HIV intervention, anti-trafficking efforts, and creating safe spaces through festivals, art, and advocacy for the community and their children was truly inspiring.
During this immersive experience, we engaged in a variety of activities, including interviews, focus group discussions, and field visits to red-light areas. We were graciously welcomed by the ‘Didis’, who shared their stories and experiences with us. We learned firsthand about the complexities of sex work and the importance of avoiding judgment in understanding their stories, leading to a true acknowledgement of sex work as real work. Their strength and resilience left a lasting impression, reminding me of the power of community and selfless dedication.
One of the most striking moments for me was our visit to the brothels. The stark reality of life inside these establishments was overwhelming. Sitting in a modest room with young sex workers, I was confronted with the harsh truth of why many women enter this profession—to provide for their families in the face of financial hardship.
As I listened to their stories, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger and frustration at the injustices they face. It was a stark reminder of the privilege most of us have been provided and the responsibility we have to advocate for those who are marginalised.
Kolkata was too kind to us, offering a month of friendship and respite from the MBA whirlwind. The fond memories on the banks of the Hooghly River at Princep Ghat, the beautiful Victoria Memorial, the iconic Indian Museum, the perfect match at Eden Gardens, the charm of Park Street, and our daily lunch at Daarji’s Dhaba and metro rides are something that I will always remember.
Here’s to continuing the journey of understanding, empathy, and advocacy for respect and dignity for all!
The status of sex workers in India
Roughly 1.2 million children under 18 are believed to be employed in brothels across India, with a significant portion falling prey to sex traffickers. Approximately 75% of cases involve underage victims, spanning from as young as six months to 17 years old.
Most of these trafficked children belong to lower castes, and over half come from families below the poverty line. Although some girls are trafficked into brothels by relatives or acquaintances, traffickers have increasingly exploited social media’s high rewards and low risks in recent times, enticing victims with lucrative job prospects or false promises of marriage.
Why do top B-schools emphasise on ‘experiential learning’?
Every year, the top B-schools in India transcend the life of comfort by including experiential learning activities, projects, and even internships in the rural areas of the country. This helps students become socially sensitised to work with people dealing with social issues and their victims.
The top B-schools incorporate experiential learning programmes for several key reasons:
- Leadership development: To make students better leaders by understanding social issues.
- Practical skills: To provide practical skills like problem-solving in tough situations.
- Market potential: To help students tap into the potential of the rural market.
Experiential learning programmes aim to bridge the gap between business education and the realities of a large section of society. This transformation fosters well-rounded business leaders with a social conscience and practical skill sets that benefit them and the communities they interact with. For over two decades, SPJIMR students have sacrificed comforts to assist NGOs in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, mentor school-aged youth from underprivileged districts, and devise marketing strategies for rural artisans to promote their products in urban markets as a part of their ‘Rural Immersion’ programme.
DoCC by the top B-school in Mumbai, India
SPJIMR introduced the Development of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC) initiative over 30 years ago, seeing civil society as a vital learning tool. Mandatory for all, DoCC cultivates awareness and empathy for societal issues through social internships across India and South Asia. Participants apply management skills in real-world settings, fostering reflection and learning.
Furthermore, DoCC hosts events addressing sustainability, the future and community engagement. By connecting the development sector, the corporate world, and civil society, it encourages dialogue and collaboration. Industry partners recognise DoCC’s role in shaping socially conscious leaders who drive innovation for both business and society.
More initiatives by DoCC
Social Impact Awards (SIA)
Recognising exemplary contributions made by social enterprises and social sector organisations toward society.
Ehsaas
The NGO Mela a platform for several micro and small enterprises, profit-making social enterprises, NGOs and self-help groups (SHGs) to promote their products.
Aasra
A cultural and sports fest for people with disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens.
Voice of Change
A platform for SPJIMR participants to engage with individuals who are heroes, pathfinders, changemakers and influencers making a positive difference in grassroots communities.
Regunath Fellowship
The DoCC Regunath Research Fellowship in Social Citizenship and Management encourages management research focusing on sustainable futures and innovative contributions in areas such as health, education, ageing, CSR, livelihood, inclusion, women’s empowerment, agriculture, infrastructure and urban development.
Ready to be amazed?
Take a look at the DoCC Impact Magazine to learn about the kind of impact that participants and the team at SPJIMR have created over the last three decades, travelling across India and abroad to collaborate with communities and grassroots organisations.