NSS Volunteerism Programme: 10 Inspiring Lessons to Become Change Makers
Introduction
The NSS Volunteerism Programme titled “From Volunteers to Change Makers” was successfully conducted by the PG and Research Department of English (Self-Financing) of Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, along with NSS Units 216 and 219, on 23 July 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Block Seminar Hall.
The programme was organized to create awareness among students about the importance of volunteerism, leadership, social responsibility and selfless service through the National Service Scheme. The event inspired students to become responsible volunteers and active change makers in society.
Objectives of the Programme
The NSS Volunteerism Programme was organized to motivate students towards service, leadership and social commitment.
The major objectives of the programme were:
- To create awareness about the importance of volunteerism
- To explain the role and purpose of the National Service Scheme
- To motivate students to become responsible NSS volunteers
- To encourage leadership, discipline and character building
- To promote selfless service and social responsibility
- To inspire students to participate in tree plantation, blood donation and community service
- To transform students from volunteers into change makers
The programme helped students understand that true education includes service to society and concern for others.
Commencement of the Programme
The programme commenced with Tamil Thai Vazhthu, sung by all the participants. The formal beginning created a respectful and positive atmosphere for the session.
The gathering included faculty members, NSS volunteers and students of the department. The programme began with enthusiasm and a strong spirit of service.
Hosting of the Programme
The programme was hosted by Tabithal of I B.A. English. She conducted the proceedings in an organized and confident manner.
Her effective hosting ensured the smooth flow of the programme and reflected the active participation of students in departmental and NSS activities.
Welcome Address
The Welcome Address was delivered by Ms. Ajitha of II B.A. English. She warmly welcomed the Chief Guest, Head of the Department, faculty members, NSS Programme Officers, volunteers and students.
Her inspiring words created a meaningful beginning to the NSS Volunteerism Programme and encouraged students to actively participate in the session.
Honouring of the Chief Guest
The Chief Guest, Dr. Mary Joshpine Jerina, Guest Lecturer, Government Arts and Science College, Mannur, was honoured with a memento by Dr. K. Kalyani, NSS Programme Officer of Unit 216.
This gesture reflected the department’s respect and gratitude for the valuable presence of the Chief Guest. It also added dignity to the programme.
Felicitation of the Guest Speaker
Mr. S. Muneesram of III B.A. English felicitated the guest speaker. He highlighted her academic achievements and valuable contributions.
The felicitation introduced the resource person to the gathering and helped students understand her experience and commitment to education and service.
Chief Guest Address
The Chief Guest, Dr. Mary Joshpine Jerina, delivered an inspiring and meaningful address on the topic “From Volunteers to Change Makers.”
She explained the importance of volunteerism, social service and responsible citizenship. Her speech motivated students to understand that NSS volunteers can become agents of positive change when they serve society with dedication, discipline and compassion.
NSS Orientation
The first section of the programme focused on NSS Orientation. The speaker explained the importance of joining the National Service Scheme and highlighted how NSS helps students develop personality, leadership and social awareness.
She also mentioned that participation in NSS provides additional weightage in certain government recruitments, including police services. This motivated students to understand the academic, personal and professional value of NSS participation.
Students also shared their reasons for joining NSS, such as making new friends, participating in camps, serving society and developing creativity.
Meaning of Selfless Service
During the session, a meaningful message from the Bible was shared, emphasizing that true service should be selfless and performed without expecting recognition or rewards.
The speaker explained that service becomes meaningful when it is done with sincerity and concern for others. She encouraged students to help people, support communities and contribute positively to society without expecting personal gain.
This message helped students understand the real spirit of NSS service.
Social Service Activities of NSS
The speaker explained that NSS volunteers should actively participate in social service activities such as tree plantation, blood donation and community service.
She highlighted that these activities help students understand social needs and develop responsibility towards the community. NSS service also helps students become more disciplined, compassionate and aware of real-life problems.
The session encouraged volunteers to take part in service activities with commitment.
From Volunteers to Change Makers
The second section focused on the title “From Volunteers to Change Makers.” The speaker quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s famous words: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
She explained that volunteers become change makers when they serve with dedication, take initiative and work for the welfare of others. She encouraged students to serve the nation with sincerity and become responsible citizens.
