Suhail Y. ILR'23, Project with Vivekananda Institute of Leadership and Development

My name is Suhail, I’m a junior in ILR. This past summer I was an intern at the Vivekananda Institute of Leadership and Development, the for-profit arm of SVYM. SVYM is one of the largest non-profit organizations in Southern India, whose initiatives affect over 2 million rural Indians at the grassroots level. I was a Product and market research intern at V-LEAD. As an intern, my responsibilities included creating an updated product Manuel (detailing the firm’s initiatives and future) and a product portfolio. In order to do this, I conducted a feature, advantages, and benefit analysis in a product t matrix to analyze the effectiveness of select products for future offerings. In addition, I worked alongside the director of the firm, Ramesh Venkataraman, focusing on 2 of the 4 sectors V-LEAD operates in: NGO/ Civil Society Organizations and MSME (startups/ social impact sector). After conducting research and targeting two problems, I worked on designing two new products as well as their respective go-to-market strategies. The products included a virtual course offering targeting individuals interested in the growing social impact or startup sector in India. Participants would be able to attend seminars and receive one on one attention with experienced individuals to guide them throughout the industry. In addition, there would be networking opportunities as part of the product offering. The second product I worked on was an internship program aimed at mitigating opportunity gaps faced by rural students in their career pursuits. Essentially, they would participate in a 12-week internship program that would develop soft skills and further cultivate their technical skills, making them more exposed to professional experiences and open more opportunities for future employment. While working under Mr. Venkataraman, I was given the freedom to explore different outlets and had a very creative ideation process for the products I helped design. Slides for my final project presentation.

Kassidy s. ILR'24 Project with Viveka Rural Livelihood Centre, Kenchanahalli

 

Last summer, I had the exciting opportunity to participate in the ILR India Global Service Learning Program. I was guided by my mentors, Dr. Dennis and Mr. Ramprasad, in developing a marketing flipbook and standard operating procedures for the Viveka Rural Livelihood Centre, Kenchanahalli. The flipbook included key information to be used in motivating indigenous individuals to take part in VRLC's programs, and featured alumni testimonials and pictures of past participants. The flipbook included courses such as the Fashion Design program, Fisheries education, and a Beautician course. Throughout the process of creating the flipbook, I was inspired by the stories of how VRLC's courses had empowered students in their personal and career goals. The standard operating procedures were to help outline pandemic recovery, how motivation practices should empower women and youth, and job design to most efficiently allocate tasks within the Centre. The standard operating procedures were the most difficult task, but Mr. Ramprasad was always willing to help throughout the process. I began with conducting a literature review of SOPs from similar organizations and compiled the research. Mr. Ramprasad helped me identify areas of the SOPs that had to be specifically tailored to the indigenous populations that VRLC interacts with.

Final Presentation slides on SOPs & Discoveries

Starting at our very first meeting, my mentors were incredibly kind and offered to assist with any questions I had regarding my projects. My mentors made the process very collaborative; in preparation for our meetings, I would compile suggestions for possible flipbook designs, recommendations for recruiting VRLC volunteers, etc., but I knew that my knowledge alone was not adequate enough to best serve SVYM. The pre-departure course preceding the program emphasized that participants should not act as experts, and always ask questions rather than treating our own ideas as superior. For example, VRLC works primarily with the Jenu Kuruba tribe, and I have not met members of this community nor extensively studied the tribe as my mentors have. I learned to not make assumptions about the tribe's needs or how I thought my projects might affect the tribe. I always made sure to ask my mentors if my ideas could realistically be implemented, and if not, what adjustments should be made. One part of the standard operating procedures was to include policy on how to best encourage women and youth to attend VRLC's courses. Because of the difference in perceptions of gender in India, I could not default to my own views, and my mentors gave me all the information needed to compile best practices for VRLC. Synthesizing my work with my mentors' experience made for a challenging and rewarding experience.

 SVYM coordinated several guest lectures throughout the program; some of my favorite topics were the health care system in India and labor law. I enjoyed being able to learn about topics that I'm passionate about in a different cultural context. I also found the discussions I had with my peers about our experiences to be incredibly valuable. As a cohort, we supported each other while learning about the diverse projects we were each developing. While the program was virtual, SVYM nevertheless did an excellent job of creating an enriching environment. From the start of the program to the final presentations, I learned invaluable skills about collaboration and working with cultures different from my own. I am grateful for the experience I had working with my mentors and Dr. Rekha and Mr. Sudarshan of SVYM, and for their assistance throughout the process.

