The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit at SBRR Mahajana First Grade College was established in the year 1987 with a vision to promote social service and community development. The aim of the NSS Unit is to engage students in activities that help them become responsible citizens while addressing the needs of the community.
During its inception in 1987, the NSS Unit enrolled a total of 100 students who actively participated in various community service initiatives. These students were the pioneers who helped lay the foundation for the Unit's growth and success. NSS Unit II was established in the year 1995.
Since then, the NSS Unit has continued to expand, contributing significantly to social welfare through a variety of activities like cleanliness drives, health awareness programs, environmental conservation efforts, and rural development.
The primary objective of the NSS Unit is to foster a sense of social responsibility and leadership among students. It encourages them to develop empathy, engage with local communities, and contribute to the betterment of society. Over the years, the NSS Unit has grown in strength, with more students joining and taking part in numerous impactful initiatives.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a community service program aimed at developing the personality of students through social service. Some common and impactful activities carried out by NSS Units:
Community Development Projects
- Rural Development: various programs were organised to uplift rural communities through educational campaigns, skill development workshops, and awareness drives about sanitation and health.
- Village Adoption: adopt villages or communities were done to work on infrastructure development, sanitation, and awareness programs, aiming to improve the living conditions of the residents.
Health and Hygiene Campaigns
- Blood Donation Camps: Organizing regular blood donation drives in partnership with hospitals or blood banks.
- Health Awareness Programs: Conducting awareness sessions on important health issues like HIV/AIDS, Cancer, mental health, hygiene, and nutrition.
- Sanitation Drives: Organizing cleanliness campaigns to promote sanitation and cleanliness, such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission).
Environmental Protection
- Tree Plantation Drives: Students plant trees and promote environmental conservation, working toward improving green cover and tackling deforestation.
- Awareness Campaigns: Creating awareness about climate change, pollution, and waste management through rallies, posters, and social media campaigns.
- Plastic-Free Initiatives: Educating the community about the dangers of plastic waste and promoting alternatives like cloth bags
Educational and Literacy Programs
- Adult Literacy Campaigns: Organizing literacy programs for adults in rural areas, especially for women, to help improve literacy rates.
- Tutoring for Underprivileged Children: Offering free tuition and mentoring to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Computer Literacy Programs: Teaching computer skills to students and community members to bridge the digital divide.
Cultural and Social Awareness Activities
- Cultural Fests and Exhibitions: Organizing cultural programs that promote social integration, diversity, and creativity.
- Social Awareness Campaigns: Conducting campaigns on important social issues such as gender equality, women's rights, child labor, and social justice.
- Workshops on Personality Development: Organizing workshops for students to develop leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Blood Donation Drives
- Organizing Blood Donation Camps: NSS Units of the college had collaborated with hospitals, blood banks, and health organizations to organize regular blood donation camps, encouraging students and the local community to donate blood.
Dissemination of Information and Awareness
- Legal Awareness Programs: Conducting legal literacy sessions for students and local communities on their rights, the legal system, and how to protect themselves.
- Digital Literacy and Cyber Awareness: Organizing workshops on the safe use of the internet, combating cyber bullying, and teaching digital skills.
Celebration of Important Days
- National and International Days: Celebrating important days like National Youth Day, Environment Day, World Health Day, and International Women's Day through events, discussions, and awareness programs.
- National Integration Camps: Promoting unity and national integration through events that bring together students from different regions and cultures.
These activities help to instil a sense of social responsibility in students, foster leadership qualities, and contribute to the development of the community. The NSS Unit's activities are always aligned with the motto of "Not Me But You," which emphasizes selfless service for the welfare of society.
The NSS Unit of the College has been honoured with the prestigious Best NSS Unit Award- University Level in 2005, Best NSS Unit Award - State Level in 2005, Best Program Officer and Unit Award - University Level in 2014, Best Unit, Best Program Officer and Best Volunteer Award- University Level in 2019, recognizing the tremendous efforts and contributions it has made towards community service, social responsibility, and nation-building. This award is a testament to the dedication of both the students and the faculty who have actively engaged in meaningful social service activities over the years. Through a range of impactful initiatives, the NSS Unit has continuously worked to address pressing issues such as rural development, environmental conservation, health awareness, and education, making a significant difference in the lives of many.
These awards reflect the core values of the NSS motto "Not Me But You" — a commitment to serving others without expecting personal gain. It is through the collective effort of all NSS volunteers that these achievements have been possible. The awards also serve as a source of motivation for current and future students to continue engaging in social service, fostering a spirit of volunteerism, and building a more empathetic society.
Currently there are 200 volunteers from the two units. Students benefit immensely from participating in the National Service Scheme (NSS) as it helps them develop a strong sense of social responsibility and leadership. Through community service activities, students learn empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while making a tangible impact on society. NSS encourages personal growth by improving communication, organization, and time-management skills. It also provides opportunities for students to engage with diverse communities, broadening their perspectives. Additionally, NSS involvement enhances students' resumes, making them more attractive to employers. Ultimately, it instils a lifelong commitment to volunteering and social service, helping students become responsible and compassionate citizens.
Dr Doddarasaiah G and Dr Siddaraju C S are the Programme Officer’s, Unit I and Unit II respectively since 2020, inspiring youth to engage in community service, promote social responsibility and fostering leadership for the betterment of society.