Shillong. August 03: The Three Day 1st State Level NSS Meet 2016 carrying the theme “Bridging Differences, Bonding Diversity” kick started today at a programme held at the Multi-Use Convention Centre, NEHU Shillong. Organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit, NEHU, the State Level Meet is significant in that it provides a platform to NSS volunteers and Programme Officers from across the state to engage, interact and to reassess the programmes of the NSS in the State of Meghalaya.
Seven Technical sessions covering topics like ‘Understanding the Constitution of India and responsibility of citizens’, ‘Awareness on the RTI Act’, ‘Awareness on Voluntary Blood Donation’, ‘Leadership and Personality Development’, ‘Time Management’, Drug abuse and illicit trafficking’, and ‘Environment and Nature Conservation’ spread across different sessions, in addition to sports activities, cultural programmes and a voluntary blood donation camp would be held during the Three Day Meet.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the inaugural function, Meghalaya Governor, V.Shanmuganathan took the occasion to acknowledge the services rendered by the NSS through its various programmes and activities among which include adoption of villages, Blood Donation Camps, Health Awareness programmes, active participation in the Swaach Bharat Abhiyaan, imparting literary classes and others.
“Certain basic thoughts are required for doing service. The attitude for service is important while rendering services. Service is care, concern and understanding of the pain and suffering of others” he said while calling upon all gathered to try and understand the pain that the underprivileged, the deprived and the suffering go through on a daily basis further adding that there are multiple challenges confronting the state and country and an enormous amount of service is required to meet those challenges.
The Governor also urged upon all concerned to selflessly dedicate themselves by devoting their time and energy in serving the people. He also stated that Meghalaya has plenty of issues to worry about with cleanliness, high maternal mortality rate, unemployment and poverty being some of the major problems afflicting the state; and called therefore on all gathered to pick up challenges in our own backyard and to work towards ushering desired change.
NEHU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Srivastava meanwhile stated that akin to the defence forces who shield and guard the country’s borders at all times, the general public are ‘civilian forces’ with each citizen carrying great responsibility towards the country.
He also urged upon the NSS volunteers gathered to follow the NSS Motto ‘Not Me, But You’ with right earnest in thoughts, words and action. He also stated that considering the large youth population in the country, the role played by NSS volunteers becomes all the more important.
Others who spoke at the inaugural programme were Dr. Marbhador Khymdeit, NSS Programme Officer, NEHU, Dr. Lakhan Kma, Programme Co-ordinator, NSS Cell, NEHU, Sunil Basumatary, Regional Director NSS, Guwahati and Kamailang Ranee, NSS Programme Officer, Sohra College.
