University B.T. & Evening College has always been committed to the holistic development of its students by encouraging academic excellence along with social responsibility. As a part of this commitment, the college has been actively running a unit of the National Service Scheme (NSS) since the academic session 2003–2004. The unit truly plays a significant role in promoting community engagement, leadership qualities, and a spirit of service among the students.
As we know, the National Service Scheme (NSS) is a flagship public service programme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The scheme was launched in 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi, with the objective of developing the personality and character of students through voluntary community service.
At University B.T. & Evening College, around one hundred student volunteers participate in the NSS unit every year. Through regular and special activities, the unit seeks to instill a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness among the students. NSS activities serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-life social experiences, helping students understand community needs and develop empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills.
The NSS unit organizes a variety of regular activities throughout the year, including plantation drives, blood donation camps, seminars, debates, awareness campaigns, interactive sessions, processions, and gardening activities within the campus and in the adopted village. These initiatives aim to promote environmental awareness, health consciousness, and social responsibility among both students and local residents.
In accordance with NSS guidelines, student volunteers are required to complete at least 120 hours of community service within two years. In addition to these regular activities, the unit also organizes a seven-day Special Camp in the adopted village. The special camp focuses on themes such as physical and mental health awareness, consumer awareness, sanitation and cleanliness drives, environmental protection, and other pressing social issues.
The NSS unit also conducts important awareness programmes and community service initiatives related to AIDS awareness, first aid training, thalassemia awareness, eye check-up camps, community surveys, and other health and social welfare activities. These programmes help strengthen the bond between the college and the surrounding community while encouraging students to actively contribute to social development.
After successfully completing the required hours of service and participating in the special camp, the NSS volunteers are awarded certificates, recognizing their dedication and contribution to community service.
Dr. Riki Chakraborty, the Program Officer of the NSS unit, beautifully guides and supervises all the activities of the volunteers throughout the year. The unit has adopted the village area of Takagach–Rajarhat Gram Panchayat, where many of its outreach and community service programmes are conducted.
