From Strategy to Soul: What My NGO Internship Taught Me

A Journey of Purpose and Growth: My Internship at Ananda Vihar

Internships often come with the promise of skill-building and professional development, but my time at Ananda Vihar, a leading charity old age home focused on elderly care in Bangalore, was something far beyond that. It was a journey of heart, purpose, and personal transformation.

Joining as a Social Media and Outreach Intern, I initially expected to learn about digital marketing and content strategy. And while I did gain those skills, what truly defined my experience was the emotional connection I formed with the work and the people behind this incredible senior living facility in Bangalore.

At Ananda Vihar, I wasn’t just managing social media accounts or drafting outreach messages—I was telling stories that mattered. I was giving voice to a mission rooted in compassion, community, and change. Every post I created, every campaign I helped design, was an opportunity to reflect the spirit of the organization and inspire others to become a part of its work in senior citizen care in India.

The environment at Ananda Vihar was unlike anything I’d experienced before—open, warm, and deeply human. The team embraced me not just as an intern but as a fellow changemaker. Their unwavering belief in collective effort and empathy shaped the way I approached my work. I learned to see communication not just as a tool for engagement, but as a bridge to understanding and impact in the field of geriatric care in India.

This internship taught me patience, empathy, and the power of purpose-driven action. I learned how meaningful connections can grow through digital platforms when intention and sincerity lead the way—especially while promoting causes like respite care for the elderly in India and dementia care services in Bangalore.

Most importantly, I discovered how fulfilling it is to contribute to a cause larger than oneself. Whether it was helping raise awareness about palliative care for seniors in India, or crafting content that encouraged people to consider donating to old age homes in India, every task had purpose.

Walking away from this experience, I carry more than just professional skills—I carry values that will guide me throughout my life: gratitude, humility, and the belief that change begins with small, consistent efforts. Ananda Vihar gave me a space to grow not just as a professional, but as a person.

If you ever get a chance to volunteer at an old age home in Bangalore, don’t hesitate—it may end up teaching you more than any textbook ever could.

— By Vasu Bisen, MBA First Year, NMIMS Bangalore.