Safecity Emerging Leader: Viraj

Safecity is celebrating the journey of people who have emerged as leaders as our campaigns progressed in their communities through our blog series “Safecity Emerging Leaders“. Read the inspiring stories of these individuals who are passionate about making their neighbourhoods safer with Safecity and have taken action in their own special ways.

Viraj Singh interns at Safecity as a graphic designer. He is currently pursuing his second year in B.Tech under Information Technology from ABES Engineering college, Ghaziabad. His interests include reading novels, painting, and programming. He seeks enthusiasm in discovering scientific activities and its affect over environment and social world. His strengths are his patience, perseverance, friendly nature. His idol is Mark Zuckerberg and his favourite saying is “Sweet are the uses of adversity”.

Safecity Emerging Leader: Viraj

I’m an Engineering student. I have been living in a hostel in Mumbai since I moved into the city two years ago. I’ve always felt the urge to  contribute to society in some way if I ever got the opportunity so I’ve always been on the lookout for it.

A few months ago that opportunity arrived when I applied for an internship at Safecity and was then inducted as a Graphic Designer. My internship involves creating posters and banners to promote and further Safecity’s aim and vision in creative ways. Prior to joining Safecity, I only knew a little about it through the internet. Through my work and the posters that I designed I learned about how Safecity spreads awareness, organises campaigns, activities and interventions. I’ve never felt burdened or stressed about the internship as the team has always been supportive and helpful. Further, the idea of designing posters for a change always inspired me.

I remember being asked to design a poster in which I had complete freedom to be creative, both in the design and copy. I had to think of something that would portray the patriarchal society and try to showcase the importance of uplifting women in society. Though making posters seems overwhelming at times I have always been driven by the organization’s goal to fight against gender-based violence and to strive for gender equality. I like to call myself a creative feminist while designing posters. There are very few individuals who stand against the wrong that is happening in society. I feel proud to be part of an organization which is inspiring me to think differently.

Safecity’s team and volunteers are extremely supportive and they’ve always encouraged me at every instance. Without them I would have never reached this stage. Though I’ve never met them (I’m connected to them via e-mails and messages), I’m treated like a family member. Yes, this whole internship has made me a member of a family whose members are hard working and perseverant to bring about a change.

If one had to ask me what I’ve gained through this internship, I can proudly say that I’ve gained better perspective and have had the chance to interact with perhaps the best activists I’ve seen so far in my life. The term of my internship is almost over but I will always be connected to Safecity.

I would like to say that it has been a wonderful experience till now. As an intern at Safecity I have learned a multitude of things. My graphic designing skills have been honed and I have also learned to manage my time more efficiently. Apart from these, I would like to add that Safecity is doing a great job by fighting for gender equality and I feel honoured to be a part of such an organisation. At the end of my term I can say that my talents and efforts have played a part in changing the way our society thinks and I’ve gained a perspective which is discrimination-free!