Faith

When you give people a share of responsibility in shaping their lives you increase their self-confidence, without which they are nothing. When they have faith in themselves, they are prepared to take on even the most difficult problems and solve them. And in order to generate that faith we must first demonstrate that we have faith in the ability of the people to undertake nation-building activities. Faith begets faith and democracy can grow only when the people, particularly those who belong to the lowest strata of society, accept it fully.

Brief History

Ever since independence there has been growing awareness of the desirability of involving students in national service. The First Education Commission (1950) recommended the introduction of national service by students on a voluntary basis. Subsequently, a committee under Dr. C. D. Deshmukh and recommendations by Prof. K. G. Saiyidain and Dr. D. S. Kothari reinforced the need for voluntary youth service.

In April 1967, the Conference of State Education Ministers recommended that university students could join the National Cadet Corps (NCC) or an alternative programme called the National Service Scheme (NSS). The Ministry of Education introduced the National Service Scheme during 1969-70, coinciding with the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Emblem & Badge

The Emblem: The symbol of the National Service Scheme is based on the 'Rath' wheel of the Konark Sun Temple of Odisha. These giant wheels portray the cycle of creation, preservation, and release, signifying continuous movement across time and space.

The Badge: The NSS Symbol is embossed on the NSS Badge worn by volunteers. The 24 wheels of Konark Sun Temple each contain 8 bars representing the 8 pahars of a day, reminding the volunteer to be in readiness for nation-building 24/7. The Navy Blue color indicates the cosmos of which NSS is a tiny part contributing to human welfare.

Objectives

• To work with and among people in community settings.
• To engage in creative and constructive social action.
• To enhance knowledge of oneself and the community.
• To put scholarship to practical use in solving community problems.
• To gain skill in democratic leadership and self-employment.
• To promote the will to serve the weaker sections of society.

Volunteer Requirements & Evaluation

NSS volunteers complete at least 120 hours of community work per year (240 hours over 2 years). Pre-placement orientation includes:

Evaluation Pattern (100 Marks)

Duties & Code of Conduct

• Establish rapport with people in the project area and identify community needs.
• Plan and execute constructive social work under the guidance of Programme Officers.
• Scrupulously avoid entering into controversial issues.
• Maintain day-to-day work records systematically in the NSS diary.
• Obligatory to wear the official NSS Badge while on community service duty.

NSS Units & Programme Officers

National & State Level Participations

Appreciation & Awards

Photo Gallery