National Service Scheme

National Service Scheme, popularly known as NSS, was launched in 1969 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Govt. of India in 37 Universities involving 40,000 students with primary focus on the development of personality of students through community service. This scheme requires full participation and involvement of the volunteers for a mandatory period of two years.

The NSS Unit of Ramaiah Institute of Technology was first introduced in the year 1999 and saw a massive support by the students as well as the faculty. Since then, the number of students pledging their time and efforts to this purpose has only increased. NSS MSRIT is a student body organization run by the students of MSRIT. The ultimate goal of NSS is to imbibe a sense of empathy and responsibility towards the betterment of the country.

Some of the highlights of this scheme include a Blood Donation Camp that is held every year where people in large numbers turn up to donate their blood. The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore organized the 19th Blood Donation Camp on the 2nd of December 2016 in memory of their Founder Chairman Dr. M. S. Ramaiah. The event was graced by Dr. Shiva Rajkumar, a renowned actor in the Kannada film industry, Dr. M. R. Seetharam, Minister for Planning, Statistics, Science and Technology and Dr. K Gayathri Reddy, VTU Officer. The number of people who donated their blood stands testimony to the overwhelming response received from the public. At the end of the day, 1221 units of blood were collected and 16 blood banks helped in making the event a grand success.

A ten day Special Camp supported by Principal and NSS Officer is held wherein hundreds of boys and girls participate enthusiastically. Students who attend the camp are given certificates and are eligible for grace marks for seeking admission to higher courses. For the academic year 2016-17, the Special Camp was preceded by the Pre-camp which commenced on the 8th of July. The major activity witnessed during the pre-camp involved the making of new books from used ones. These books were distributed to the students pursuing their studies in the schools that the volunteers visited. Also, an E-waste collection drive was held, following which a plantation drive was organized where about a hundred samplings were planted. The Pre-camp was followed by the Special Camp which started on 25th of July. The initial activity of the camp was the Slum Visit. Dental and eye checkups were conducted in all the schools and a general medical checkup was conducted in the slum areas. The underlying motive of this visit was to educate people about the importance of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation. The second activity of the Special Camp involved the volunteers teaching in different schools. The team went to a total of 8 schools where they taught subjects like Basic Mathematics and Spoken English among others.

The NSS team held various other events throughout the year which included Yoga Day (21st June 2016), Orphanage Visit (18th September 2016), Independence Day celebration, and National Youth Day (16th January 2016).

National Service Scheme (NSS) activities in MSRIT commenced during the year 1999-2000 and have grown into a huge movement over the years, as can be seen from the growth chart given below:


S No

Year

Activity

1

1999-2000

NSS activities started in MSRIT, two staff members and about 30 students involved.

2

1999-2000

First Blood Donation Camp organized.

3

2003-2004

Special Camps in school started.

4

2007-08

NSS provided space in ESB-II.

5

2009

Skill development programs for drop-out students started.

6

2011

Special Camp organised annually in 4 schools simultaneously.

7

Blood Donation camp and Emergency Blood Bank every year.

8

Visits to slum areas and improvement thereat.

9

Skill development programs for all age groups in computers, mechanical, electrical workshops and chemistry laboratories.

10

Focus on clean energy, detection of food adulteration, parthanium removal, interactions with destitute and orphans in orphanages, etc, and other such outreach programs.

11

A small computer lab using old/discarded/used computers (25 No,s) which can be exclusively used for the skill development programs.

12

Regular activities at school like computer classes, English speaking classes, coaching classes in Math and science for 10 th standard failed students, etc.

 

NSS activities at MSRIT have won appreciation at the state and national levels:


S No

Year

Award/Appreciation

1

2003

Awarded for highest blood collection at a blood camp by Karnataka AIDS Prevention Society.

2

2008

NSS, MSRIT Unit Camp Photo included as the page for June 2008 in the National NSS Calendar (GOI).

3

2007-08

NSS State Award for Best NSS Unit and Best NSS Programme Officer for MSRIT from Government of Karnataka (awarded in 2010).

4

All Blood Banks’ Medical Officers appreciated NSS Unit, MSRIT.

 

At present the volunteer strength of NSS at MSRIT is 300. In addition to an NSS Officer and an NSS Coordinator, about 10 faculty members from various departments associate regularly with NSS activities.

The following activities are planned for the future:


S.No.

Activity

1

Blood Donation Camps and Emergency Blood Banks every year

2

Visits to slum areas and improvements thereat

3

Special camps in schools – expanding from present 4 schools to 10 schools over the next 5 years

4

Regular activities at schools like computer classes, English speaking classes, Coaching classes in Maths and Science for 10th Standard failed students, etc.

5

Skill development programs for all age groups in computers, mechanical, electrical workshops and chemistry laboratories

6

Focus on clean energy, detection of food adulteration, parthanium removal, interactions with destitute and orphans in orphanages, etc. and other such outreach programs


Through this endeavor, the students not only succeed in helping those in need while contributing to a good cause, but are also made aware of the conditions prevalent in the community. The aim of NSS is to promote national consciousness and a sense of social responsibility, discipline and dignity of labour and to help students to develop their personality.


NSS EVENTS



NSS COORDINATOR

Dr. PuttaBoreGowda

Dr. Putta Bore Gowda

NSS Coordinator

Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

MSRIT


Testimonial

“Being a part of the NSS gives me a great sense of satisfaction. The feeling I get when I see a child dance out of happiness gives me immense joy. There are many more such endless details and I could go on in a loop talking about the things that amaze me, being a part of NSS. I am thankful to this organization for having given me an opportunity to be a part of a lot of wonderful experiences.”
Singa Tharun Kumar Reddy
NSS COORDINATOR (2016-2017)
“For those who want to give something in return to the society, NSS is a good platform. Contrary to popular belief, NSS is not just about two blood donation camps and one special camp. You can see a mini, selfless world here. In simple words, NSS not only provides service to those in need, but also gives immense happiness to the heart in doing so.”
A Yateendra Kumar Reddy
NSS COORDINATOR (2016-2017)