National Service Scheme
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a central government-sponsored public service program. It was launched in 1969 and is run by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India. The NSS aims to involve students and youth in community service, with a focus on social welfare and development.
The NSS has several objectives that are aimed at promoting social responsibility, community service, and personal development among young people. These objectives include:
These objectives are achieved through various activities, including community service projects, awareness campaigns, and cultural programs.
The NSS program and activities in a university setting aim to bring students face to face with the community and improve their life. The NSS volunteers are expected to devote about 80 hours in regular activities for the development of the adopted community, which could be a village or a slum. The NSS cell at the university level is responsible for overseeing the activities of the NSS units.
The NSS program includes regular activities and special camping programs. The regular activities involve community development initiatives, while the special camping program is a 7-day camp where NSS volunteers live with the community and take initiatives to improve their conditions. The programs and activities are aimed at the integrated development of the community, and the NSS volunteers are expected to engage in manual work.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) cell at the Institute of Advanced Research (IAR) is comprised of a committed group of over 100 volunteers. These volunteers, driven by a spirit of service and community engagement, actively participate in various initiatives and events.
Working closely under the guidance and supervision of experienced NSS coordinators, dedicated Programme Officers, and the supportive IAR Management, our volunteers undertake a wide range of activities aimed at fostering social responsibility and contributing to the betterment of society.
1. Food-Planet-Health (A Certification Webinar): A webinar focused on issues related to food, the planet, and health, likely aiming to raise awareness and educate participants about sustainable food practices and their impact on health and the environment.
2. Elocution, Drawing, and Essay Competition: A competition involving elocution (public speaking), drawing, and essay writing, possibly centered around themes related to social issues, environment, or patriotism.
3. Independence Day Celebration: Commemorating the anniversary of India’s independence, likely featuring patriotic ceremonies, cultural performances, and flag hoisting.
4. A Self Defence Event: An event aimed at teaching and promoting self-defense techniques, particularly for women and vulnerable groups, to enhance personal safety and security.
5. National Sports Day: Celebrating the importance of sports and fitness in the country, possibly featuring sports competitions, demonstrations, or fitness activities.
6. Swachhata Plog Run: A combination of jogging (or running) and picking up litter (plogging), promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness.
7. Tree Plantation event: A tree planting initiative to contribute to environmental conservation and combat climate change.
8. Swachhata Abhiyan (Clean Sabarmati River Bank): A cleanliness campaign focused on cleaning up the Sabarmati River bank, aimed at maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the environment.
9. UNITY RUN (RUN FOR UNITY): A running event aimed at fostering national unity and solidarity, possibly held in commemoration of a national leader or unity-related theme.
10. National Youth Day Celebrations: Celebrating the youth of the nation, likely commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, who is also honored as National Youth Day in India.
11. Gujarat Cultural Elocution Event (ગુજરાત સાંસ્કૃતિક વક્તૃત્વ સ્પર્ધા): A cultural elocution competition focused on Gujarat’s cultural heritage, likely involving speeches or presentations in the Gujarati language.
12. “Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye” Campaign: A campaign aimed at encouraging and educating first-time voters about the importance of voting for the nation’s progress and democracy.
13. Blood Donation & Thalassemia Test Camp: An event facilitating blood donation, coupled with thalassemia testing, aiming to raise awareness about thalassemia and promote voluntary blood donation.
14. Voter Awareness Campaign: Educating youth and first-time voters about the importance of voting and democratic rights to boost voter turnout and informed decision-making during elections.
For more information regarding the NSS cell at IAR, please contact us at nss@iar.ac.in