National Service Scheme
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is an Indian government-sponsored public service program conducted by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India. Popularly known as NSS, the scheme was launched in Gandhiji’s Centenary year, 1969. Aimed at developing student’s personality through community service, NSS is a voluntary association of young people in Colleges, Universities and at +2 level working for a campus-community linkage. The cardinal principle of the NSS programme is that it is organised by the students themselves, and both students and teachers through their combined participation in community service get a sense of involvement in the tasks of nation building.
Motto
“NOT ME, BUT YOU” This reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other person’s point of view and also to show consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society on the whole. Therefore, it should be the aim of the NSS to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day programme
Symbol of NSS
The symbol for the NSS has been based on the giant Rath Wheel of the world famous Konark Sun Temple (The Black Pagoda) situated in Orissa, India. The wheel portrays the cycle of creation, preservation and releases and signifies the movement in life across time and space, the symbol thus stands for continuity as well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social change.The eight bars in the wheel represent the 24 hours of a day. The red colour indicates that the volunteer is full of young blood that is lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit. The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of the mankind.
Aim
The programme aims to inculcate selfless service in students and to provide service to society without bias. NSS volunteers work to ensure that everyone who is needy gets help and lead a life of dignity. In doing so volunteers learn from people in villages how to lead a good life despite a scarcity of resources. It also provides help in natural and man-made disasters by providing food, clothing and first aid to the disaster victims.
Objectives
The broad objectives of NSS are to:
• understand the community in which they work;
• understand themselves in relation to their community;
• identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process;
• develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility;
• utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems;
• develop competence required for group living and sharing of responsibilities;
• gain skills in mobilizing community participation;
• acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude;
• develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters
• practice national integration and social harmony.
KLSD NSS Cell
Our colleges have two volunteer NSS units. Each unit typically comprises 100 students. They are managed internally by NSS in charge appointed by college Principal. Camps are held annually funded by the government of India and are usually located in a rural village or a city suburb. Volunteers may be involved in such activities as:
1. Cleaning
2. Tree plantation
3. Stage shows or a Procession creating awareness of such issues as social problems, education and cleanliness
4. Awareness Rallies
5. Inviting Doctors for health camps
There are no pre-defined or pre-assigned tasks. It is left up to the volunteers to provide service in any way that is feasible. Camp is held for a week although camps for shorter periods may also conducted. The following projects can be undertaken under NSS activities:-
1. Adoption of villages
2. Construction and repair of roads
3. Afforestation
4. Adult Education
5. Water conservation
6. Plastics eradication
7. Eye donation
8. Tree plantation
9. Blood donation
10. Peer group learning
