N.S.S.LBS,SATARA

National Service Scheme (NSS)

Introduction

In India, the idea of involving students in the task of national service dates back to the times of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The central theme which he tried to impress upon his student audience time and again, was that they should always keep before them, their social responsibility. The first duty of the students should be, not to treat their period of study as one of the opportunities for indulgence in intellectual luxury, but for preparing themselves for final dedication in the service of those who provided the sinews of the nation with the national goods & services so essential to society. Advising them to form a living contact with the community in whose midst their institution is located, he suggested that instead of undertaking academic research about economic and social disability, the students should do “something positive so that the life of the villagers might be raised to a higher material and moral level”.

Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Satara’s department of NSS was established in 1969. This department has 2.5 units. The department organized Special Camps at different historical places such as Raigad, Par, Vasota etc. This is only NSS department of college in Shivaji University, Kolhapur which awards 3 best male volunteers and 3 best female volunteers every year from its unit. Hon. Rajendra Chorge started this tradition from last 28 years. Every year Rs. 1000, 700 and 500 were granted to best three male and female volunteers respectively. Former Principal Hon. Purshotama Sheth stared great tradition of sending Rakhis to Jawan on the border, children in Remand Home and to prisoners. From last 20 years, NSS unit celebrates August Kranti Din and Dr. Bapuji Salunkhe Jayanti by organizing Blood Donation Camp.

Objective:

The main objectives of National Service Scheme (NSS) are:

To enable the students……

1) to understand the community in which they work

2) to understand themselves in relation to their community

3) to identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem-solving

4) to develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility

5) to utilize their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems

6) to develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities

7) to gain skills in mobilizing community participation

8) to acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitudes

9) to develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters and

10) to practice national integration and social harmony

Coverage:

Started initially in 37 universities involving 40,000 volunteers, the scheme has grown over the years and it is implemented today with an involvement of more than 2.6 million volunteers spread over in 200 Universities, Polytechnics and +2 Systems. The efforts of NSS volunteers have been widely acclaimed by the community, universities, colleges and general public as the NSS volunteers have been rendering selfless service to the community.

Motto:

The Motto of NSS "Not Me But You", reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for self-less service. NSS helps the students develop appreciation to other person's point of view and also show consideration to '/other living beings. The philosophy of the NSS is well doctrine in this motto, which underlines/on the belief that the welfare .of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of the society on the whole and therefore, the NSS volunteers shall strive for the well-being of the society.

Symbol:

The symbol for the NSS has been based on the giant Rath Wheel of the world famous Konark Sun Temple (The Black Pagoda) situated in Orissa, India. The wheel portrays the cycle of creation, preservation and release and signifies the movement in life across time and space. The symbol thus stands for continuity as well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social change.

Badge

The NSS Symbol is embossed on the badge. The eight bars in the wheel represent the 24 hours of a day. The red colour indicates that the volunteer is full of young blood that is lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit. The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of the mankind.