The National Service Scheme is an Indian government sponsored public service programme conducted by the Ministry of youth affairs and Sports of the government of India. Popularly known as NSS, the scheme was launched in Gandhiji's centenary year in 1969. Aimed at developing student's personality through community service, NSS is a voluntary association of young people in colleges. The programme aims to instill the idea of social welfare in students, and to provide service to society without bias. NSS volunteers work to ensure that everyone who is needy gets help to enhance their standard of living and lead a life of dignity. In doing so, volunteers learn from people in villages how to lead a good life despite a scarcity of resources. It also provides help in natural and man-made disaster by providing food, clothing and first aid to the disaster's victims.
