NSS Movement Grows Stronger with New Pledge for Community Engagement
On the afternoon of 26th July 2025, an inspiring and symbolic event unfolded at The Apollo University, as the NSS Scarf Distribution Ceremony had brought together student volunteers, NSS coordinator, NSS Officers, faculty coordinators, and university leaders to celebrate the spirit of service and responsibility toward society.
With the presence of Dr. H. Vinod Bhat, Vice-Chancellor, as the Chief Guest, accompanied by Prof. M. Potharaju, and the Registrar, as the Guest of Honour, there was plenty of significance behind the simple act of distributing scarves. After all, it was more about the spirit of service that confirmed the transformation and positive impact these youth and service-driven volunteers can create with even the smallest acts of service in their respective communities and schemes.
The event commenced with the recognition of 10 student coordinators, who received their NSS scarves first. Each scarf symbolized not just their position, but their unwavering commitment to leading with compassion, empathy, and action. These student leaders then proudly distributed scarves to 200 volunteers from NSS Unit-1 and NSS Unit-2 (100 students each), marking their official induction as active contributors to the university’s mission of social outreach. In other words, every scarf had meaning—it reminded the students that leadership starts with service, and that by wearing the NSS colours, they promised to go beyond themselves and stand up when the community calls.
An Inspiring Message from the Vice Chancellor In his keynote address, Dr. H. Vinod Bhat gave a heartfelt and thought-provoking message to the new volunteers, noting that “real education is never complete unless it is carved with a heart of service,” meaning that knowledge has no purpose unless it is put used towards helping or uplifting another. He remarked that while every NSS volunteer is a student, and every student is a volunteer, every NSS volunteer is also a leader, a changemaker, and a person capable of influencing others' lives well beyond the gates of the university. He noted example after example of student-led social programs in India, and asked the students to be at the forefront of positive change. He also stated that he was proud to attend the event, expressing his satisfaction with the performance of the volunteers and their valuable contributions to society and the university community.
He invited the volunteers to put on their NSS in recognition that their scarves are badges of hope and assurance that inspire trust in every place they go. "These scarves", he said, "are a reminder every day that you have made a pledge to the voice of society in its moments of need, to offer comfort, to heal society's divides, and to help forge a kinder and stronger country."
The highlight of the moment was the significance when all 200 volunteers stood together, scarves on shoulder, hand raised in a pledge, the pledge to use their time, talent, and energy to support the cause of community well-being, supported social equity, and nation building. The hall rang out with voices from hundreds of young minds pronouncing they would commit to serve with honesty and humility in their pursuit for social justice. The arm settle was not just ceremonial, it was the beginning of a stronger NSS family; a family that would commit to all turning their feelings of empathy into action and viewing challenges as opportunities while illuminating the path for others to follow.
There is no doubt that the event drew its meaning and success from the dedicated efforts of NSS Programme Officer, Dr. Hemadri Reddy, and coordinators, Dr. Shaik Jakeer and Ms. Gayathri, whose unwavering guidance ensured that the students they mentored could effectively transform their awareness into purposeful action. Their steadfast commitment shaped the event into a memorable milestone of consciousness and transformation.
The presence of the Deans, faculty members, and Assistant Director of Student Affairs, Dr. S. S. Shani, served as a reminder of the strong foundation on which NSS continues to build its legacy of service and social responsibility. This event was a reminder to every participant that NSS is not simply a club—a pledge to humanity. It is a call to action for students to step out of classrooms, question realities and social issues of our time, and be true advocates for change. NSS cultivates a sense of altruism in students, not only for their own self-development but to also further the cause of a nation. When the ceremony concluded, the air was electric with hope, determination that service is not a specific task, but a lifelong continuum of purpose. With each scarf placed on a student's shoulders, a new commitment was made—whatever you do, not only to NSS, but also to the society, to the nation, and to the tenets of becoming a leader in selfless service for a better world.