 

Lisa '23: JeevaRaksha Conference Summary

     On June 5, I attended the JeevaRaksha Conference that was taking place on June 6 in India. The conference featured a variety of presentations given by incredibly talented and well-educated doctors. I attended the first Stream synchronously from 9:45pm-midnight. The first presentation consisted of an update on CPR and resuscitation guidelines. Despite having taken a CPR/BLS class earlier this year, there were certain updates that I wasn’t even aware of. The next presentations discussed how education and simulation training have adapted because of COVID. It was incredible the amount of research and thought that has been put into ensuring that students still receive a holistic education and are consistently engaged. The final presentation I attended synchronously was about resilience in rural India. I found this particularly interesting because I had little previous knowledge on the topic and therefore learned a lot.

I was fortunate that the entire conference was being recorded and live streamed to YouTube, this allowed me to go back and finish watching the rest of the conference on my own time. This solved the issue of having to mitigate the different time zones. Overall, it was such an honor being able to attend this conference. As highlighted within the conference, one benefit to the pandemic has been to availability and increase of educational opportunities to demographics and audiences that normally wouldn’t have access to such opportunities. I am very thankful for Dr. Rekha for alerting me of this conference and helping provide me with the links to access it.

Meet the 2021 India GSL Team!

 Miranda I., GH '22

Hi everyone! My name is Miranda and I’m from Hamden, Connecticut. I am currently a junior in Cornell’s College of Human Ecology where I am majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences and minoring in Business. When I’m home, I love spending time with my friends and family, which usually includes overeating New Haven pizza! In high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in healthcare but was not certain of my exact course. As soon as I began my public health studies at Cornell, my love for global health, nutrition, and specifically maternal and child health grew immensely.

On campus, I spend most of my time practicing and playing with my team, as I am the goalkeeper on the Cornell Varsity Soccer Team. When not on the field or in the gym, I am a member of the Big Red Leadership Institute and am also employed by the Friedman Strength and Conditioning Center. In my free time, I enjoy reading, going on hikes, and playing board games or watching movies with my roommates!

I became particularly interested in cultural immersion and service learning after reading the book, “Monique and the Mango Rains”, which tells the story of a peace corps volunteer who spends two years with a midwife in Mali. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to be involved in a hands-on global health project where my actions would directly impact people and better their health. I am so excited to join the India GSL team and cannot wait to begin working with the amazing people at SVYM!

Lisa L., GH '23

Hello! My name is Lisa, I am a sophomore in CALS majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Neurobiology and Behavior and minoring in Global Health. On campus I am involved with Camp Kesem, Circle K, CUEMS, and research in the PAC Lab. I enjoy playing soccer, skiing, hanging with friends and family, walking my dog, as well as reading and traveling.

I am honored and excited to participate in the India GSL program working with SVYM. I can’t wait to broaden my worldview, experience new cultures, and learn more about healthcare. I look forward to using the experience and knowledge I will gain from this opportunity to further my career and interests in the future.

Patrick M., ILR '22

Hello! My name is Patrick, from Yonkers, New York, and I am sophomore in the School of Industrial Labor Relations. I am minoring in Leadership and Law & Society, as well as a candidate for the ILR Global Scholars Program. Academically, I love to study and practice alternative dispute resolution (ADR), especially in taking classes at the graduate and law level to mediate cases for the judicial administrator. My ADR work amplifies my efforts to increase awareness and usage of ADR at colleges and universities, specifically through my research and tenure as the President and Director of Education of the Scheinman Conflict Resolution Club at the ILR School.

Outside of the classroom, I am very passionate about civic engagement, especially youth voting. As Cornell Votes' founding President and the Cornell Student Assembly's Director of Elections, I work to increase student voting at all levels of government from a nonpartisan perspective: from the president of the United States down to everyone's individual college representative in the Student Assembly. During the summer, I work for my county legislator and state senator completing similar work in my home community. I am also heavily involved in the ILR Ambassadors, Cornell Catholic, Club Sports Council, and Cornell Bowling.

