The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
-- Mahatma Gandhi

National Service Scheme (NSS)

Preface
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a youth-centric initiative of the Government of India aimed at fostering the spirit of social responsibility, community service, and nation-building among students. By blending education with service, NSS equips young volunteers with life skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of empathy towards society.

History
Launched in 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi, the NSS began with the vision of engaging students in constructive community service. Starting with just 40,000 student volunteers, today it has grown into one of the largest student movements in the world, reaching millions across schools, colleges, and universities.

VHSE NSS Cell

The Vocational Higher Secondary Education (VHSE) NSS Cell, established in 1994–1995, has grown into one of the most vibrant youth service platforms in Kerala. Today, it coordinates 345 NSS units with the active participation of over 35,000 student volunteers and more than 450 teachers as Programme Officers and Coordinators. The Cell functions under the Directorate of General Education and ensures systematic planning, training, monitoring, and fund disbursement through PFMS. Each NSS unit adopts a Grama Panchayat, making a total of 345 adopted villages, where students implement meaningful campus-to-community programmes. The Cell regularly partners with 12+ Government Departments including Health, Agriculture, Local Self Government, Excise, and Social Justice to implement statewide projects. Major initiatives like No to Drugs, Haritha Bhavanam, Drone, Bhoomijam, Rithu Bhedha Jeevanam, Saukyam Sadaa, Mitham, and Snehaaraamam have received recognition at state and national levels. Student volunteers actively contribute to public health, environmental protection, blood donation, disaster management, and digital literacy campaigns, making a visible impact in society. Teachers serving as Programme Officers act as mentors, guiding students to blend vocational education with social responsibility. The VHSE NSS Cell thus promotes youth leadership, empathy, and civic engagement through structured activities. Its vision is to create a generation of responsible citizens dedicated to building a sustainable, inclusive, and socially committed Kerala.