During an academic year, NSS volunteers often work with adopted villages, slums, and volunteer organisations to fulfill 120 hours of regular activity. A volunteer is supposed to maintain continual contact with the community, according to the core principles of the National Service Scheme. Special camps are often organised to address various developmental challenges of national relevance. The Special Camping Programme has previously included themes such as “Healthy Youth for a Healthy India,” “Public Sanitation,” and “Personal Hygiene.”
- To understand the community in which they work.
- To understand themselves in relation to their community.
- To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process.
- To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility.
- To utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems.
- To develop competence required for group living and sharing of responsibilities.
- To gain skills in mobilizing community participation.
- To acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
- To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters.
- To practice National Integration and social harmony.
The motto or watchword of the National Service Scheme is ‘NOT ME BUT YOU’. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society on the whole.
NSS was formally established on September 24, 1969, the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation. As a result, every year on September 24th, NSS Day is celebrated with appropriate programs and activities.