I am so excited to expand my global perspectives and positively contribute to SVYM by partaking in the SVYM GSL Program this summer. After spending time in Ecuador, Vietnam (virtually), and Europe, I hope to utilize my cross-cultural skills to benefit SVYM and the local communities within India.

Jules N. GH '22

My name is Mugabo Jules and I go by Jules. My pronouns are he/him/his and I am a junior in CALS majoring in Global and public health sciences with a pre-med focus and a minor in education (I am also trying to minor in French). I am originally from the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, a country in central Africa, and came to the United States as a refugee in 2015. Now, I permanently reside in Syracuse, New York. My aspirations are to become a physician and I hope that my minors will allow me to be able to effectively practice medicine abroad and educate population about community health, OneHealth and social determinants of health. I am interested in global partnership because I like to experience different cultures and enrich my mind with all kinds of knowledge (and my body with all kinds of foods). On Campus, I am volunteer a lot, I teach an undergraduate level biology laboratory and I am involved in Christian organizations and music clubs. In my free time, I like to crochet, do research and play piano and guitar.

Brian P., ILR '23

Hi there! My name’s Brian, and I’m a rising junior from Los Altos, California. I’m enrolled in the ILR school, and am pursuing a minor in business. As someone with a disability myself, I’m interested in entering the field of disability law. On campus, I’m involved as the vice president of the Cornell Kendo Club and am part of the Cornell Fencing Club. In my spare time, I tutor elementary school students in various subjects in California via Zoom. I also enjoy fencing, reading, and board games. I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Global Service Learning Program, and to be working with SVYM. Although I know things will be somewhat different this year, I hope that I’ll walk away from the experience as a changed and improved version of myself.

Stacy R., ILR '24

Hi! My name is Stacy, and I am a freshman at the ILR School studying Industrial and Labors with intended concentrations in Law and Society and Human Resources. I am involved in Black Entrepreneurs in Training, The Women’s Network, and Cornell’s Diversity and Inclusion Board Advisory Council. Throughout the course of my undergraduate career, I plan on participating in organizations that seek to improve the welfare of minorities and low-income individuals to achieve my long-term goal of legally advocating for the rights of marginalized groups. This amazing opportunity will allow me to pursue my passion for helping others and strengthen the skills needed to do so on a global scale.

Jorge R., GH '23

Hi, my name is Jorge and I am a sophomore from Miami Florida. I am a Global Public Health Sciences major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. My scientific interests include modern biomedical implant research, diseases, and how they inevitably spread. After I graduate, I hope to work at the CDC so I can be at the frontline to prevent another Pandemic like COVID-19. If you see me on campus, you would probably catch me volunteering as a COVID-19 peer ambassador, giving out personal protective equipment. I have been very passionate about science since I was young and am glad that Cornell lets me express that more about myself. In my free time I enjoy watching plus critiquing film and listening to modern music on vinyl. Traveling to India would be a wonderful chance to learn not only about myself but other cultures. I hope to gain the ability to be more introspective through this global learning opportunity. This would help me understand and tackle a personal goal of mine to set up a new kind of medium that contains trustworthy and reliable sources of scientific knowledge not only for the U.S. but for other countries as well.

Ethan R., ILR '23

Hi everyone! My name is Ethan and I am a sophomore in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR). I am majoring in ILR and am currently pursuing a Law and Society minor. I am from New York City –– the best city in the world! As much as I love my city, I love traveling and exploring other cultures and regions of the world even more. In the past, I have participated in global service learning programs in the Playa del Carmen, Mexico and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic.

This past summer I was lucky enough to have participated in the Cornell High Road Fellowship for the Partnership for Public Good which “took place” in Buffalo (but was actually virtual). There, I was able to intern for Frontline Arts Buffalo (FAB): a grassroots communal coalition comprised of non-profit cultural and arts based organizations. I led the development of a new public relations strategy through the creation of the FAB website and social media outreach.

I hope to use the skills I’ve learned on the “High Road” this summer with Cornell ILR India Global Service Learning Program and our partnership with SVYM! I am excited to learn, grow, and work with the amazing group of mentors and peers at SVYM and with my Cornell cohort!

Shivani S., ILR '24 

Hello! My name is Shivani and I am from Albany, New York. I am a freshman in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations and I am minoring in Policy Analysis and Management. I also hope to minor in Law and Society. After graduation, I am interested in going to law school and becoming a health care policy lawyer.

