Latest news with #NationalServiceScheme
Hans India
4 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Birthday of trees celebrated
Jharsuguda: In a unique and environment-friendly initiative, Laxminarayan College, Jharsuguda celebrated the first birthday of trees planted during last year's plantation drive. The event also witnessed the launch of a fresh plantation programme, reinforcing the importance of not just planting trees but ensuring their survival and growth. The trees were symbolically worshiped with traditional rituals -- decorated with flowers, sandalwood paste, rice, vermilion and new cloth. Vedic mantras were chanted, followed by sweet distribution among the attendees, making the event both spiritual and community-focused. This innovative celebration aimed to spread awareness about long-term tree care and sustainability. Later in the day, dignitaries and volunteers planted new saplings on the college campus, continuing the institution's commitment towards a greener future. The event was organised with participation from National Service Scheme (NSS), Youth Red Cross, NCC, Swami Vivekananda Loka Sansad (Jharsuguda branch), Jharsuguda Forest Department and Ehita Jeevan Bhi Foundation. The programme drew wide participation from local intellectuals, environmental activists and a large number of students, all contributing to the tree plantation and birthday celebration. The initiative was widely appreciated as a step towards building a responsible and green community. Among the dignitaries present were Gobinda Chandra Sahu, Principal of the College; Biswajit Khamari, President, Swami Vivekananda Loka Sansad and Saroj Kumar Kuanr, Former Principal, Women's College, Jharsuguda. © 2025 All Rights Reserved. Powered by Summit
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
After decades, cultivation resumes in paddy fields of Chemmaruthy in Thiruvananthapuram
Around 59 acres in the Panayara Pichakkasseri padasekharam (polder) of Chemmaruthy grama panchayat in the district that had been lying fallow for nearly four decades is being transformed into a success story of paddy cultivation. Decades after paddy cultivation ground to a halt in the farm tracts of Panayara and Pichakkasseri, the Chemmaruthy grama panchayat and the Krishi Bhavan there have joined hands to rejuvenate paddy farming as part of the panchayat's 'Tharishu-rahitha Chemmaruthy' (fallow land-free) project. The farming is led by the padasekhara samiti and some landowners, with a few school students doing their bit too. It has been a long process, beginning with meetings with panchayat ward members, padasekhara samiti, and land authorities to inject a fresh lease of life into the once- bountiful fields. An action plan was prepared and estimates readied over the past year-and-a-half. A small attempt to revive paddy farming in a portion of the polder at Pichakkasseri was made last year. Farming was taken up on four acres of fallow land, inspiring school students to visit the fields and even take part in a sowing festival. Encouraged by the response, it was decided to revive cultivation on around 50 acres at Panayara and another five acres in addition to the four already farmed at Pichakkasseri this year. Canal cleaned Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme workers were deployed to clean a canal that had been covered over the years. Many trees that had come up on the fields had to be cut down and their stumps and roots removed to prepare the land for cultivation, said Roshna Ameen, agriculture officer in-charge of assistant agriculture director's post. The Uma variety of seeds that can be harvested in 120 days were sown. The crop will be grown organically. The sowing festival saw a good turnout of Chemmaruthy residents. Around 20 National Service Scheme students of the Palayamkunnu higher secondary school also joined the sowing. The students will grow paddy on 30 cents in the polder. Sowing festival The sowing festival was inaugurated by district panchayat member Geetha Nazeer. Chemmaruthy grama panchayat president Priyanka Biril presided. Varkala block panchayat president Smitha Sundaresan was the chief guest.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
PGI launches Sarathi feedback app to monitor patient experience of volunteer assistance
In a move to further enhance patient support services, the PGIMER's flagship volunteer initiative, 'Project Sarathi,' has now been expanded beyond the National Service Scheme (NSS) framework to welcome all interested student volunteers, encouraging broader community participation in patient care. In another key development, the institute has launched a dedicated mobile application for collecting patient feedback. The Sarathi feedback app will now be made available to each volunteer, who will gather real-time feedback from patients and attendants after offering them assistance. This data will enable the administration to make informed decisions and continually improve the quality of services. Sharing his thoughts on the application, Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, stated: 'Project Sarathi has been a heartening example of how structured community involvement can transform hospital services. The expansion of volunteer participation and the launch of the feedback app is another step in our commitment to patient-centred care and continuous improvement'. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, said that the decision to expand beyond the NSS was taken considering the consistently positive response received through daily interactions among Sarathi volunteers, hospital staff, and patients. 'Recognising the immense value that volunteers bring in simplifying the patient journey at PGIMER, the institute is now opening the doors for students from all academic backgrounds and institutions to be part of this compassionate initiative,' Rai added. 'Project Sarathi, since its inception, has played a vital role in assisting patients and their families in navigating the large and often complex PGI system. Volunteers serve as a vital link, particularly for those from rural or underserved backgrounds, by offering clear guidance, emotional reassurance, and human connection during stressful times,' he further said. Interested student volunteers eager to contribute to this cause can send their requests and details via email to ddapgi@ This new structure aims to cultivate a stronger, more inclusive team of young change makers dedicated to patient welfare. 'The updated feedback app will enhance communication, ensuring transparency and responsiveness. The PGIMER reaffirms its commitment to participatory healthcare and responsive governance, driven by student initiative and innovative technology,' Rai concluded.
