HISTORY OF NSS

In India, the idea of involving students in the task of National Service dates back to the times of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation. The central themes which he tried to impress upon his student audience time and again, was that they should always keep before them, their social responsibility. The first duty of the students should be, not to tread their period of study as one of the opportunities for indulgence in intellectual luxury, but for preparing themselves for final dedication in the service of those who provided the sinews of the Nation with the National goods and services so essential to the society.

NSS Programme have expanded both quantitatively and qualitatively over the years. A review committee was setup by the Government of India in August1984. One of the most important recommendations of the committee was that the Programme of NSS had great potential and, therefore should continue and expand.

OBJECTIVES

The broad objectives of NSS are to:-

(i). Understand the community in which they work;

(ii). Understand themselves in relation to their community;

(iii). Identify the needs

and problems of the community and involve them in the problem solving process;

(iv). Develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsible;

(v). Utilise their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems;

(vi). Develop competence required for group-living and sharing responsibilities;

(vii). Gains skills in mobilizing community participation.

(viii). Acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude;

(ix). Develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters and,

(x). Practice National integration and social harmony.

THE MOTTO

The Motto or watch word 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.

NSS 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.

NSS BADGE

The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge. The NSS volunteers wear it while undertaking any programme of community service.

NSS DAY

NSS was formally launched on the 24^th September, 1969, the birth centenary year of the Father of the Nation.

BASIC CONCEPTS AND COMPONENTS

The National Service Scheme was started to establish a meaningful linkage between the campus and the community. Therefore, student youth, teachers and the commomman are considered the three basic components of the National Service Scheme.

NSS PROGRAMME OFFICER

The programme officer, who is the member of the teaching faculty provides necessary leadership to the youth/NSS students. He/She is also a representative of the college and the educated elite and knows the needs and aspirations of the student youth.

NSS VOLUNTEER

The NSS volunteer, who is a college/+12 level student is the main beneficiary of the programme by way of development of his/her perception about the community, his/her skill to perform certain jobs and develop quality of a leader, organizer, and an administrator and development of his/her personality as a whole.

COMMUNITY

The community provides NSS volunteer the first hand knowledge of living conditions of masses to the NSS volunteers and thus, the process of mutual learning starts.

AIMS OF NSS PROGRAMMES/ACTIVITIES

The objectives should aims at the following:-

(i). making education more relevant to the present situation to meet the felt needs of the community and supplement the education of the University/College students by bringing them face to face with rural situation.

(ii). Providing opportunities to the students to play their role in planning and executing development projects.

(iii). Developing qualities of leadership by discovering the latent potential among the campers both students as well as local youth.

(iv). Encouraging students and non-students to work together along with the adults in rural areas.

(v). emphasizing dignity of labor and self-help and the need for combing physical work with intellectual pursuit.

(vi). Encouraging youth to participate enthusiastically in the process of national development oand promote national integration, through corporate living and cooperative action.

CLASSIFICATION OF NSS PROGRAMME

NSS activities have been divided into two major groups. There are regular NSS activities and special camping programme.

(a). Regular NSS Activities: Students undertake various programme in the adopted villages, colleges/school campus and urban scheme during weekends or after college hours.

(b). Special Camping Programme: Under this, Camps of 10 days duration are organized in adopted villages or remote areas during vacation with some specific projects by involving local communities. 50% NSS volunteers are expected to participate these camps.

BRIEF HISTORY OF NSS RAYBURN COLLEGE UNIT

The NSS Rayburn College Unit was introduced in the year 2006 with one Programme Officer, and volunteer consisting of Thirty six (36) boys and twenty (20) girls. Now, at present the college has more than 200 NSS volunteers consisting both male and female with a programme officer for both the two units.

The College has performed many activities both at the college Campus and to different communities as well. The NSS volunteer were involved in different activities like special Camping, Campus work and even management Programme over the past year.