On campus, I am involved in Nazaqat, Cornell’s Kathak-fusion dance team, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Society for India, and the Cornell Healthcare Review. During my free time, I enjoy reading, playing tennis, and watching Hindi movies.

Both my parents are from India, and I have visited six times, so it is a place that is very close to my heart! I spent most of my visits in Ranchi and Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. I am looking forward to learning more about Karnataka and the culture in southern India.

I am really excited to work with SVYM and use the skills and knowledge I have learned from the ILR School outside of the classroom. I have interned in the public and private sectors locally, so I look forward to this new, global experience. I am also looking forward to becoming a better global citizen and challenging myself through the program!

Kassidy S., ILR '24

Hello! My name is Kassidy, and I’m a rising sophomore in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, pursuing a minor in Law and Society and possibly Information Science. I’m from a small town in Virginia, where my passion for workers’ rights and understanding the effects of corporate agriculture originated. I am so excited to be discovering the ILR School, collaborating with my peers, and becoming involved on campus. I am currently a competitor on the Cornell Speech Team and a member of the Cornell Concert Commission. I am looking forward to working with SVYM and applying my own interests to the needs of others, seeking to both be of service and grow in my communication, listening, and learning skills. My interests are centered in advocating for campaign finance reform, encouraging people in rural areas to increase their civic engagement and voting rights outreach, and public speaking. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I am greatly anticipating working with SVYM.

Addison S. ILR '23

Hi, my name is Addison and I’m a rising junior in the ILR school, as well as a member of the Cornell track and field team. I plan to minor in International Relations and am interested in humanitarian work, alongside sustainable development and economic equality. I hope to start my career outside of the US, and knowing the invaluable experience I would get from the SVYM program, I had to get involved.

My attraction to international work began after reading The Ugly American (1958). It shined a humiliating light on the US diplomatic efforts in a fictional, but based on true events, Vietnam. I found that much of the Americans' difficulties stemmed from their lack of cultural understanding, inability to speak the language, and unfortunately, arrogance. It upset me that a country where I was afforded such an opportunity, was being so poorly represented globally. With the help of SVYM, I hope to establish a more genuine relationship with the people of India, developing my own character and reputation, as well as that of the United States. Just give me some time to work on my Kannada.

Lili S., GH '23

Hello! I am Lili and I am a sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences studying Biology and Nutrition with a minor in Global Health. Home for me is a small town on the Central Coast of California called San Luis Obispo; although, I spent the first 14 years of my life in Melbourne, Australia! Growing up in two very different countries has inspired my love for global health and sparked an eagerness to learn more. I will pursue a career in healthcare, hopefully at the intersection of global health and nutrition. Through my involvement in the Finkelstein Lab in the Cornell Department of Nutritional Sciences I have expanded my understanding of the interplay of global health and nutrition, as that is a focus of their research.

I do my best to be involved in the Ithaca community as local health and global health are so interconnected; I am fortunate to volunteer weekly with the Southern Tier AIDS Program and the Food Bank for the Southern Tier. This involvement, especially at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States, has highlighted the need for focused public health efforts.

I am committed to the motto ‘always remain teachable’ and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to learn more about global health through the Global Service Learning Program and our partnership with SVYM!

Suhail Y., ILR '23

Hi! My name is Suhail, from Syosset, New York. I am currently a sophomore in the School of Industrial Labor Relations. I am a member of Cornell’s Investment Banking Club, CIBC and am interested in finance, fintech, labor movements (domestic and international), and unionism. Outside of an academic setting, I love traveling (pre-covid), photography, movies, working out, watching sports. My favorite sports to watch are Soccer and Basketball. I hope to travel to Barcelona and Malaysia as soon as I can. I have yet to visit campus due to the pandemic and have been studying remotely for the past two semesters. 

 

I became particularly interested in the ILR SVYM India program because I wanted to get a hands-on experience learning about the grassroots movement in India when it comes to labor movements and in general. SVYM offers insight on many great initiatives, and it would be a great opportunity to meet so many different people and gain their perspectives on many different topics. I am originally from Afghanistan and have a deep connection to my culture. I feel like being from a multilingual household has opened my mind to many different opportunities for years, and I am excited to work with SVYM to use the skills that I have gotten from the classroom in ILR to the clubs that I am a part of to help in any way I can!

