NSS
National Service Scheme (NSS)
“NOT ME BUT YOU”
Basic Concepts of NSS
The overall aim of National Service Scheme is to give an extension dimension to the higher education system and orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institution. The reason for the formulation of this objective is the general realisation that the college and +2 level students have a tendency to get alienated from the village/slum masses which constitute the majority of the population of the country. The educated youth who are expected to take the reins of administration in future are found to be unaware of the problems of the village/slum community and in certain cases are indifferent towards their needs and problems. Therefore it is necessary to arouse the social conscience of the students, and to provide them an opportunity to work with the people in the villages and slums. It is felt that their interaction with the common villagers and slum dwellers will expose them to the realities of life and bring about a change in their social perception.
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 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.
NSS Symbol
The symbol of the National Service Scheme is based on the ‘Rath’ wheel of the Konarak Sun Temple situated in Orissa. 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 Day
NSS was formally launched on 24th September, 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhiji, the Father of Nation. Therefore, 24th September is celebrated every year as NSS Day with appropriate programmes and activities.
Classification of NSS Programme
NSS activities have been divided in two major groups:
§ Regular NSS Activity
Under this, students undertake various programmes in the adopted villages, college campuses and urban slums during weekends or after college hours.
§ Special Camping Programme
Under this, camps of 7 days duration are organised in adopted villages or urban slums during vacations with some specific projects by involving local communities. 50% NSS volunteers, i.e. 50 NSS Volunteers per NSS Unit, are involved in these camps.
Release of Grants
The grants released by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu through the State NSS Cell, shall be made available to the NSS Units organizing the camp before the camp actually starts. The university will release the grant admissible to the NSS Unit subject to the conditions of submission of proper accounts by the NSS Unit.
- The vision is to build the youth with the mind and spirit to serve the society and work for the social uplift of the down-trodden masses of our nation as a movement.
- The National Service Scheme has been functioning with the motto “NOT ME BUT YOU” in view of making the youth inspired in service of the people and hence NSS Aims Education through Community Service and Community Service through Education.
- 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 and
- Practice national integration and social harmony
Important Days
- January 1-7 Road Safety Week
- January 12 National Youth Day (Birthday of Swami Vivekananda)
- January 25 National Voter’s Day
- January 26 Republic Day
- January 30 Anti-terrorism Day
- March 8 International Women’s Day
- April 7 World Health Day
- May 21 Anti-terrorism Day
- May 31 World No Tobacco Day
- June 5 World Environment Day
- June 26 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
- July 8-14 International Literacy Week
- July 11 World Population Day
- August 1-7 World Breast Feeding Week
- August 15 Independence Day
- August 20 Sadbhavana Diwas
- September 5 Teachers’ Day
- September 8 International Literacy Day
- September 15 International Peace Day
- September 24 NSS Day
- October 1 National Blood Donation Day
- October 2 Gandhi Jayanthi/Communal Harmony Day
- October 11 World Sight Day
- November 19 National Integration Day
- December 1 World AIDS Day
- December 7 Armed Forces Flag Day
- December 10 World Human Rights Day