Karnataka Governor Calls for making NSS a People’s Movement, urges Youth to Drive Social Reform

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Monday stressed the need to make NSS a people's movement and asked students to inculcate positive thinking, work for the welfare of society, and be the driving force behind social reform.

He was addressing after awarding the NSS State Award for 2022-23 at a function organized by the State cell of National Service Scheme (NSS) and the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department at Raj Bhavan.

In his speech, Gehlot urged students to actively participate in NSS along with their studies.

Citing Swami Vivekananda, the Governor said, "Youth power is the foundation of any nation's progress," a statement issued by Gehlot's office read. He said that NSS volunteers, driven by Vivekananda's vision of self-reliance, bravery, and self-confidence, are contributing substantially to society and the country.

Their activities involve cleanliness campaigns, health awareness campaigns, tree planting, relief and rehabilitation in natural calamities, literacy drives, conservation of nature, and encouraging national integration and social harmony in rural as well as urban regions.

He also emphasized the NSS volunteers' active participation in large national campaigns like the Make in India campaign, which focuses on making India a manufacturing hub of the world; the Digital India program, which targets the conversion of India into a digitally empowered nation; and the Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at building a clean and green India. Gehlot appreciated the outstanding work done by more than five lakh NSS volunteers in Karnataka and congratulated the awardees on their commitment and work.

Looking into the history of NSS, the Governor pointed out that since 1969 with 40,000 volunteers, it has turned out to be one of the largest youth volunteer organisations in the world.

"The scheme continues to help mould the personality and character of youth through social service." He reaffirmed the NSS motto, "Not Me, But You," which expresses the ethos of selfless service and compassion for others.

Quoting Swami Vivekananda once more, the Governor said, "Arise, be alert, and do not stop until the goal is achieved." He urged students to take inspiration from the visionary leader and work for the country as "responsible citizens." The NSS was further urged by him to work on all-round development by taking up backward regions in villages and urban areas and making efforts to bring down school dropout rates.

The Governor distributed a total of 48 awards during the ceremony, which included two best universities/directorates, two best NSS programme coordinators, 12 best NSS units, 12 NSS programme officers, and 20 best NSS volunteers who showed exemplary dedication to NSS activities, the statement further added.