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Cusat to launch anti-drug campaign REVIVE 2025 on July 15
KOCHI: As part of observing World Youth Skills Day on Tuesday, the Department of Youth Welfare, National Service Scheme (NSS), and University Union of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) are jointly organising a large-scale anti-drug campaign, REVIVE 2025, under the theme 'Drug Kills, Develop Skills'. The initiative is supported by youth enterprises such as Alcor Cyberspace and IMAT Global, and focuses on skill development as a positive alternative to substance abuse among students and youth. According to Dr M Junaid Bushiri, Vice Chancellor, CUSAT, the university has already taken effective steps to prevent drug use, especially in university campuses and hostels. 'Anti-drug committees have been formed in all departments, hostels, and at the university level. Measures are in place to ensure these committees function actively and consistently,' he said. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has emphasised the need for developing diverse skills to prevent drug abuse. The US National Institutes of Health has also published several studies highlighting the issue. Drawing inspiration from such global initiatives, CUSAT is hosting this extensive awareness programme. The campaign will be officially inaugurated on Tuesday at 10 am at the CUSAT Seminar Complex by Hibi Eden, MP. Actors Shane Nigam, Vishnu Unnikrishnan, and Lalu Alex will engage in interactive sessions with students. A panel discussion will be held on the impact of drug use on youth, featuring Dr Alisha Sulaiman, Dr Priyanka, entrepreneurs Noorin Ayesha and Tasni Rafiq, among others. Dr Ananthu S and Akhil Marar will also deliver anti-drug messages. The event will also feature a stand-up comedy show by Sabarish and a mentalism show by Arjun Satheesh. As part of skill development workshops, sessions will be led by Babu Pallassery, Utpal Nayanar, and Vijay Chandrabose, covering topics such as cinema, digital marketing, information technology, and investment.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
Tourism clubs launched in 46 colleges in Ernakulam
Kochi: In a bid to enhance tourism literacy and strengthen community involvement in the sector, state tourism department launched tourism clubs in 46 colleges across Ernakulam district. The initiative, modelled along the lines of National Service Scheme (NSS), aims to engage students in tourism-related activities through structured clubs supported by colleges and guided by faculty coordinators and tourism officials. State secretary of the project Sachin P told TOI that each club will comprise 50 student members. A monitoring committee chaired by tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas will oversee functioning of the clubs. The initiative follows a successful pilot at Aakkulam Tourism Village in Thiruvananthapuram. One of the flagship activities of the clubs is the Destination Adoption programme, where colleges take responsibility for a nearby tourism destination. Students will be encouraged to implement positive changes, thereby reshaping tourism experience and culture of the area. Sachin added that volunteers participating in the clubs will receive grants and opportunities to earn a part-time income. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo The department will also organize destination camps exclusively for club members. In Ernakulam, these camps are expected to take place in Aug. District tourism promotion council secretary Lijo Joseph said the initiative is set to bring significant changes to tourism landscape in Ernakulam by building awareness among students as well as other stakeholders. "Club members will also be involved in various events conducted by the department in the district," he said.