The session strongly motivated students to see NSS as a platform for meaningful social transformation.
NSS Motto
The speaker explained the NSS motto, “Not Me But You.” She highlighted that the motto represents selfless service, concern for others and social commitment.
Students were encouraged to place society before self-interest and work for the benefit of the community. The discussion helped students understand that NSS develops humility, responsibility and service-mindedness.
The motto became an important message of the NSS Volunteerism Programme.
Significance of NSS Symbol
The speaker described the significance of the NSS symbol. She explained that the red colour represents the energy and enthusiasm of youth, while the navy blue colour signifies the vast universe.
She reminded students that volunteers must shine brightly through their service and contribute to society with energy, dedication and discipline. The explanation helped students understand the deeper meaning of NSS identity and service.
Qualities of Volunteers and Change Makers
The third section of the programme focused on the qualities of volunteers and change makers. The speaker insisted that students should work for the welfare of others and contribute to positive social change.
She highlighted important qualities of NSS volunteers, including:
- Personality development
- Leadership
- Character building
- Discipline
- Social responsibility
- Compassion
- Responsible citizenship
The session helped students understand that a good volunteer should be sincere, disciplined and ready to serve society.
Inspirational Examples
The speaker shared inspiring examples from the lives of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Mrs. Sudha Murty.
She explained how their dedication, simplicity, hard work and service to society continue to inspire young people. Their lives were presented as examples of how individuals can create a positive impact through knowledge, humility and commitment.
These examples motivated students to develop good values and serve society with sincerity.
Feedback by Faculty Members
Following the lecture, Dr. K. Kalyani and Dr. Bala Sarasvathi, Assistant Professors, PG and Research Department of English (SF), shared their valuable feedback.
They appreciated the inspiring address delivered by Dr. Mary Joshpine Jerina and praised her as a true change maker. They highlighted that her words motivated everyone to become responsible volunteers and serve society with dedication.
Their feedback added value to the programme and encouraged students to apply the lessons learned.
Role of NSS Units 216 and 219
The NSS Units 216 and 219 played an important role in organizing the programme along with the PG and Research Department of English (SF).
The units encouraged students to understand the importance of social service, leadership and community involvement. Through this programme, NSS volunteers received motivation to participate actively in service activities and become responsible citizens.
The programme strengthened the spirit of NSS among the students.
Benefits for Students
The programme provided several valuable benefits to the students.
- Students understood the importance of volunteerism
- They learned about the purpose and value of NSS
- They understood the meaning of the NSS motto “Not Me But You”
- They gained awareness about the significance of the NSS symbol
- They were motivated to participate in social service activities
- They learned leadership, discipline and character-building values
- They were inspired to become responsible change makers
These benefits will help students develop service-mindedness, confidence, responsibility and leadership qualities.
Outcome of the Programme
The NSS Volunteerism Programme successfully created awareness about volunteerism, social responsibility and the role of NSS in student development.
The major outcomes of the programme were:
- Improved awareness about NSS and its importance
- Better understanding of selfless service and social responsibility
- Motivation to participate in tree plantation, blood donation and community service
- Awareness about the qualities of volunteers and change makers
- Inspiration from the lives of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Mrs. Sudha Murty
- Encouragement to develop leadership, discipline and character
- Renewed commitment among students to serve society with dedication
The programme was informative, motivational and highly beneficial for the students.
Vote of Thanks
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ms. Sivani of III B.A. English.
She sincerely thanked the Chief Guest, Head of the Department, faculty members, organizers, NSS volunteers and all the participants for making the programme a grand success.
The Vote of Thanks brought the NSS Volunteerism Programme to a graceful conclusion.
Conclusion
The NSS Volunteerism Programme titled “From Volunteers to Change Makers”, organized by the PG and Research Department of English (SF) along with NSS Units 216 and 219 on 23 July 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Block Seminar Hall, concluded successfully.
The inspiring session by Dr. Mary Joshpine Jerina created awareness about volunteerism, NSS orientation, selfless service, leadership, discipline, character building and responsible citizenship. The programme motivated students to serve society with dedication and become true change makers.
Overall, the event reflected the commitment of Kamaraj College to social responsibility, value-based education, student leadership, NSS service and holistic development.
Internal Link
Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi