Nation Building through the Volunteerism and Community Services of National Service Scheme (NSS): An Extension Dimension of Higher Education

The National Service Scheme, also known as NSS, is a social development activity with the motto "NOT ME, BUT YOU." The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, conducts the National Service Scheme (NSS), an extension service programme. The program extends from the senior secondary school stage to the postgraduate level across all Indian universities. The program's two main components are youth and community. The youth are the future citizens and administrators of India. Participating in NSS, the candidates perceive social change, transformations, and social development issues. The youth are the most vibrant generation, with energy, courage, and the ability to change society. The study examines the main objective of the NSS program for the overall development of student youth through their participation in social and nation-building activities, as well as education. This study examines the importance of NSS in keeping students motivated to attend higher educational institutions. NSS plays a catalytic role in motivating students to take initiative in resolving different problems, social barriers, harassment, and violence, transforming all the negative activities into positive ones, and creating a peaceful atmosphere on campuses as well as in neighbouring areas.