Seven Days of Dedication: A detailed chronicle of the NSS Seven Day Special Camp
The National Service Scheme (NSS) Camp is a platform that fosters community engagement, teamwork, and social responsibility among young individuals. Vidya NSS Units 7-day Special camp held at Velur Panchayat during 21-27 December 2024 was a transformative experience for 99 dedicated volunteers. Through a mix of hands-on projects, enlightening guest lectures, and cultural activities, the camp aimed to address the developmental needs of the community while instilling a sense of civic duty and leadership in the participants. This report highlights the day-to-day activities and achievements of the camp, which served as a bridge between the aspirations of the volunteers and the needs of the local community.
Day 1: Saturday 21 December 2024
The camp began with the arrival and registration of 99 NSS volunteers at 4:00 PM. The inaugural session, held between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, commenced with the inspiring rendition of the “Maanavageetham,” setting a positive and reflective tone for the event.
The welcome address was delivered by Nistal K Paul (Volunteer Secretary) followed by the presidential address by Mr Ranjith E R (NSS Program Officer and Asst Prof, ME Dept) The camp was officially inaugurated by Mr Rajesh S K (NSS Program Officer and Asso Prof, EEE Dept) Felicitation addresses were delivered byMs Delmy David V (NSS Program Officer and Asst Prof, CSE Dept) and Ms Anu Maria Antony (NSS Program Officer and Asst Prof, CE Dept)
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Antony Francis (NSS volunteer and KTU Care RC) who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, volunteers, and organizers for their contributions. The inaugural session set the stage for a productive and engaging week ahead, inspiring the volunteers to actively participate in the planned activities.
The camp schedule was discussed and finalized from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Dinner was served at 7:00 PM, followed by vibrant cultural programs by the volunteers from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Day 2: Sunday, 22 December 2024
The day started with the NSS flag hoisting at 6:30 AM by Mr Ranjith E R, (NSS Program Officer and Asst Prof, ME Dept) followed by assembly activities and parade practice till 7:30 AM. After breakfast, the first guest talk was delivered by Mr. Arun K L (HoD, Mechanical Engineering, Vidya Academy of Science and Technology, Technical Campus, Kilimanoor) on the topic “NSS and Society.” Mr. Arun began by highlighting the core principles and objectives of NSS, emphasizing how it acts as a bridge between educational institutions and community welfare. He elaborated on the importance of youth engagement in addressing pressing societal challenges such as poverty, education disparity, environmental conservation, and public health.
The NSS volunteers also undertook their project work titled “Building Dreams: Surveying VelurPanchayat for Development Needs.” The initiative aimed to identify the development needs of the local community by collecting valuable household data.
The survey was conducted across two wards—Ward 11 and Ward 12—of the VelurPanchayat. Volunteers divided themselves into smaller teams and visited individual households to gather information. The survey covered key aspects such as:
- Livestock Ownership: Details about the type and number of animals owned by households to understand their dependence on agriculture and allied activities.
- Funding Requirements: Data on the financial needs of families for housing repairs, new construction, and related projects, to assess the demand for governmental or NGO support.
- Development Concerns: Other community development aspects, including access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and basic infrastructure.
The volunteers followed a structured questionnaire to ensure consistency and accuracy in data collection. They also engaged in meaningful conversations with the residents to understand their challenges and aspirations on a deeper level.
The activity provided the volunteers with an opportunity to experience grassroots-level community engagement while also helping the Panchayat gather valuable insights for planning future developmental initiatives. The survey was a testament to the NSS ethos of contributing to society by empowering communities and understanding their real needs.
Day 3: Monday, 23 December 2024
The day followed a similar start with the flag hoisting and assembly activities. The NSS volunteers resumed their project work, focusing on Wards 13 and 14 of Velur Panchayat. This was a continuation of the initiative titled “Building Dreams: Surveying Velur Panchayat for Development Needs,” aimed at identifying the developmental aspirations of the local community.
As on the previous day, the volunteers divided into small teams and systematically visited households in the assigned wards. They used a well-prepared questionnaire to ensure consistency and accuracy in data collection. The survey covered the same core areas as before,
Dr Stalin Kuriyan (Psychologist, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences) delivered an insightful session on “Adolescence.” He discussed the emotional, psychological, and social changes during this critical stage, highlighting common challenges like stress, anxiety, and peer pressure. Dr. Stalin shared practical strategies for managing these issues, building resilience, and fostering self-esteem..
