As
a coordinator for CCS Graduate Activities, I conducted a profiling exercise with
our interns from years 2003-05. The objective was to assess the impact of the
internship program on their personal and professional lives. I was touched and
inspired by their testimonies and proud of all the efforts that we, at CCS, put
in to create these change-makers. Here’s what they had to say:
CCS
has touched so many lives. I wanted to do a PhD in economics. I joined Delhi
School of Economics for masters after my internship with CCS. I picked up papers
which were taught by professors who have been associated with CCS. But still, I
realised that this was not the kind of economics I wanted to do. I wanted to do
the kind of economic research that CCS did. A PhD could not have taken me in
that direction. I wanted to talk economics in English and not in complicated
jargon. I am now (as Area Sales Manager of Proctor and Gamble in Jaipur) living
the life of a libertarian. I have discovered that the economics of demand and
supply works everywhere.
—
Nandita Markandan
The
internship was a revelation! I discovered that reality is quite different from
what I perceived. I know now that we can only bring about change through
exposure and experience and not really by just reading. I am now guiding others
in their research. I have become a role model for them.
—
Dhanuraj (started Centre for Public Policy Research)
I
stayed in a fishing village for 15 days — it gave me a fresh look at what was
research. When I went back and started looking at my books, things suddenly
started making sense.
—
Ragupathy Venkatachalam
CCS
internship is the place where I begun my chosen path.
— Yugank Goyal
I
was a socialist, but my views have changed now. I think ultimately it’s
individual effort that would bring about change. I think in the process I have
also become a better human being.
— Sabith Khan
None
of my traditional economic theories worked in Sangam Vihar. It was an
eye-opener! And I feel I have made a contribution towards change in Sangam Vihar
through my research.
—
Prateep
Dasgupta
As
a researcher, you are not a fundamentalist. My perspective continues to change
every time I talk to people. I am still learning. I have understood that I am
among thousands of other people who are trying to bring about change. The
internship has told me the direction this change should take. The people who go
through the internship are among the brightest we have today. We are talking
about smart people who would tomorrow be in policy-making positions or would
have friends who would frame policies or join politics. But it’s about a
process of change. It’s not about a revolution— that’s not what
libertarian ideas are about.
—
Vipin Veetil
The
internship made me look at urban civilisation in a very different light. I
discovered that there were different sections in urban space with different
orientations.
— Naveen Kanalu
After
the research in the unauthorised colony Sangam Vihar, I have a different
perspective on what I earlier called ‘unauthorised life’.
— Swati Puri