National Service Scheme (NSS) :

The National Service Scheme (Popularly known as NSS), is an Indian Government-Sponsored Public Service Program conducted by the ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India. This scheme was launched in the year 1969 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhiji's Birth Anniversary. NSS is a voluntary association of young people in Universities and Colleges, working for a Campus-Community Linkage.

NSS aimed at developing student's personality through community service. The cardinal principle of the NSS program is that, it is organized 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.

In a government statement of national policy on education, it was stated that work experience and national service should be an integral part of education. NSS volunteers work to ensure that everyone who is needy gets help to enhance their standard of living 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 :

• To understand the community in which they work;
• To understand themselves in relation to their community;
• To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process;
• To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility;
• To utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems;
• To develop competence required for group living and sharing of responsibilities;
• To gain skills in mobilizing community participation;
• To acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude;
• To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters
• To practice national integration and social harmony.

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 also to show consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimatelydependent on the welfare of society on the whole. Therefore, it should be the aim of the NSS to demonstrate this motto in its daytoday program.

Aims of NSS Programs/Activities :

The operational aim of NSS is to integrate the three basic components of the program. NSS program should provide a variety of learning experiences which must develop a sense of participation, serviceand achievement among the volunteers.

The activities should aim at the following: -

• Making education more relevant to the present situation to meet the felt needs of the community and supplement the education of the university/college students by bringing them face to face with the rural situation;
• Providing opportunities to the students to play their role in planning and executing development projects which would not only help in creating durable community assets in rural areas and urban slums but also results in the improvement ofquality of life of the economically and socially weaker sections of the community;
• Encouraging students and non -students to work together along with the adults in rural areas;
• Developing qualities of leadership by discovering the latent potential among the campers, both students as well as local youth (Rural and Urban), with a view to involve them more intimately in the development program and also to ensure proper maintenance of the assets created during the camps;
• Emphasizing dignity of labour and self - help and the need for combining physical work with intellectual pursuits;
• Encouraging youth to participate enthusiastically in the process of national development and promote national integration, through corporate living and co-operative action.

While undertaking these activities, each NSS unit should envisage itsprograms/activities aimed at instilling discipline, building character, promotionof physical fitness and development of culture.

ADCET – NSS Advisory Committee :

ADCET – NSS CELL :