About National Service Scheme (NSS)
The overall aim of the National Service Scheme is to give an extension dimension to the higher education system and orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institutions. The educated youth who are expected to take the reins of administration in future are found to be unaware of the problems of the village/slum community and in certain cases are indifferent towards their needs and problems. Therefore it is necessary to arouse the social conscience of the students, and to provide them an opportunity to work with the people in the villages and slums. It is felt that their interaction with the common villagers and slum dwellers will expose them to the realities of life and bring about a change in their social perception.
The Journey of NSS IITT
The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit was established at IIT Tirupati in 2017. During the initial phase, the team's and students' enthusiasm led to noteworthy activities such as visits to orphanages and schools, as well as organizing blood donation camps. As the campus community and volunteer participation grew, the NSS team also expanded over the years and subdivisions were instituted within the NSS framework: 1. UBA and Rural Development; 2. School, Child and Old Age home; 3. Health issues and Blood Donation Camps and 4. Secretariat. Despite the team's enlargement, the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 lessened the feasibility of various offline activities and interactions. Nonetheless, the team managed to establish a consistent culture of engagement towards social activities ranging from online competitions to aiding those in need during the pandemic. NSS unit regained its momentum post covid conditions with around 70+ activities in the academic year 2022-2023. During these five years, NSS unit has established active collaborations with eight NGOs spanning the nation and the US and is aiming to expand further in empowering community service through youthful and enthusiastic minds of IIT Tirupati.
Objective
- Understand the community in which they work.
- Understand themselves in relation to their community.
- Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in the problem solving process.
- Develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility.
- Utilize their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems.
- Develop competence required for group living and sharing of responsibilities.
- Gain skills in mobilizing community participation.
- Acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
- Develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters.
- Practice national integration and social harmony.
The Motto
“The motto or watchword of the National Service Scheme is: ‘NOT ME BUT YOU’. This reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other person’s point of view and also to show consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society on the whole. Therefore, it should be the aim of the NSS to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day programme.”
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Symbol
The symbol of the National Service Scheme, is based on the ‘Rath’ wheel of the Konark Sun Temple situated in Orissa. These giant wheels of the Sun Temple portray the cycle 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 upliftment.
Badge
The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge. The NSS volunteers wear it while undertaking any programme of 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 service of the nation round the clock i.e. for 24 hours. The red colour in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood i.e. lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit. The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of mankind.