The National Service Scheme (NSS) was launched on September 24, 1969, the Mahatma Gandhi's Birth Centenary year, at 37 universities across India with the objective of bringing academic institutions closer to society. NSS aims at developing students’ personality through community service. Ever since it’s inception, students and teachers jointly participate in and undertake various programmes for social service, thereby actively involving themselves in the task of nation building.

Objectives behind the NSS

• To identify and address the needs and problems in the community.
• To develop a sense of social and civic commitment among students.
• To apply education as a method in finding practical solutions to community problems.
• To develop competence required for group living and sharing responsibilities.
• To develop skills in mobilising community participation.
• To strengthen leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
• To enhance capacity to meet emergencies and national disasters.

NSS Motto

The motto of the National Service Scheme is 'NOT ME BUT YOU' reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other person's point of view and to show consideration for fellow human beings. NSS emphasizes peaceful co-existence.

NSS Logo

The symbol NSS is based on the 'Ratha' wheel of the Konark Sun Temple situated in Orissa. These giant wheels of the Sun Temple depict the cycle of creation, preservation and release, and signify the movement in life across time and space. The symbol is simplified version of the Sun-chariot wheel which primarily portrays movement and the progressive cycle of life. It stands for continuity as well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social welfare.

NSS Emblem

The NSS symbol is stamped on the NSS badge. NSS volunteers wear it while undertaking any programme of community service. The Konark wheel in the symbol has eight bars which represent the 24 hours of the day. Hence, the badge reminds the wearer to be in readiness for service of the nation round the clock. The Red colour in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteer’s lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit. The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of the mankind.

NSS Day

Every year, September, 24 is celebrated as NSS Day with commemorative programmes and activities.

NSS-JDMC

On September 24, 1969, NSS-JDMC was established with a summer camp at Rajghat, New Delhi. NSS founding member Cornell Dayal organized the event. Dr. Sharda Jain (the-then Principal of JDMC), Dr. Krishna Jain (present convener NSS-JDMC), Ms. Sheela Sharma (present section officer, JDMC) and other dignitaries attended this program.

The National Service Scheme of the Janki Devi Memorial College (NSS-JDMC), University of Delhi has been active in generating awareness on pressing social issues and imbibing humanitarian values among the students. Over the years, NSS-JDMC has made significant contributions in campaigning programs on literacy, road safety, disaster management, public health and environment.

NSS-JDMC volunteers work for the betterment of society by undertaking several projects ranging from adult education, HIV-AIDS awareness and providing aid to the physically- as well as visually-challenged students. Additionally, NSS-JDMC has always prioritized its agenda to inculcate the values of multi-culturalism among students in the true spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the idea of a global family.