I didn't think it was possible, but after the first two days of orientation I'm even more excited for the next six weeks at CCS! On Friday we met our mentors/advisors, Rohan and Meril, and got an introduction to some of the current CCS research topics and the different departments within CCS. It was great to finally meet the other interns and to learn more about the work CCS does.
On Saturday we came back in for a second day of orientation. The morning session included an overview of what exactly a think tank does and how they operate. It was really interesting to see how CCS developed as a think tank, and how is seeks to improve existing models to be more impactful in their target areas. Think tanks, in general, are organizations or groups that do research on a specific issue and propose solutions. When it comes to political or policy-oriented think tanks, they research social issues and look for ways of improving them. Rather than direct action, which most NGOs focus on, think tanks aim to address the root of the issue and create social change via public policy.
Later in the afternoon we got our research topics. I had been hoping to study early childhood education and nutrition, but this was not possible given available staff interest and research mentors. But, I will be studying food still—just in a different venue. My topic is "The Rise of Cause Driven Cafes in Delhi". I'm still working out the exact definitions of cause-driven, especially as it relates to Delhi and/or India, but think of Toms Shoes in cafe form for a generic idea. It will be a very different topic than I was expecting to research, but after talking with my mentor (Rohan, who is actually the Research Director of the Internship program this year) I'm pretty excited about it! It will give me a different perspective on food security in Delhi, and I'll be able to investigate how movements like this arise in India and their potential impacts, both positive and negative, on Indian life. So, I'm really eager to delve into my topic further tomorrow—the busier I am, the less time I have to spend lamenting the fact that Netlix hasn't come to India yet. So, bring on the work and let the fun begin!
On Saturday we came back in for a second day of orientation. The morning session included an overview of what exactly a think tank does and how they operate. It was really interesting to see how CCS developed as a think tank, and how is seeks to improve existing models to be more impactful in their target areas. Think tanks, in general, are organizations or groups that do research on a specific issue and propose solutions. When it comes to political or policy-oriented think tanks, they research social issues and look for ways of improving them. Rather than direct action, which most NGOs focus on, think tanks aim to address the root of the issue and create social change via public policy.
Later in the afternoon we got our research topics. I had been hoping to study early childhood education and nutrition, but this was not possible given available staff interest and research mentors. But, I will be studying food still—just in a different venue. My topic is "The Rise of Cause Driven Cafes in Delhi". I'm still working out the exact definitions of cause-driven, especially as it relates to Delhi and/or India, but think of Toms Shoes in cafe form for a generic idea. It will be a very different topic than I was expecting to research, but after talking with my mentor (Rohan, who is actually the Research Director of the Internship program this year) I'm pretty excited about it! It will give me a different perspective on food security in Delhi, and I'll be able to investigate how movements like this arise in India and their potential impacts, both positive and negative, on Indian life. So, I'm really eager to delve into my topic further tomorrow—the busier I am, the less time I have to spend lamenting the fact that Netlix hasn't come to India yet. So, bring on the work and let the fun begin!