From the classroom bench to the work desk

Posted By CMCA on 6 Apr 2023

Q&A with Shalini Kadirvel, CMCA Club alumna currently interning with CMCA

---

Why don’t you start by introducing yourself?

My name is Shalini and I’m a final-year B.Tech student at M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. I used to be a CMCA Club member when I was in 7th standard and now, I’m working as an intern with CMCA.

 

What’s your fondest memory associated with CMCA?

I still remember the CMCA Club sessions at the Mirambika School for New Age vividly, especially because they were the last period of the day. It was such a peaceful way to end the day! 

Apart from this, CMCA motivated me to take the initiative to call the electricity supply company helpline a day my locality was affected by a power cut. For that, I was awarded a badge and a certificate during the school assembly. Being recognised for my action motivated me to do more. 

 

Did CMCA influence you to spark change beyond your school years?

Last Diwali I went out shopping and, on my way back, I noticed a group of Pourakarmikas (government sanitation workers) near a milk shop a few hundred metres from my house. Instead of being home celebrating the festival, they were out doing their duties. So, I decided to show my appreciation and gratitude by gifting them a box of sweets, wishing them a happy Diwali. I believe this act was influenced by the teachings instilled in me by CMCA.

 

Did CMCA inspire you to change your view on certain aspects of life?

If it were not for CMCA, I would have been a different person. Now, I don’t stay silent when I see irresponsible civic behaviour. 

CMCA also taught me to care for the environment and the importance to turn waste into something useful. For example, it was during my CMCA Club years that I started using coconut shells as planters, a practice I still follow today.

 

Now you’re an intern with us. How’s your experience been?

I am happy that I have joined CMCA as an intern. It’s been interesting to learn what goes on beyond the programmes and how much preparation work is there behind every class and the process behind it. It was also interesting to have the opportunity to read through the feedback forms written by students at the end of the programme and understand how they feel about CMCA.