International Student Internship: Experiential Learning with Smart Village Movement

Roshan Gurjar from Westminster School, London at Salesforce Trailblazer Lab

At Smart Village Movement (SVM), we believe in fostering real-world learning experiences for young minds passionate about technology, sustainability, and social impact.  Roshan Gurjar, an Honorary Scholar at Westminster School, London, immersed himself in an experiential learning journey with SVM with a ground visit to our project sites in Meghalaya. He gained firsthand insights into innovative healthcare, education, and environmental solutions in rural India. Inspired by the depth of impact these programs create, Roshan has been a Young Brand Ambassador in the UK for Smart Village Movement and successfully spread awareness raised funds to help contribute for an SVM agriculture project.  

Roshan Gurjar At Gramin Healthcare Center, War War, Meghalaya

During his internship, Roshan has explored Gramin Clinics in War-War village, where he is witnessing how rural healthcare is being revolutionized with telemedicine and drone-based medicine delivery—the first of its kind in Asia. These clinics, staffed by trained healthcare providers, are providing accessible medical care to underserved communities. “The dedication of these frontline workers in improving lives with simple yet effective healthcare interventions is truly inspiring,” Roshan shares. With 21 such clinics operational, SVM’s telehealth model is ensuring rural populations are receiving timely and efficient medical support.

At Apollo Telehealth Clinic

He visited the Apollo Telehealth Clinic, a crucial component of the region’s healthcare infrastructure. Here, he observed instant diagnostic services, video consultations with doctors, and on-site prescription dispensing—eliminating long and costly trips to distant hospitals. With over 20 patients being served daily, Roshan marvelled at how technology is bridging the healthcare gap in rural India.

At Salesforce Trailblazer Lab Library

Self-Learning & Youth Empowerment

Beyond healthcare, Roshan is delving into the innovative education model at Sohrarim Lab Community Centre (Sohrarim Nook). Designed to foster self-learning and digital literacy, this center is providing youth with hands-on access to 3D printing, computing, sewing, and carpentry skills. He interacted with young learners who are building career-ready skills and met with an aspiring carpenter who is transforming raw materials into finely crafted furniture. “The drive and creativity here are remarkable. These students are shaping their own futures with the resources provided,” he notes.

By equipping youth with practical skills and entrepreneurial mindsets, SVM’s education initiatives are ensuring long-term, sustainable development.

Addressing Environment Challenges

Roshan actively engaged in learning about SVM’s Umiam Lake Cleaning Project, tackling one of Meghalaya’s pressing environmental challenges—plastic pollution and waste accumulation. Umiam Lake, a vital water body, is suffering from rising pollution, particularly during monsoons. He observed solar-powered robotic lake cleaning boats, which are removing up to 500kg of waste, along with floating bamboo barriers and decentralized waste incinerators that are protecting local fishing communities and extending the dam’s lifespan.

With India producing over 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, Roshan is seeing firsthand how SVM’s sustainable waste management efforts are aligning with national ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. “Seeing technology and local solutions work together to tackle such a massive issue is eye-opening,” he reflects.

Roshan’s internship with Smart Village Movement is deepening his understanding of technology-driven rural transformation. He is continuing to explore solutions to enhance SVM’s impact, particularly in mitigating challenges during the monsoon season, such as improving drone deliveries in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, he is exploring ways to start a project to provide online English language tutoring to middle and high-school students in rural India along with his friends from the UK, aiming to empower local youth with language skills for broader opportunities.

At Smart Village Movement, we are committing to driving innovative solutions for sustainable development. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of impact!

Apply for an International Internship with SVM

Internship applications are to be sent to careers@smartvillagemovement.org. All applicants will go through a selection process and will receive a certification upon successful completion of orientation,  and contribution of a capstone project that aids rural development.