Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 4: Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) in collaboration with the department of youth empowerment and sports, Government of Karnataka, and the National Service Scheme (NSS) organized a state-level training programme for NSS programme officers from February 3 to 7. The event aimed at strengthening the training and coordination of NSS officers across Karnataka, enhancing their skills and knowledge to better serve the community through various national service projects.
The inaugural session of the programme took place on February 3, in the esteemed presence of distinguished personalities from the government, academia, and the NSS fraternity.
The event was officially inaugurated by Randeep D, IAS, secretary, department of youth empowerment and sports, Government of Karnataka. His address marked the beginning of the training programme, where he emphasized the importance of youth engagement through NSS activities and their significant contribution to societal development. The chief guest for the occasion was Nadoja Dr Wodey P Krishna, president of the Karnataka Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi and honorary general secretary of the Sheshadripuram Educational Trust.
In his speech, Dr Wodey highlighted the crucial role that youth play in nation-building and the value of community service in shaping their leadership skills and social responsibility. Dr Prathap Lingaiah, State NSS officer, department of youth empowerment and sports, Government of Karnataka, shared his insights into the NSS programme's outreach and impact across the state. D Carthigueane, regional director, national service scheme, Regional Directorate Office, Bengaluru, Government of India, highlighted the national perspective and coordination of NSS activities across India.
Prof G B Shivaraji, director of Karnataka NSS programme officers training, provided an overview of the ongoing training programme and the importance of capacity-building for NSS programme officers in Karnataka. Dr K S Gangadhara Somayaji, registrar of Yenepoya University, graced the event with his presence, extending his support for such vital initiatives aimed at empowering students and youth through service. The session was presided over by Dr M Vijayakumar, honorable vice chancellor, Yenepoya University. He delivered a keynote address focusing on the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering a spirit of volunteerism and community development among students. The session was concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Ashwini Shetty, NSS coordinator at Yenepoya University, who expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, guests, and participants for making the inaugural session a grand success.
The inaugural session began with a prayer and the NSS song, followed by a welcome address by Prof G B Shivaraji, which set the tone for the programme. The lighting of the lamp symbolized the beginning of the training programme. An overview of the training programme was presented by Dr Prathap Lingaiah, followed by the formal speeches of the dignitaries. The ceremony concluded with the presidential address by Dr M Vijayakumar and a vote of thanks by Dr Ashwini Shetty. The event was hosted by Navya and Ajith K, programme officers at Yenepoya University, who ensured the smooth conduct of the inaugural session.
This comprehensive training programme is designed to equip NSS programme officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and coordinate NSS activities at the institutional level. Over the course of the five-day training, participants will engage in various sessions, workshops, and hands-on activities aimed at enhancing their leadership, organizational, and project management capabilities. This initiative aligns with the vision of the government of Karnataka and the department of youth empowerment and sports to foster a sense of responsibility, social consciousness, and active citizenship among the youth.