Internship @ Foundation for Democratic Reforms, Hyderabad: Research Work, Stipend Rs. 7000/month

Name of the organisation. City. Office Address. How was the office?

It’s called the Foundation for Democratic Reforms. It is an independent think-tank based in Hyderabad.

The address can be found on www.fdrindia.org . The office is neither too big nor too small; Its based in 2 flats on the same floor. So you have to shuffle in between them sometimes. It had about 10-15 interns from various colleges, there were interns from Symbiosis, IITs, Delhi University.

Duration of internship

May 2 – June 2 2013

Application procedure? Internship Contact Details

You apply by sending in application procedures to communications@fdrindia.org.

Selection is done by a team of 2 or 3 persons from the office based on your qualifications and the write up that you are required to send. I had written a write up on reservations in India. A basic write up from the topics provided will do. This list of topics is given on the website.

Duration in weeks. Days of work per week. Timings.

It was a four weeks internship with each Saturday working. So basically a 6 day week. The timings were from 9:30 to 5:30. Sometimes this would be extended but that was very rare. The timings are flexible too, as in you can come in late but you are usually not allowed to leave early.

First impression, first day, formalities

First day, I was the only intern there so it was kind of boring.

Fatima ma’am gave me a briefing of the formalities and it was a very formal working environment, where a proper hierarchy is followed

Main tasks

My overall work there included working on the health sector of India, and to collect data of different countries which follow Universal health care system and see how would it apply to India. It was a really interesting task to see how people in different countries.

Other than this, I was given work on the local governance with respect to the 73rd and 74th amendment to the Indian Constitution. Also, other interns got to work on questions to present in the Assembly on behalf of Lok Satta party in the monsoon session. Interns can also work on PILs that come to the office

Work environment, people

The work environment with the higher ups is very formal, but the work is chilled out. I listened to songs all day while working and its fine. The people are very helpful and discuss your work with you. your work is discussed with other interns.

You are given sufficient time to finish your work but you are expected to give it in on time. Giving in your work late is unacceptable.

The best things AND the bad things

The Best thing was the location of the office, a 5 minute walk from 10D, club 8 and Deli 9. And of course the super fast internet. None of the social networking websites are blocked and surprisingly neither are the torrents (if you know what I mean).

The bad thing was the work got monotonous, there was no AC in the month of May! and the food. You are allowed to get your own food but the food they provide is about a 6 on 10.

Stipend/month

Rs. 7000/month

Accommodation etc. What did you to do chill in and around the office and the place of stay?

I stay in Hyderabad so it was not a problem. But as I already mentioned, there was club8 and 10D to chill.

—

Participate in the Lawctopus’ Summer Internship Writing Competition, 2013 HERE.

Cash Prizes Worth Rs. 48,000! The last date to submit your entry is August 10.

–