Empowering the Next Generation: MY Bharat-NSS Awards and the Spirit of Volunteerism
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented the prestigious MY Bharat - National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards 2022-23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 6, 2025. These awards recognise the exemplary contributions of youth in community service, nation-building, and social development, reflecting the enduring legacy of volunteerism in India.
About the National Service Scheme (NSS)
The NSS, introduced in 1969 during the birth centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, is a flagship programme of the Government of India aimed at developing the personality and character of students through voluntary community service. Its core objectives include:
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Fostering a spirit of social responsibility and civic engagement among youth.
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Encouraging leadership, teamwork, and empathy through hands-on community involvement.
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Promoting inclusive development, especially among marginalized communities, through sustained interventions in health, education, environment, and social welfare.
The NSS operates across colleges and universities nationwide, involving lakhs of students in activities that strengthen social cohesion and national integration. By inculcating the ethos of selfless service, it aims to create a generation of responsible citizens committed to India’s socio-economic progress.
Significance of MY Bharat-NSS Awards
Instituted in 1993-94 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the MY Bharat-NSS Awards are conferred annually to honour outstanding contributions in the fields of:
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Social Service: Initiatives in rural development, health awareness, education, and sanitation.
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Community Development: Empowering marginalized communities, fostering sustainable practices, and promoting social entrepreneurship.
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Nation-Building: Strengthening national solidarity, disaster response, environmental conservation, and civic engagement.
These awards serve not only as recognition but also as a catalyst for inspiring youth engagement, reinforcing the national agenda of volunteerism and active citizenship.
Analytical Perspective: Relevance to National Policy and Governance
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Alignment with Government Schemes: NSS initiatives complement schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission, National Digital Literacy Mission, Fit India Movement, and BharatNet, reinforcing cross-sectoral development.
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Youth as Agents of Change: With India’s demographic dividend, empowering young citizens through structured volunteerism has a multiplier effect on social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
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Promotion of Soft Skills and Leadership: Beyond social service, NSS participation cultivates project management, communication, and organizational skills, critical for nation-building and employability.
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Strengthening Social Capital: Sustained community engagement through NSS fosters trust, collaboration, and resilience, contributing to cohesive local governance and participatory development.
Broader Implications for UPSC Aspirants
For UPSC aspirants, the MY Bharat-NSS Awards provide a case study in youth-led governance, social accountability, and civic participation. Understanding NSS highlights:
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The link between youth engagement and national development.
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How government initiatives integrate volunteerism into social policy.
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The role of institutional frameworks in promoting inclusive growth and social welfare.
Conclusion
The MY Bharat-NSS Awards stand as a testament to India’s commitment to harnessing the energy and potential of its youth for sustainable social development. By honouring exceptional contributions in volunteerism, the awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reinforce the spirit of community service as a cornerstone of nation-building.
In an era where civic responsibility and social entrepreneurship are increasingly central to India’s development narrative, the NSS continues to empower the next generation to transform lives, strengthen communities, and shape a more resilient and inclusive India.
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