Ariel Z., ILR '23

Hello! My name is Ariel. I am a sophomore at the ILR School and transferred to Cornell last semester from Binghamton University. Of all my academic interests, I am particularly interested in and dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution. With these passions, I hope to pursue a career in the government or the non-profit sector.

On campus, I am the transfer representative in the ILR Student Government Association. I am also currently interning for the communications and fundraising team at JASA, a non-profit organization that serves over 40,000 elderly New Yorkers. In high school, I interned with the New York City Council's Speaker, Corey Johnson, for about three years. I was also heavily involved in the Non-Profit Seeds of Peace, which brings Israeli and Palestinian teenagers to the U.S to engage in dialogue surrounding the Israeli- Palestinian conflict.

I am super excited to participate in the India GSL program and work on a project with SVYM. The pandemic has created many challenges for human connection, but I am eager to immerse myself in Indian culture, even if it is on Zoom. I look forward to embarking on this (virtual) journey with all of you!

Saara K, GH'22, Manual on Inclusive Sensory-motor Playgrounds

 

            Over the past few weeks this summer, I’ve had the incredible opportunity of working with the Comprehensive Care, Support, and Treatment for People with Disabilities (CCST-PWDs) unit of SVYM to create a user manual for an inclusive sensory-motor playground. My project involved creating a manual detailing the stations of the playground and the types of equipment found in each station. The purpose for the manual is to provide information to anyone who may visit the playground, such as parents, children, supervisors, and staff, about the uses, safety precautions, and benefits of each piece of playground equipment. The manual also has design recommendations for people who will design and construct the playground. Once the playground is completed, the manual will be available on site, and the descriptions for each piece of equipment will be displayed on a sign board by the equipment. The playground will have 6 sections, slides, balances, merry-go rounds, swings, seesaw, sensory corner, and the manual is divided based on these sections. 

            Going into this project I did not have much knowledge about inclusive playgrounds and different types of disabilities. I first needed to familiarize myself with what exactly an inclusive sensory motor playground is and what its benefits are. I conducted background research on inclusive playgrounds and then got to work on designing the layout of the manual on Canva and filling in the content of the manual. My final deliverable is a 45 page document that details the benefits, eligibility, uses, safety precautions, supervision recommendations, and design recommendations specific to each piece of equipment in the playground. I compiled information from many sources to deliver informed advice on what to include in the playground. 

            I’ve learned and grown so much throughout this project. I was able to learn in a way that goes beyond the education I receive in a classroom. I became much more familiar with graphic design and Canva. I also developed my research, writing, time management, and adaptability skills. The lectures and meetings every week have also taught me more about global health issues in India. I widened my perspective on how to approach global health issues. All of these developments furthered my knowledge of global and public health and helped spark a deeper interest in learning more about improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities. I am so appreciative to have had this opportunity to work with SVYM, and the experience I gained from this project will aid me as I continue my journey in global health. 

Shalini GH'22, Resource Booklet Spotlightlighting People With Disabilities

 This summer I had the privilege of working with Cornell’s Global Service Learning Program in Mysore, India and SVYM remotely. I was working through the Comprehensive Care, Support, and Treatment for Persons With Disabilities (CCST-PWD) program, based at Vivekananda Memorial Hospital in Sargur. My project was developing a resource booklet spotlighting various stories of persons with disabilities in mainstream media and positions of recognition worldwide. This booklet is to be printed and provided as a resource at the Rehab Resource Center, for persons with disabilities, their families and friends, and anyone who may be interested in learning more about influential PWDs. This project contributes to the goals of the CCST-PWD program to provide resources and help persons with disabilities become socio-economically independent as well as to raise awareness and inclusion of PWDs in the community and mainstream. Through explanations of each individuals journey and engaging visuals, we can draw many lessons and achievements to strive towards.

This project has been meaningful to me, as I expanded my knowledge about persons with disabilities in India and worldwide, challenges faced, and various accomplishments. I am grateful to my wonderful mentors and SVYM for the opportunity to learn and contribute in a creative way. Although this booklet is not a scientific informational document, it provides important information and awareness that can be brought to the larger community. I realized how many PWDs have accomplished amazing feats, by any standard, although the media coverage and mainstream recognition in India and internationally could be much larger. I am proud to be contributing to this initiative and hope to see it bring joy and inspiration to others.