State-Level Training Programme for National Service Scheme Programme Officers at Yenepoya University
Mangalore: In a significant effort to enhance youth engagement and community service across the state, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), in collaboration with the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka, and the National Service Scheme (NSS), successfully organized a State-Level Training Programme for NSS Programme Officers from February 3rd to 7th, 2025. This initiative aimed to strengthen the training and coordination of NSS officers throughout Karnataka, equipping them with the requisite skills and knowledge to better serve their communities through various national service projects.
The inaugural session of this training programme commenced on February 3rd, 2025, at 11:00 AM, and was graced by a host of distinguished personalities, including government officials, academics, and notable figures from the NSS fraternity. The occasion marked an important milestone in fostering volunteerism and community engagement among the youth in Karnataka.
Sri Randeep D, IAS, the Secretary of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the event. In his inaugural address, Sri Randeep emphasized the essential role of youth participation in NSS activities, highlighting their substantial contributions to societal development. He also underscored the imperative of training NSS officers to empower them to inspire and mobilize the youth effectively.
The Chief Guest of the programme, Nadoja Dr. Wodey P Krishna, who serves as the President of the Karnataka Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi and the Honorary General Secretary of the Sheshadripuram Educational Trust, articulated the critical impact that youth have on nation-building. Dr. Wodey accentuated the value of community service in nurturing leadership qualities and a strong sense of social responsibility among young individuals.
Continuing this discourse, Dr. Prathap Lingaiah, the State NSS Officer from the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, shared valuable insights into the outreach and impact of the NSS program throughout Karnataka. This was complemented by remarks from Sri D. Carthigueane, the Regional Director of the National Service Scheme at the Regional Directorate Office in Bengaluru, who provided a perspective on the nationwide coordination of NSS activities and its overarching objectives.
Prof. G.B. Shivaraji, the director of Karnataka NSS Programme Officers Training, elaborated on the training programme’s structure and importance. Prof. Shivaraji emphasized the necessity of capacity-building initiatives aimed at equipping NSS Programme Officers with the tools they need to execute their responsibilities effectively. Dr. K.S. Gangadhara Somayaji, the Registrar of Yenepoya University, was also present at the inaugural session, demonstrating the institution’s unwavering support for initiatives aimed at empowering the youth through service.
The event was presided over by Dr. M. Vijayakumar, the Honorable Vice Chancellor of Yenepoya University. In his keynote address, Dr. Vijayakumar reiterated the university’s commitment to fostering a spirit of volunteerism and community development among its students, thereby contributing to the broader societal goals of empowerment and engagement.
The inaugural session was enriched by cultural elements, beginning with a prayer and the rendition of the NSS song, which instilled a sense of unity among participants. Following the opening remarks from Prof. G.B. Shivaraji, the ceremonial lighting of the lamp marked a traditional start to the training programme. This was succeeded by insightful addresses from the dignitaries, culminating in a president’s address from Dr. M. Vijayakumar and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Ashwini Shetty, the NSS Coordinator at Yenepoya University, who expressed sincere gratitude to all parties involved in making the inaugural session a resounding success.
Hosted by Navya and Ajith K, Programme Officers at Yenepoya University, the event witnessed seamless coordination, ensuring that the inaugural session unfolded smoothly and effectively.
This extensive training programme is meticulously crafted to equip NSS Programme Officers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to manage and coordinate NSS activities at their respective institutions. Throughout the five-day event, participants will engage in a series of sessions, workshops, and hands-on activities tailored to enhance their leadership, organizational, and project management capabilities.
This initiative is aligned with the vision of the Government of Karnataka and the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports to instill a strong sense of responsibility, social consciousness, and active citizenship among the youth. It represents a concerted effort to empower the next generation with the tools they need to effect positive change in their communities, thereby laying the foundation for a more engaged and socially responsible citizenry.
