“Every Act Done Beyond Personal Interest Is an Act of Service and Nation-Building”: Sai
Raipur, 24 September
“Every action carried out beyond personal interest is an act of service and contributes to nation-building. NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers are playing a vital role in the development of the nation,” said Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai while addressing the State-level Foundation Day and Felicitation Ceremony of the National Service Scheme at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur.
The Chief Minister stated that over 4 lakh students across the country are actively participating as volunteers under the NSS, and more than one lakh students are actively involved in Chhattisgarh itself—something the state takes pride in. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the volunteers who were honored for their exemplary work at the event.
Reflecting on the evolving meaning of national service, the Chief Minister said, “During the freedom struggle, contributing to the independence movement was seen as service to the nation. Today, in a free India, national service means contributing to social, economic, and cultural development. NSS volunteers are making a valuable contribution in this direction.”
Explaining the broader scope of national service to the volunteers, he said, “Planting a tree is national service. Helping someone reach a hospital is national service. Supporting someone financially or helping a person with reading and writing is also national service. Any act done selflessly, beyond personal gain, is a true act of service and nation-building.”
He urged the NSS volunteers to continue serving with dedication and to contribute to the spread of education so that no one is deprived of learning.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government is committed to generating employment for the youth. Under the new industrial policy, facilities are being provided to entrepreneurs who create jobs. In the last 10 months, the state has received investment proposals worth approximately ₹7.5 lakh crore, which are expected to create a large number of employment opportunities.
On the same occasion, Higher Education Minister Mr. Tankram Verma said that service is not just about helping others—it also shapes character, thinking, and a sense of responsibility. He emphasized that the energy and enthusiasm of the youth are the real assets of society and the nation. The dedication shown by NSS volunteers reflects the strength of our youth.
He acknowledged their significant role in the success of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and noted their contributions in areas such as disaster management, environmental protection, and health awareness in both urban and rural regions.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai also released the NSS magazine “Samarpan” and unveiled the poster for the “Developed India Quiz” during the event. He honored institutions, officers, and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions under the National Service Scheme.
Also present on the occasion were CSIDC Chairman Mr. Rajeev Agrawal, Higher Education Secretary Dr. S. Bharathidasan, Higher Education Commissioner Mr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan, NSS Deputy Program Advisor Dr. Ashok Kumar Shroti, State NSS Officer Dr. Neeta Bajpai, NSS program coordinators from all districts, and a large number of NSS volunteers from across the state.