ProjectCHAKRA Internship
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
- Mahatma Gandhi
ProjectCHAKRA is inspired by and believes in a simple, yet powerful thought:
That the world we will live in tomorrow will be shaped by the young people of today, their values, their belief systems and their outlooks.
ProjectCHAKRA began with the aspiration to create and open opportunities for young people to deepen their understanding of who they are, realise their potential and deepen the impact they have on the world.
We are delighted that you are here, exploring the opportunities presented to you and that you are considering applying for our ProjectCHAKRA Internship programme in India.
The world is changing rapidly, with many complex challenges. Academic qualification and traditional work experience doesn't feel as valuable as it used to, especially now with the influence of AI.
The ProjectCHAKRA Internship is for those that seek to be pushed out of their comfort zone, broaden their exposure, prioritise entrepreneurial skill and personal development and for those that want to apply their skills to make a positive impact on the world.
I’m sure you’ve already watched the video above, but to reiterate - this is not a normal 9-5 internship in a fancy office. This will be an intense, challenging, inspiring and invigorating journey full of personal growth.
This internship is bespoke and not for one particular type of person:
We have a long and deep relationship with Manav Sadhna, an NGO based in Ahmedabad, which has been serving underprivileged communities for over 30 years.
They serve in a range of areas and therefore we will work with successful applicants to design a social impact project that aligns with your interests and the current needs on the ground. This could range from livelihoods and health projects to sport and dance development projects.
If you choose to be in India for at least 8 weeks, then you will also be placed with a startup or company in Ahmedabad for at least 2 weeks to broaden your perspective and provide a more holistic experience.
ProjectCHAKRA will support you pre-departure through orientation activities, throughout your time in India and support your ongoing journey post the formal internship.
Location
Ahmedabad, India (a UNESCO World Heritage City)
You will stay in volunteer accommodation provided by Manav Sadhna.
Duration
6-10 weeks (minimum 6 weeks)
Start Date
From the end of June 2026 onwards (dates are flexible)
Fully Funded
All expenses covered including flights
If this opportunity excites you, here's how to apply:
Shape your own application
Email internship@projectchakra.net
- In the subject line write your first and last name only
- In the email body, figure out what will grab our attention - we'll get back to you if it does:)
Equal opportunities form
This is voluntary, but we would really appreciate it if you could fill in this equal opportunities form as we aim to make participation as accessible and inclusive as possible (1 min to complete)
Complete FormApplications close on 10th January 2026
Intern Stories
Hear from past interns about their transformative experiences
Ben, 2025
Sophie, 2025
Sean, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
- Email internship@projectchakra.net with your first and last name as the subject title only.
In the email body you can figure out what will grab our attention - we’ll get back to you if it does:)
- This is voluntary, but we would also really appreciate it if you could fill in this equal opportunities form as we aim to make participation as accessible and inclusive as possible : Fill From
Can I support or sponsor the internships?
- Yes, absolutely. We would welcome any donation, sponsorship and any other in kind support you can offer, whether you are an individual or part of acompany /organisation.
- Please email internship@projectchakra.net addressed to Anand or Dharmesh to get in touch.
What is the basic criteria for participation?
- You are aged between 19 and 24
- You must be eligible to get a visa to enter India
- You have a good proficiency in English language
Is this a paid internship?
- This internship is fully funded and all your expenses will be covered, including flights. You will not be earning a salary through this internship.
How long is the internship?
- 6-10 weeks. A minimum of 6 weeks.
When will the internship take place?
- Any time from the end of June 2026 onwards. We will work with you to find the best dates. This means interns may not all be in India over exactly the same time period, but overlap is expected. All interns will be treated as a cohort, where you will all be supporting each other throughout the process.
Where will I stay?
- You will be staying in volunteer accommodation provided by our local NGOpartner, Manav Sadhna.
Who are Manav Sadhna?
Manav Sadhna (MS) is an NGO based formerly in Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad, India, which has been serving underprivileged communities for over 30 years through programmes in holistic education, nutrition, health and hygiene,community building, livelihoods, sports, creative arts, compassion in action and disaster relief.
MS have developed a Community Centre model to create spaces to strengthen marginalised populations through a spectrum of programmes that offer the individual and the community a means to break the cycle of poverty, progress and transform their situation. Currently, MS operates seven Community Centres in various communities across Ahmedabad. Each centre runs programmes based on the needs of that community. MS serves over 14,000 beneficiaries daily.
Hundreds of volunteers from around the world serve at MS every year. The volunteer experience at MS is as much about the inner journey as it is the service journey. They believe that every small action done with love gradually leads to meaningful change and transformation - around us and within us.
Find out more here: www.manavsadhna.org
What type of projects are available to work on?
A range of entrepreneurial projects are possible. We will work with you to match your interests with current needs. Project areas include:
• Livelihoods projects
• Health and hygiene
• Nutrition
• Children's education
• Skill development / career support programmes
• Music, dance, and other creative arts
• Sport for development
• Women's empowerment
• Sustainability / waste management
• Architecture
If your internship is at least 8 weeks, then you will also have the option of being placed with a startup or company in Ahmedabad for at least 2 weeks.
Do I need to be a student to apply?
- No. You do not need to be at university or a graduate to apply for this internship. Good academic grades are also not a requirement. We are simply looking for highly curious and motivated young people.
What this is NOT?
- A holiday.
- ‘Poverty’ tourism - the process will require you to build empathy and relationships with diverse stakeholders, working alongside communities.
- If you think you’re going to change the world during this internship, you’re not. We do believe your efforts can make a positive contribution in the spaces you will be working in, but equally likely, you’ll be learning and gaining far more from these communities rather than the other way around.