The five-day North East National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival concluded at the NEHU Shillong campus yesterday.
During the course of the function the absence Manipur from the festival was acknowledged. There was no representation from Manipur due to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. As a mark of solidarity and prayer for the end of the conflict and violence, a one-minute silence was also observed.
NSS Programme Officer Conrad M. Pariat highlighted about the various programmes held in the course of the festival. He said the experience was not only enriching, but more so, an enlightening one.
He said a programme on “Mission Life’ dwelled on the challenges of climate change and how, as volunteers they should be more responsible in their lifestyle, keeping in mind the need for sustainable living. Life skill development programmes exhorted the participants to develop their personality through community service.
Dipak Kumar, Regional Director, Regional Directorate NER, Guwahati, reminded that the National Youth Policy entails youth as belonging between the ages of 15-29 years. He said present the number of youth population is 40 crore and the question, however, is whether this youth population is an asset to the nation. He laid down certain criteria such as fitness, responsibility, skill and loyalty as prerequisite to enable youths to become assets for the nation.
NEHU Vice Chancellor, Prof. P.S.Shukla, who is also the Chairman of the NSS University Advisory Committee, recounted the role of the NSS volunteers in changing society through their self-less voluntary service in the Medico-Social services, sanitation, blood donation, adult education initiative, environment awareness, nutrition programme etc.
Education Minister Rakkam A.Sangma was the chief guest during the function. During his speech he reminded the gathering that a good start is half a battle won. He exhorted the volunteers that as young people how one finishes is more important than how one starts.
Sangma assured that the government will do everything in its power to improve the skill development among the youths of the state.
Prizes were also awarded to winners of the various competitions that were held. A souvenir showcasing the activities conducted during the festival was also released on the occasion.
