Who we are

History

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Government sponsored programme that falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Jawaharlal Nehru, as the first Prime Minister of post-independent India, played a very important role in introducing NSS in academic institutions. NSS was launched in Mahatma Gandhi's Birth Centenary Year 1969, in 37 Universities involving 40,000 students.

Mahatma Gandhi always insisted on the idea that students and youth should be involved in the nation building process and service to the nation. He suggested that instead of undertaking academic research about economic and social disability, students should do "something positive so that the life of the villagers might be raised to a higher material and moral level". Gandhiji insisted that the first duty of the students should be, not to treat their period of study as one of the opportunities for indulgence in intellectual luxury, but for preparing themselves for final dedication in the service of those who provided the sinews of the nation with the national goods & services so essential to society.

Therefore, fostering social responsibility, inculcating dedication, commitment to solving social problems and developing personality through community service are the main aims of NSS. Today NSS has grown into one of the biggest social service institutions and youth movements in the world with more than 33 lakh dedicated volunteers all over the country.

The Motto

The motto or watchword of the National Service Scheme is: "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 to show consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society as a whole. Therefore, it should be the aim of NSS to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day programme.

NSS Symbol

The symbol of National Service Scheme is based on the "Rath" wheel of the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha. These giant wheels of the Sun Temple portray the cycle of creation, preservation and release, and signify the movement in life across time and space. The design of the symbol - a simplified form of the Sun-chariot wheel - primarily depicts movement. The wheel signifies the progressive cycle of life. It stands for continuity as well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social transformation and upliftment.

NSS Badge

The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge. NSS volunteers wear it while undertaking any programme of community service. The Konark wheel in the symbol has eight bars which represent the 24 hours of the day. Hence, the badge reminds the wearer to be in readiness for service of the nation round the clock - i.e. for 24 hours. The red colour in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood, i.e. lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit. The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of humankind.

NSS Day

NSS was formally launched on 24th September, 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Therefore, 24th September is celebrated every year as NSS Day with appropriate programmes and activities.

NSS Song

During the Silver Jubilee Year 1994, the NSS theme song was composed. All NSS volunteers are expected to learn the theme song, which is given to them, and sing the song during NSS programmes and celebrations. Listen to the song

University Level Advisory Committee

The NSS Advisory Committee at University Level is the apex body as far as implementation of NSS at University Level is concerned. The Programme Coordinator approaches the University Advisory Committee for approval of the NSS budget covering NSS activities and establishment expenditure on the NSS cell, and also the programme activities to be undertaken during the year.

Programme Coordinator

The Programme Coordinator is the key functionary as far as NSS is concerned. A dedicated and devoted Programme Coordinator can plan, execute and evaluate NSS activities in proper perspective. The Programme Coordinator, who is a senior teaching faculty member, executes all administrative and policy directives of the government and the decisions of the State Advisory Committee and University Advisory Committee. The NSS programme is prepared in light of the guidelines issued by the Government of India.

NSS Liaison Officer

The NSS Liaison Officer acts as a bridge between the NSS cell and the community. They facilitate communication and coordination between the university and the local community, ensuring that NSS activities are aligned with the needs of the people.An NSS Liaison Officer serves as the key coordinator between the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit and the institution's administration. They facilitate communication, ensure smooth execution of NSS activities, and support volunteers in planning and conducting community service programs. The officer monitors project progress, maintains records, and ensures compliance with NSS guidelines. They also promote social responsibility, leadership, and community engagement among students through various outreach initiatives.

Programme Officer

The Programme Officer, a member of the teaching faculty, provides necessary leadership to the youth/NSS students. The teacher/NSS Programme Officer has professional knowledge and skills, and is expected to be a role model of the values and the norms of the institution and the society as a whole. He/she provides necessary guidance to the students in developing their personality through community service. In fact, the Programme Officer is a friend, philosopher and guide to the students in achieving this goal.

NSS Volunteer

The NSS volunteer - a student enrolled in the university - is the main beneficiary of the programme by way of development of his/her perception about the community, his/her skill to perform certain jobs, the qualities of a leader, organiser and administrator, and the development of his/her personality as a whole. Through NSS, he/she gets opportunities to see the community closely and thus gets an experience of human nature in relation to his/her environment. This is how the NSS programme aims to make NSS student youth better citizens through "Development of their personality through Community Service".

Community

The community provides the NSS volunteer first-hand knowledge of the living conditions of the masses, and thus the process of mutual learning starts. The interaction of the community with students and teachers, on one hand enriches the personality of student volunteers, and on the other hand helps the community to improve its living conditions.