National Service Scheme

National Service Scheme popularly known as NSS, was launched in Gandhi Centenary year 1969, and aimed at inculcating community service attributes in the students’ personality. The overall objective of NSS is service to the society selflessly. It is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides opportunity to the student youth of Technical Institution, Graduate & Post Graduate at colleges and University level of India to take part in various government led community service activities & programmes. The sole aim of the NSS is to provide hands on experience to young students in delivering community service. Since inception of the NSS in the year 1969, the number of students strength increased from 40,000 to over 3.8 million up to the end of March 2018 students in various universities, colleges and Institutions of higher learning have volunteered to take part in various community service programmes.

The overall objective of NSS is Personality Development through the community service. The broad objectives of NSS are to:-

1. Understand the community in which they work.
2. Understand themselves in relation to their community.
3. Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process.
4. Develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility.
5. Utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems.
6. Develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities.
7. Gain skills in mobilizing community participation.
8. Acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
9. Develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters.

The motive or watchword of the NSS is “Not me but you”. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society on the whole. This expresses the essence of democratic living and upholds the need of selfless service and appreciation of the other man’s point of view and also consideration for fellow human beings.

The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge. The NSS volunteers wear it while undertaking any programme or 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 the service of the nation round the clock i.e. for 24 hours.

The symbol of the National Service Scheme has been based on the Giant Rath Wheel of the world famous Konark Sun Temple of Orissa, India. These giant wheels of the sun temple, portrays the cycles 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 enlistment.