With Motto ‘Not Me But You’ 80 NSS Boys & Girls of St Aloysius College Camping in Manila-DK
- With Motto ‘Not Me But You’ 80 National Service Scheme (NSS) Boys & Girls of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) -Mangaluru Camping in Manila-DK, thereby to make a difference among the Villagers there.
- “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things. Go out into the world today and love the people you meet, and do some service if needed. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people.” – Mother Teresa
- “Be not afraid, for all great power throughout the history of humanity has been with the people. From out of their ranks have come all the greatest geniuses of the world, and history can only repeat itself. Be not afraid of anything. You will do marvellous work. Be not in despair, the way is very difficult, like walking on the edge of a razor; yet despair not, arise, awake, and find the ideal, the goal. Do not be afraid of a small beginning. great things come afterwards. Be courageous. Do not try to lead your brethren, but serve them. The brutal mania for leading has sunk many a great ships in the waters of life. Take care especially of that, i.e. be unselfish even unto death, and work”- Swami Vivekananda
Mangaluru: If you want to see infrastructure, museums, parks etc and the capital of Philippines, The Manila located on Manila Bay in the South China Sea, and bisected by the Pasig River, the capital of the Philippines is historic and modern, rich and poor. A popular sight is the Intramuros, a walled area that was the capital during Spanish rule. Intramuros has retained old dungeons and gunpowder rooms but added art galleries and theatres. The city is filled with museums, shops, parks and churches, plus enough nightlife to last until dawn. But if you want to experience a real and tradition Village life, then spend a few days among the poor villagers of Manila, a village located in Bantwal Taluk- and that’s exactly what eighty members of St Aloysius College NSS are doing for a week, interacting with the villagers, doing some social service work, entertaining them with their talents etc- that’s True Life in a Green and Clean Remote Village- MANILA- Bantwal, and not MANILA-Philippines.
Away from the hustle and bustle of Mangaluru city traffic and hectic life, away from pollution filled city atmosphere and blaring noise of traffic and humans, away from their parents, dear and near ones, away from their friends and fun life, away from the comfort of their own bed and hot shower facilities at home, away from access to smartphones and video gadgets -these 80 boys and girls of St Aloysius College-Mangaluru of National Service Scheme Unit ( NSS ) have decided to sacrifice their time and fun life towards community service, and for seven days they will be nestled at Shree Venugopala Aided Higher Primary School, Pakalakunja, Manila-Bantwal, from 31 October until 6 November. For seven days they will feel the touch of village life, have close encounters with the village people, and will experience how village dwelling will be -and this could bring a change in their personal nature and lifestyle. They will also involve in doing some community service in that area, including cleaning, gardening etc.
National Service Scheme, handled by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Govt. of India, known as NSS was established in Gandhiji’s Birth Centenary in 1969, nearly 40 Universities having over 50,000 students with main focus on the improvement of personality of students by community services. Now, NSS has more than 4 million students that dispersed in over 300 Universities and in 45 Senior Secondary Councils and Directorate of Vocational Education in all country. From its commence, more than 4 crores students from Colleges, Universities and Institutions of super learning have improved from NSS activities, by student volunteers.
The major objectives of National Service Scheme are: Get knowledge about the worked community; Knowledge themselves in relation to their community; Find the needs and problems of the community and include them in problem-solving; increase sense of social and civic responsibility; Use their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems; Gain skills in mobilizing community participation; Develop competence needed for group-living and sharing of responsibilities; Build leadership qualities and democratic attitudes; Increase capacity to handle emergencies and natural disasters and practices national integration and social harmony.
The inauguration of this Annual NSS Special Camp 2018-19 was held on 31 October at the NSS Camping School premises, which was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by chief guest-Dr. Joseph N.M-President: AMUCT, Associate Professor, Dept. of Economics, Sacred Heart College, Madanthyar; along with guests of honor- Dr Fr Praveen Martis SJ- Principal, St Aloysius College; Dr A M Narahari- Registrar-St Aloysius College; Madan Mohan Shetty, Headmaster, Shree Venugopala Aided Hr. Pry. School, Pakalakunja, Manila; Rajesh Balekallu, President, Manila Gram Panchaya; and Gopalakrishna Bhat, Correspondence, Shree Venugopala Aided Hr. Pry. School, Pakalakunja, Manila.
Addressing the students Chief guest Dr Joseph N M said, ” I too was an NSS member during my college days, and later as a teacher had taken part in various camps organized by the students. Well, there are many reasons why one should join NSS, I have been the volunteer in my college NSS unit and its has been a fantastic experience since then with them. Some of the main motivating factors of joining NSS according to me are: You get to know the society very closely, when you meet new people understand their needs and do good for them in whatever small means your team can, it gives you inner satisfaction which one can’t explain in words; You understand the importance of life, when you organize various health camps, blood donation camps and start valuing the things which you have been taking for granted like your health, money sent by family and many more.
“That feeling when you visit old age homes/blind homes/orphanages and spend some time with them, you will see some sort of happiness on their face which is better than any materialistic things in the world. Although this doesn’t excites you much but you will be getting a Certificate for being a volunteer of NSS, which is recognized by government of India so it can have an impact on your resume as well. Last but Not the Least, You should have the sense of responsibility for doing something good for your society to make their life better in whatever small way you can and NSS just provides you the platform for the same. I hope my answer was motivating enough for all of you who have joined and for those considering joining NSS for once at least. I am confident that you all will do a marvelous job and make a difference. Keep up the good work that you have entrusted with, and may god bless you all” added Dr Joseph.
