THE NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (NSS) IN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO EVERY VOLUNTEERS DEVELOP THE PERSONALITY THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICES

Abstract

The National Service Scheme (NSS) operates under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. NSS was started in 1969 by the then Union Education Minister Dr. V.K.R.V. Rao in 37 universities with the strength of 40,000 volunteers on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birth centenary. The main objectives of NSS are personality and self-development through experiential learning by serving the society with the motto “Not Me, But You”. NSS volunteers work in rural areas, working to serve the community through adoption village and school surveys, education and health awareness programs. NSS volunteers benefit from NSS activities, including employment opportunities, self-confidence, and leadership skills. Engaging youth in colleges and universities in community service on a voluntary basis for rural development and inculcating the idea of social welfare among students is a major initiative. Graduate students pursuing a three-year degree with their participation status in the National Service Scheme will have more input and responsiveness to society than graduate students pursuing a three-year degree without participation in the National Service Scheme. This study involves identifying the importance, aims and objectives of NSS in higher education to inculcate social responsibility in students.