The National Service Scheme (NSS) started in 1967 - on the Mahatma's birth centenary - is operative throughout the country. It is a nationwide scheme specially designed for college going students with its regular and 10 day special camping activities. The scheme involves both the students and the public - especially  villagers. The scheme broadly aims at creating awareness among the young students on the socio-cultural and economic state of society.

It is mainly through the NSS that certain social realities are exposed to the students. Since its inception the scheme has produced many responsible youths. The 'Campus to Community' activity has been applauded by one and all. Any programme which is useful for the students can be included in the NSS. In a way the sky is the limit for the NSS!

So far emphasis was given to manual work (Shramadan). But now there is a gear shift inside the NSS. Due to the changing scenario in the educational field — especially due to LPG — the thrust area has shifted from its traditional out look to a more pragmatic approach.  Much importance has been given to the improvement of life skills.

Lakhs of students are involved throughout the country in NSS activities. Though a popular programme at the college level, much change has not taken place. Perhaps, the State of Karnataka, is the leader in bringing the much needed change. A new concept is emerging in the NSS. A series of workshops are being conducted in the NSS to channelise students properly.

Under this backdrop the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the NSS Liaison Cell of Karnataka designed a 5 day workshop for NSS volunteers. The workshops were held in different universities of the State covering topics like - Youth Health, Career Guidance, Commonalties in Religions, Communicative English, Event Management, Rainwater Harvesting, Street Plays, First Aid, Community Singing etc. As many as 4,500 NSS volunteers from different Universities and PU Board took part in these workshops. 15 State level workshops of 5 days duration with an intake of 100 volunteers each and 29 one day workshops with an intake of 100 girl volunteers each were organised.

This ambitious programme is the brain child of Dr H S Suresh (Asst Prog Adviser, NSS Regional Centre, Bangalore).

Sensing the need of the hour, he has rightly given the much needed break through. As a result a kind of intellectual touch has been given to the NSS. Of course, a component of manual work is always there.