The week-long NSS special camp for students of the College of Horticulture, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, concluded today at the university campus. Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of the university was the Chief Guest while Madan Himachali, Pradhan of Nauni Panchayat was the Guest of Honour.
In his welcome address, Dr. Manish Sharma, Dean, College of Horticulture, emphasized that the camp aimed to educate students about society and village life. Activities included cleanliness and plantation drives, drug abuse awareness rallies, and interactions with local panchayat officials and villagers to understand their agricultural practices.
Prof. Chandel highlighted the NSS motto, ‘Not Me, But You’, stressing its message of unity and societal responsibility. He encouraged volunteers to integrate the lessons from the camp into their lives and take individual and collective responsibility for building a connected and improved society. He added that NSS camps provide students with holistic learning experiences beyond the classroom and promote trust and harmony within the community. Madan Himachali expressed gratitude to the volunteers and the university for organizing the camp in the panchayat’s villages.
NSS Officer Dr. Meenu Gupta presented a report on the camp’s activities, which included orientation lectures, discussions on various topics, plastic waste collection, awareness campaigns, a plantation drive in nearby villages and the university campus, and a drug awareness rally. The students also had the opportunity to learn about the Panchayati Raj system through expert lectures.
Students provided feedback and suggestions for future improvements of the camp. The Chief Guest distributed certificates of participation to the volunteers. Among those present were Dr. CL Thakur, Dean of the College of Forestry; Dr. Inder Dev, Director of Extension Education; Dr. HP Sankhyan, Librarian; and Heads of Departments and NSS Officers Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary, Dr. Pankaj and Dr. Rohit.