Dr AM Narahari inspired the students with his kind words of wisdom saying, ” Avail all you can get from your institution and be a responsible youth of this nation. Your NSS activities is surely a bonus to your future achievements. Serve the community, respect your teachers and adults, and be a responsible citizen of this country. Your community service rendered in this remote area and in our school campus will be appreciated by the locals here and you will be blessed by them. Try you keep your areas clean. It is only through the eyes of others do you see yourself. It is only through the work of your own do you find the difference in others. Show enthusiasm, dedication and love towards what you do, you’ll be blessed and admired by others. You all have a great week ahead to show how good you can do to the surrounding community here- best of luck and may God bless you”.
Fr Praveen Martis SJ addressing the students said, “NSS is an opportunity provided by the education department for service. Service that is free of self..is Godly! It should be done without much noise. Hence NSS camps are organized in places other than the institution that has the Unit. Annual NSS camp is an practical exposure to students who imbibe primarily the theoretical knowledge in the class rooms. Everyone is not meant for selfless service, hence we opt for it. NSS has given you this opportunity-make use of it to the best of your ability, and learn to live with minimum and try to achieve the maximum through your services”.
” You students should do something positive, something unique which could change the society and make a difference. You are on your own here, no parents to guide and advice you – all decisions and activities are controlled by yourself. Since issues and concerns have changed a lot, NSS through effective and unique projects should change the society. Your NSS team is the strongest unit in the college-you need to come out of the box and do something worthy and unique. You need to tie up with NGOs, work with them and bring a change in the community. Also when you do such projects don’t forget to highlight them through media or any other sources, so that the society knows your contribution towards them. Learn to be self disciplined, dedicated and sincere- these qualities will benefit in your life to be a responsible citizen” added Fr Martis SJ.
The dignitaries were presented with mementos for their support and encouragement. The support and encouragement rendered by Team Mangalorean was appreciated by the NSS camp organizers, and the Principal of St Aloysius College. The vote of thanks was proposed by Shameeksha Bangera; Welcome address was delivered by Darshan; and the porogramme was compered by Adhithi G Bangera, all NSS Vounteers. The camp is supervised under the leadership of NSS Camp Officers- Alwin D’Souza, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Political Science; Preema Victorian Tauro, Lecturer, BBA; Florine Shalomith Soans, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Economics; Harshith, Lecturer, Dept. of Physics, and Avinash, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Economics
The Camp Directors are- Prof. A.M. Khan, Registrar, Mangalore University; Smt Vineetha K., NSS Programme Coordinator, NSS, Mangalore University; Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Principal, St Aloysius College (Autonomous); Camp Special visitors will be Khadri Narasimhayya, Regional Director, NSS Regional Directorate Department of Youth and Sports, Govt. of India, Bengaluru; Dr. Gananatha Shetty Yekkaru, State NSS Programme Coordinator and In-charge Joint Secretary-Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Govt. of Karnataka, Bengaluru; and Dr B. Chandrashekar, Co-ordinator, NSSETI, Karnataka-Mysore University, Mysore. Camp Medical Officer is Dr Krishnamoorthy-Medical Officer, Primary Health Centre, Peruvayi.
Various activities and seminars/talks will be held during the seven day camp, including community service around the camp area. Talks on Agriculture – by S.K. Sarikar, Agriculture Officer, Vittal and Dr. Harish Shenoy, Agricultural Science; Health & Nutrition – by Dr Krishnamurthy, Medical Officer, Primary Health Centre, Peruvayi; Soft Skills and Personality Development – by Manju, Vittal, State Level Soft Skills Trainer; Trekking; Village Census; Personality Development; Frehol; e Service for the Villagers; Waste Management project; Environmental Protection and Cleanliness; Folklore and Cultural activities; Soft skill Training; Yoga Training and Awareness on Health; Simple and Friendly Living; Agriculture and Dairy Farming. Besides this, Yoga Training will be given every morning 6:15 to 7:00 am by Sri Ananda Shetty, Yoga Teacher, Sri Satyasai Lokaseva Shikshana Trust, Alike.
The valedictory function of the Camp will be held on 6 November at 10.30 am presided over by Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ-Principal, St Aloysius College (Autonomous); Blessings by Sri Sri Sri Mohanadasa Paramahamsa Swamiji, Shri Dhama, Manila and Rev. Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ, Rector, St Aloysius Institutions, Mangalore. aledictory Address: Sri Gopalakrishna Bhat- Correspondence, Shree Venugopala Aided Hr. Pry. School, Pakalakunja, Manila. Guests of honor will be – Sri Krishna Guruji-Trustee, Shree Kalikamba Anjaneya Kshetra, Kukkaje, Manila; Madan Mohan Shetty- Headmaster, Shree Venugopala Aided Hr. Pry. School, Pakalakunja, Manila; Rajesh Balekallu- President, Manila Gram Panchayat; and Gopalakrishna Bhat- Correspondence, Shree Venugopala Aided Hr. Pry. School, Pakalakunja, Manila.
Team Mangalorean/’Mangalorean.com’ feels proud to be associated with many of the projects undertaken by St Aloysius college NSS unit, in covering their happenings, events, and these young boys and girls are very energetic, enthusiastic, dedicated and above all, well mannered and self-respected- to all these dedicated and hard working NSS volunteers I end this report with a thought-provoking and inspiring message – “Don’t lose interest in your social service work, in case your selfless work is not appreciated by the local people. Your hard work and community service will always be appreciated by God, which is the greatest honor and blessings one can get. Don’t give up, your help to the society will always be cherished and remembered by your fellow citizens. Your sacrifice, devotion, socialism and social equality will always be appreciated. So keep up the good work that you are all entrusted with, and may God bless you all “.