Day 4: Tuesday, 24 December 2024
The day began with the regular flag hoisting and assembly activities.On the third day, the NSS volunteers continued their survey work and successfully covered Wards 5, 6,7 and 8 of Velur Panchayat. From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, they visited households to gather data on livestock ownership, housing needs, and community development requirements.
The volunteers maintained their structured approach, engaging with residents to understand their challenges and aspirations. This final phase of the survey provided a comprehensive picture of the Panchayat’s developmental needs, which will contribute to actionable recommendations for local improvement initiatives..
In the evening, Mr Anil M (former NSS Program Officer and Asst Prof, ECE Dept) delivered an inspiring talk on “Entrepreneurship through Social Service.” He shared his experiences as an NSS PO, emphasizing how entrepreneurship can be integrated with social service to address community challenges.Mr. Anil encouraged the volunteers to think creatively and explore opportunities where social work and entrepreneurial ventures intersect. His insights and success stories inspired the volunteers to consider innovative approaches to making a positive impact in society. The session left the volunteers motivated to use their skills for both social good and entrepreneurial growth.
The evening concluded with Christmas carols and cultural programs, spreading festive cheer among the participants.
Day 5: Wednesday, 25 December 2024
On Christmas Day, the schedule remained consistent with flag hoisting, assembly activities, and breakfast. The NSS volunteers continued their survey, covering three more wards in Velur Panchayat. They gathered essential data on livestock ownership, housing needs, and community development requirements, further contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the area’s development needs..
Mr. O A Babu (Sub-Inspector (Retd)) delivered an insightful session on road safety and responsible driving. Drawing from his experience, he emphasized the importance of following traffic rules, avoiding distractions, and using safety gear like helmets and seat belts. He shared practical tips for safe driving and urged volunteers to adopt a responsible mindset on the road. The session left the volunteers with a deeper understanding of road safety, motivating them to advocate for safer driving in their communities..
Day 6: Thursday, 26 December 2024
After the usual morning routine, the day was dedicated to a special community service project comprising three key activities: Velur Anganwadi Beautification, Herbal Garden Cleaning, and Velur Bus Stop Maintenance and Beautification. The volunteers worked with great enthusiasm to improve the community spaces, showcasing teamwork and dedication.
At the Anganwadi, the volunteers focused on cleaning, painting, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the space, creating a more pleasant and inviting environment for the children, staff, and visitors. Alongside this, they revitalized the herbal garden within the premises by removing weeds, organizing plants, and ensuring the garden remained a healthy and vibrant educational tool for the children.
Simultaneously, another group of volunteers took on the maintenance and beautification of the Velur bus stop. They cleaned the area, repainted structures, and organized the surroundings to make the bus stop more functional and visually appealing for the local commuters.
These activities not only enhanced the physical environment of these spaces but also strengthened the bond between the NSS volunteers and the local community. The day’s efforts stood as a shining example of the NSS spirit, reflecting the impact of collective action on improving public spaces for everyone’s benefit.
In the evening, a session on alumni experiences was conducted by Vinay M V (Former NSS Volunteer Secretary, 2019-23 Batch, EEE Dept) and Mr. Tarun Kumar P (Former NSS Volunteer Secretary, 2020-24 Batch, EEE Dept). Their inspiring stories encouraged the volunteers to aim for excellence in their academic and social endeavors. Cultural programs were also held .
Day 7: Friday, 27 December 2024
The final day of the camp began with flag hoisting, followed by assembly activities. The closing ceremony was held. The camp concluded with reflections on the achievements and experiences of the week, leaving the volunteers with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to community service.
The 7-day NSS camp was a resounding success, blending project work, intellectual engagement, and cultural exchange. The volunteers not only gathered valuable data for Velur Panchayat’s development but also enriched themselves with knowledge and experiences that will contribute to their personal and social growth. The efforts of the volunteers, the support of the faculty, and the cooperation of the local community ensured the camp’s overall success.
