The National Service Scheme is one of the most prominent initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to promote social service and community involvement in the midst of students. The main purpose of setting up NSS was to inspire the sense of volunteerism, and it has evolved over the years into a platform where the youths can make potent contributions to society. NSS Day falls every year on September 24, marking the establishment of this noble initiative.
History of NSS
The National Service Scheme was instituted on 24th September 1969 during the Gandhi Centenary year, by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The scheme was introduced so that students of the universities, technical institutions, and other educational institutions could orient them towards community service. The main activity was exposing youth to social welfare activities and thereby instilling in them a sense of social and civic responsibility.
The starting of NSS in the small numbers of colleges and universities gained momentum soon, spreading all across the nation. Emphasis on pressing social issues, such as education, health, and rural development provided a basis for the present full-fledged programmes undertaken. This initiative has grown, and with changing needs of society, it encourages students to be active participants in making their community a better place.
Significance of NSS
The significance of NSS is that it assimilates youth with the problems of society. While a child participates in community service, he or she gets a firsthand experience of problems which unprivileged groups face. This helps evoke feelings of sympathy and social awareness along with a sense of social responsibility—a prerequisite for responsible citizenship.
NSS has an important role to play in many vital sectors:
Character Building:
NSS provides quintessential learning in the form of life skills like leadership, teamwork, and discipline. That is valuable not only within a workplace but also with personal development.
Skill Gaining:
Through various projects, participants gain practical skills enhancing employability. Be it project management, communication, or technical skill, the rich experience of NSS is an immense learning process.
National Integration:
The body of NSS students integrates various sections of students. Efforts towards such common objectives forge a sense of belongingness and national integration towards a balanced society.
Social Awareness:
Volunteers interact with social causes, which leads to greater realization of the real time situation of the socially weak. Such self-realization gives a pledge of life-long commitment by a volunteer towards a better social order.
Objective of NSS
The main objective behind NSS is to induce the students to engage themselves in community service along with developing them multifariously. The purpose of the scheme is as under:
Developing Responsibility:
It helps in building a feeling of responsibility among the youth, which infuses them with active contribution towards society.
Platform for Engagement:
This program offers an organized platform for social welfare activities whereby students can make a real difference.
Foster Volunteerism:
The NSS helps to give birth to a spirit of social philanthropy and humility, encouraging students to think of others before themselves.
Empower Communities:
In the course of community service, students help other needy people but empower themselves in the process as potential change-makers.
Motto of NSS
The motto of the National Service Scheme is “Not Me But You.” Its meaning is selflessness, which helps one to consider the need for others more than himself. Inculcating this motto into a volunteer, the work should be done together and in a spirit of collective service.
Initiation and Growth
The then Education Minister of India, Dr. G. R. Reddy, played the critical role in launching NSS. The first unit was opened in the University of Delhi. It paved the way for colleges and universities all over.
Activities and Projects
The NSS volunteers take up a host of valued activities, which add significant impact to the concerned communities.
Health Camps:
It holds medical check-ups and health awareness programs in rural and otherwise deprived areas.
Educational Initiatives:
Tutorial is given to slum children and villagers, making them literate so that the power is handed to the hands of the future.
Environmental Conservation:
Tree plantation campaigns and clean-up drives are organized and induction made for sustainability.
Rural Development:
Projects undertaken for the upgradation of rural areas through skill developments, resources management, and upgradation of infrastructure.
Conclusion
NSS Day is a celebration of the spirit of volunteerism and community service among India’s youth.
