An individual’s development is dependent upon two basic yet essential exercises: mental exercise and physical exercise. However, in today’s fast-paced world, as the intellectual load is increasing, people are ignorant of their minimal physical activities.

To ensure physical stimulation and the wholesome development of the youth of India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the National Service Scheme (NSS) in 1969 on the 100th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The NSS was launched to promote not only physical exercise but also instil values of community service, taking responsibility in social settings, and patriotism. NSS organises numerous activities and projects to develop teamwork and a sense of belongingness toward the country as well.

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Objectives Of National Service Scheme NSS

The primary objective of the NSS is to sow the seeds of values and morals for their overall personality development. Some key objectives are:

• Imbibing social responsibility: NSS teaches students to open their minds and understand the needs and issues faced by the people in the community to think of effective solutions for resolving them. This builds socially responsible citizens and empathetic adults in society.

• Personality development: NSS ensures that students participate in a range of activities organised by them which eventually helps in developing social skills, leadership skills, teamwork, etc.

• Sense of belongingness: NSS imbibes a feeling of belongingness in the students towards the country by organising activities such as Scouts & Guides.

• Community Empowerment: NSS also focuses on sensitising students to underprivileged sections of society through educating and spreading awareness about the range of battles people fight every day.

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What Activities Are Organised By NSS?

The NSS is a part of educational institutions, basically schools, colleges, and universities across India. Students have a choice to opt for volunteering in NSS for a minimum of 2 years of service where they complete 120 hours of community service per year.

NSS organises a wide range of activities for its volunteers such as:

• Cleanliness drives: In the spirit of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, volunteers go on cleanliness drives in nearby areas.

• Health awareness programs: These include blood donation camps, HIV/AIDS awareness and vaccination campaigns, and others.

• Literacy: Spreading awareness about the importance of education for underprivileged communities

• Environmental conservation: Activities including tree plantation drives, spreading awareness about climate change, using reusable energy, etc.

• Special camps: Special camps usually for a week are organised as well. Camps are set up in rural areas or slums so that the volunteers can closely observe and provide help in ongoing work projects for the betterment of the community such as construction sites, conducting health camps, and spreading awareness about various issues.

How To Register For The NSS Program?

To apply and be a part of the NSS program, one needs to:

1. Interested candidates are required to fill out the application form online.

2. Please fill out the application form accurately and attach your recent passport-size photo.

3. Apply after filling out the details and clicking on ‘submit’.

4. After submitting, the page will take you to the printout section wherein you have to fill in your ID proof number again and take two copies of the application form.

5. Please submit one copy to your respective college and keep the other with you in case one might need it.

6. The candidate will receive a message on the registered phone number on successful registration of the application.

Conclusion

The National Service Scheme is a crucial initiative taken by the government to encourage the youth of India to contribute to nation-building activities. Every student is encouraged to be a part of NSS as it promotes the overall healthy development of an individual. Programs like NSS help imbibe critical values, morals, and ethics in the students so that they can grow up to be healthy and mindful adults.

If you’ve any queries, you can contact NSS through their official website.