Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jun 30: National Service Scheme (NSS), has been working with the motto, 'personality development through service along with education'. Its volunteers have continued with their service even during the Covid period.
In Mangalore University, the 2020-21 academic year has not yet been completed. Because of Covid19, examinations had been suspended in between. Currently, classes are held online. NSS programmes are organized in the midst of this. Online-Offline activities are held continuously. The scheme inculcates in the minds of the students of the habit of service along with achieving personality development.
Mangalore University, which has jurisdiction over Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kodagu districts, covers 16,500 NSS volunteers. The respective district administrations keep contact with the NSS coordinators. In case of emergency situations, volunteers are provided. NSS also serve at the Covid war room at the city corporation building here, They mainly engage in creating awareness about getting vaccinated among the people, and inspire them to undergo Covid tests. They have been told to work in their own neighbourhoods. They also cooperate with the distribution of food kits.
On various subjects, webinars are being organised. Experts deliver lectures encouraging students, who are facing uncertainties about classes and exams, to think positively. Covid awareness programmes are held online for the students. Depending on the student participation, they get marks. After the online classes, NSS activities are conducted.
The central government releases funds for NSS activities but because of coronavirus issues, no funds were released for the year 2020-21. NSS state unit said that the state government has released 3.55 crore, which is much below as compared to its normal grants. The state NSS report says that mostly online programmes were held.
NSS programme coordinator here, Dr Nagaratna A K says that this time, NSS volunteers have engaged in various service activities including kits distribution.