In order to strengthen its social outreach programme, the Assam Don Bosco University launched its own National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell at Tapesia campus on Monday.
The Cell which is recognized by the State NSS is designed to inculcate a sense of social welfare in students and provide quality service to society without bias.
At least 70 student volunteers and other NSS cell members of the University took pledge to take the programme forward.
While launching the University NSS Cell, vice chancellor Fr Stephen Mavely said, “Social work is something that runs in the genes of Don Bosco society. In social service we go beyond ourselves and do something creative and innovative for the society. Social learning is not merely learning, but it is actually going ahead as a person by being totally involved in the activities connected to society.”
The service learning used in US is not merely a movement of social work or caring but involves students in a lot of other activities. Focus is important for any career field, added the vice chancellor.
NSS volunteers will work to ensure that everyone in need gets help to enhance their standard of living and lead a life of dignity. In doing so, the University volunteers will learn from people in rural villages on how to lead a good life despite a scarcity of resources. It will also provide help in times of natural and manmade disasters by providing relief materials and first-aids to the victims.
To meaningfully contribute to the service, Dr Riju Sharma, Director of School of Humanities and Social Sciences highlighted the various activities to be carried out by the NSS volunteers in the coming years. This includes building a strong network with nearby villages and become a partner in their social transformation process.
NSS is a voluntary government sponsored public service programme conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Union Government. The scheme was first launched in order to develop students’ personality through community service in 1969.