The National Service Scheme (NSS), engaged in shaping the lives of the Indian youth, has been playing a pivotal role in instilling in them values of social responsibility and community engagement, speakers said at an event organised by the NSS bureau of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University here recently.

Conducted under the title ‘Yuva Sambad’, the event was graced by two youth icons, Mr. Ajit Kushwaha, National Youth awardee and currently Youth Officer at the Regional Directorate of NSS here and Dipanwit Dasmohapapatra, Odia actor who shot to prominence for his role in ‘Daman’.

The program organised at the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER) was presided over by Prof. Nachieketa K. Sharma, Director, University Outreach Program and International Relations and NSS Coordinator. Around 200 students including international students were present.

The speakers focused on the significance of the NSS movement while urging the students to strike a balance between academic pursuits and social service emphasizing on the transformative power of education coupled with altruistic endeavours.

Dipanwit, a former student of ITER, also performed a dramatic act on stage while mentioning that his acting skills had been honed at the institute’s Toneelstuk Club, its dramatic platform.

Mr. Kushwaha cited several examples from his own life stating how the community engagement experience helped immensely during job interviews.

The Toneelstuk Club presented four acts including a captivating ‘Nukkad Natak’ performance centred around the theme of ‘Hypocritical India’ portraying contemporary social issues.

Winners of a debate competition held earlier on the subject ‘India@2047’ were presented prizes on the occasion. While Pratikhya Panda won the first prize, Amruta Sahu was placed second followed by Abhinab Singh and Amisha who finished joint third.

Dr. Santilata Champati, Program Officer of the ITER NSS unit proposed the vote of thanks. The other Program Officers present included Dr. Mou Roy, Dr. Kanaklata Ojha, Dr. Shyamalendu Tripathy and Mr. Ambarisha Mangaraj.