This July, I had the unique opportunity to intern with the MOHAN Foundation, one of India’s foremost organizations dedicated to organ donation awareness. From the very beginning, the experience felt purposeful. I wasn’t just stepping into an office to shadow others — I was stepping into a mission. The orientation helped set that tone. I met mentors and staff who all shared one common goal: to create awareness, inspire action, and ultimately save lives. Our roles weren’t passive. We were expected to contribute ideas, take initiative, and represent the Foundation’s values both online and in person.

Our initial assignments gave us a deep dive into the real work that drives this mission forward. I created a Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA) presentation, a core outreach tool used to convince school students about taking up organ donation through SODA. This wasn’t just about putting slides together — it was about shaping a message that was clear, accessible, and powerful enough to shift perspectives. At the same time, we compiled a comprehensive database of central government offices in Mumbai, which would be used for broader advocacy efforts. Balancing digital work with research and communication taught me how even seemingly small contributions form the backbone of large-scale public health efforts.

As the days progressed, we shifted our focus to field engagement. With the guidance of Ms. Sakshi Kshirsagar, we practiced and refined our seminar delivery, preparing to speak in front of a large group of students. This preparation phase helped me build confidence not only in public speaking but also in delivering a message that could truly make a difference. Presenting the organ donation seminar at Carmel St. Joseph School was one of the most rewarding moments of the internship. What began as a nervous introduction turned into a conversation — we were able to connect with students, answer questions, and see that awareness taking root in real time. The feeling of making an impact, even if small, was unforgettable.

Following the seminar, we reflected on our performance and began creating a detailed social media enhancement plan. We analyzed MOHAN Foundation’s existing content strategy, looked into ways to improve consistency, and suggested new ideas such as animated educational posts and more topic-focused campaigns. Presenting our review to the communications team, Mrs. Jaya Jairam and Ms. Yogita gave me insight into the behind-the-scenes work that shapes how nonprofits interact with the public. Later, I presented my SODA initiative to the Foundation’s ambassadors and internal team — a full-circle moment that made me realize just how much I’d grown in such a short time.

In the final days of my internship, I transitioned from planning and strategizing to creating. I began designing animations for social media, working on a new “Organ of the Week” series to make information more digestible and engaging. Through this creative process, I realized that advocacy doesn’t have to be confined to seminars and speeches — it can live in reels, posts, and stories too. My time at MOHAN Foundation taught me that meaningful change is built through collaboration, compassion, and communication. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow alongside such a dedicated team. As I move forward, I hope to continue using what I’ve learned here to champion organ donation — and maybe even inspire others to do the same.