NSS at Gauhati University
National Service Scheme (NSS) of India
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a voluntary public service program under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. It was launched on 24 September 1969, during the birth centenary of Mahatma Gandhi, to promote community and social services among students. The NSS aims to develop students' personalities through community service and instill a sense of responsibility towards society. NSS has been instrumental in shaping young minds, helping them contribute towards nation-building and community development while also developing their own leadership and problem-solving skills. NSS is more than just a student activity—it is a way of life that instills in young individuals the values of service, unity, and responsibility.
Gauhati University NSS Cell has been providing community and social services since inception and it has 156 NSS unit in all the affiliated Colleges including three NSS units in the GU campus.
The Chairman of the GU NSS Cell is: Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Gauhati University,
Programme Coordinator is: Dr Ranjan Kr Kakati, Director, Students’ Welfare, Gauhati University.
What is NSS: NSS is a voluntary program for students at higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. It provides them with an opportunity to serve society while gaining real-world experience. The motto of NSS is: "Not Me, But You"
This phrase highlights the spirit of selfless service, meaning that helping others should come before personal gain. NSS aims to develop socially responsible citizens who are aware of community problems and actively work to solve them.
Motto of NSS
The motto of NSS is "Not Me But You", which reflects the essence of selfless service, emphasizing the welfare of the community before oneself. It highlights the importance of empathy, teamwork, and a sense of social responsibility.
NSS Badge
The NSS badge is inspired by the Rath Wheel of Konark Sun Temple, representing movement and progress.
Red color: Symbolizes energy and the active nature of NSS volunteers.
Blue color: Represents the cosmos and the NSS's commitment to universal development.
Objectives of NSS
The core objectives of NSS include:
1. Personality Development
2. Social Awareness
3. Community Engagement
4. Skill Enhancement
5. National Integration
NSS is implemented in schools, colleges, and universities across India. The program follows a structured hierarchy, ensuring smooth execution of activities.
In a nutshell the objectives of NSS are
To develop a sense of social and civic responsibility among students.
To engage in community service and promote national integration.
To enhance leadership qualities and personality development.
To create awareness about social issues, health, and environmental protection.
To encourage youth participation in nation-building activities.
To provide hands-on experience in solving real-life problems of rural and urban communities.
Major Activities of NSS
National Integration Camp (NIC):
The National Integration Camp (NIC) is organized annually for 7 days with full boarding and lodging. These camps take place in different parts of India and aim to promote national unity and cultural exchange among NSS volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
Adventure Program:
The NSS Adventure Program is conducted every year, with around 1500 volunteers participating. Activities include trekking, river rafting, para-sailing, and basic skiing, encouraging teamwork, leadership, and endurance.
NSS Republic Day Parade Camp:
Held in New Delhi from 1st to 31st January, this camp selects 200 disciplined NSS volunteers skilled in march-past and cultural performances. The best-selected volunteers march in the Republic Day Parade on 26th January at Rajpath, New Delhi.
National Youth Festivals:
The National Youth Festival is celebrated from 12th to 16th January in collaboration with the State Governments. Around 1500 NSS volunteers participate, engaging with eminent speakers, youth icons, and cultural activities.
Northeast Youth Festival:
This festival is exclusively for promoting regional culture, traditions, and social harmony through sports, arts, and leadership activities.
Northeast NSS Festival:
A special NSS event focusing on community service, leadership training, and cultural exchange among NSS volunteers from Northeast states.
Pre-Republic Day Parade Camp:
This camp is conducted as a selection and training program for NSS volunteers aspiring to join the Republic Day Parade in Delhi. It emphasizes drill training, discipline, and teamwork.
7 Day NSS Special Camp:
The 7-Day NSS Special Camp is an integral part of the National Service Scheme (NSS), aimed at providing volunteers with an opportunity to engage in intensive community service. 50 volunteers of one Unit are actively engage in community service at an adopted village. The camp focuses on rural development and social awareness through hands-on participation. Volunteers work closely with villagers to identify key local issues and implement practical solutions. The camp begins with an orientation session, followed by activities like cleanliness drives, literacy programs, health check-ups, and environmental conservation efforts. Special sessions on women empowerment, Youth development, Entrepreneurship Development, digital literacy, and sustainable agriculture are also conducted to promote long-term development in the village.
Regular Activities of NSS Volunteers
NSS volunteers actively participate in community service, environment conservation, health awareness, and skill development. They organize cleanliness drives under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, blood donation camps, literacy programs, Tree plantation drives and disaster relief efforts while conducting awareness campaigns on road safety, gender equality, and anti-drug initiatives, Awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, gender equality, and mental health. Volunteers also celebrate important days like Republic Day, Independence Day, National Youth Day, World Environment Day, and International Yoga Day, conducting rallies, seminars, and cultural programs to spread awareness. Special activities like tree plantation, health check-up camps, and workshops on social issues, Teaching underprivileged Children are also organized. These initiatives foster leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility among students while making a positive impact on society.
NSS Working Hours Structure
NSS volunteers are required to complete a minimum number of working hours through regular activities and special camps. The working hours are structured as follows:
Regular Activities: Volunteers must complete 120 hours per year.
Special Camps: Each NSS volunteer must attend a 7-day Special Camp once during their tenure.The camp involves full-day participation, with around 8 hours of work per day.The total working hours for a special camp are 56 hours.
NSS Awards and Recognitions
To encourage and appreciate the efforts of NSS volunteers, the government presents various awards at the national, state, and institutional levels.
1. National NSS Awards
Highest honor for NSS volunteers, Program officers, and Programme Coordinators & Institutions which is given for outstanding contributions in community services.
2. State NSS Awards
Each state recognizes its best NSS volunteers, Programme Officers and units, Programme Coordinators & Institutions for exceptional services which includes certificates, trophies, and cash prizes.
3. University/College-Level Awards
Many universities and colleges honour top-performing NSS volunteers & Programme Officers for their dedication and devotion in Community & social services.
Benefits of Joining NSS
Being an NSS volunteer has numerous personal, professional, and social benefits.
1. Personality Development
2. Career Advancement
3. Social Impact
4. Networking and Exposure
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a life-changing platform that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It helps students become socially responsible citizens while developing leadership and professional skills. NSS is not just about service; it is about building a better society through the collective efforts of young individuals.
AWARDS and Recognition to GAUHATI UNIVERSITY:
1. GAUHATI UNIVERSITY and Programme Coordinator Dr Ranjan Kumar Kakati was the first recipient of National NSS Award 2019-20 being conferred by Hon’ble President of India Sri Ram Nath Kovind on 24th September, 2021 at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
2. Dr Ranjan Kr Kakati, Director, Students’ Welfare and NSS Programme Coordinator received the State NSS award 2021-22 conferred by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam in presence of Hon’ble Governor of Assam on 26th January, 2024.
3. Miss Nipamoni Deka, NSS Volunteer, Gauhati University Campus received the National NSS award 2018-19 from Hon’ble President of India Sri Ram Nath Kovind on 24th September, 2020.
4. NSS National Award 2020-21 awarded to Dr. Satyabrata Baruah, NSS Programme Officer, B. Borooah College under Gauhati University NSS Cell who received the National NSS Award 2020-21 from Hon'ble President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
5. NSS National Award 2020-21 awarded to Subhankar Dey, NSS volunteer under Gauhati University NSS Cell who received the National NSS Award 2020-21 from Hon'ble President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
6. NSS Nation Awards for 2021- 2022 awarded to one NSS Programme Officer and two volunteers under G.U. NSS Cell on 24th September, 2023 by Hon’ble President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.
i) Dr. Mitali Kathkatia, NSS, Programme Officer, DK Girls’ College NSS Unit, under G.U NSS Cell
ii) Sajish Ali, NSS Volunteer, North Guwahati College Unit under GU NSS Cell.
iii) Banashri Kakati, NSS volunteer, G.U. Campus Unit
State NSS Award 2019-20 (NSS Volunteers) awarded by Govt. of Assam on 12-01-2022
Sl No.
Name of the NSS Volunteer
1
Kamal Deka
2
Nitul Kalita
3
Pratik Permey
4
Banashri Kakati
5
Nahidul Hoque Choudhury
6
Nikumoni Deka
7
Mehrun Sultana Sheikh
State Award 2019-20 (NSS Programme Officers) awarded by Govt. of Assam
Sl No.
Name of the NSS PO
1
Dr. Sweta Pegu
2
Shri Tapan Kakati
3
Dr. Poresh Ch. Kalita
4
Smti Bornali Devi
5
Dr. Sanjoy Pathari
State Award 2020-21 (NSS Volunteers) awarded by Govt. of Assam
Sl No.
Name of the NSS Volunteer
1
Subhankar Dey
2
Ujjal Bora
3
Nayan Saikia
4
Rita Gowala
5
Sajish Ali
6
Jahidul Islam
7
Sailen Kalita
8
Talizul Hoque
State NSSAward 2020-21 (NSS Programme Officers) awarded by Govt. of Assam
Sl No.
Name of the NSS PO
1
Dr. Bhuban Ch. Chutia
2
Dr. Satyabrata Baruah
3
Dr. Satyajit Kalita
State Award 2021-22 (NSS Programme Officers) awarded by Hon;ble Chief Minister of Assam
Sl No.
Name of the NSS PO
1
Dr. Aswini Kumar Deka
2
Dr. Rumamani Deka
3
Md. Ayez Ali
4
Dr. Binod Subedi
State NSS Award 2021-22 (NSS Volunteers) awarded by Hon;ble Chief Minister of Assam
Sl No.
Name of the NSS Volunteer
1
Doli Choudhury
2
Niha Boro
3
Jayanta Das
4
Sayanika Bharadwaj
5
Mehfuz Ali