President Murmu Presents MY Bharat–NSS Awards 2022-23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today presented the MY Bharat–National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for 2022–23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a ceremony that celebrated the spirit of youth volunteerism and community service. The event recognized the exceptional contributions of students, teachers, and institutions that have worked selflessly towards social welfare, community development, and nation-building.

Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the annual MY Bharat–NSS Awards highlight the transformative role of young volunteers in addressing some of India’s most pressing social and developmental challenges. The President congratulated all the awardees, commending their “dedication to public service and embodiment of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of selfless action and compassion.”

Honouring India’s Young Change-Makers

The MY Bharat–NSS Awards were instituted in 1993–94 to recognize individuals and institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the objectives of the National Service Scheme (NSS). This year’s ceremony honoured volunteers who made a significant impact through projects focusing on rural development, education, public health, environmental protection, disaster response, and gender equality.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu noted that youth represent the conscience and strength of a nation, emphasizing that their participation in community development ensures the creation of a just, inclusive, and progressive India.

“The NSS embodies the spirit of nation-building through service. When youth devote their time and talent to uplift others, they not only build communities—they also build character and purpose,” she said.

The Legacy of the National Service Scheme

Established in 1969, the National Service Scheme (NSS) was launched during the birth centenary of Mahatma Gandhi as a means to connect young citizens with community service. Rooted in Gandhi’s philosophy of Sarvodaya—welfare for all—the scheme seeks to cultivate social responsibility, empathy, and civic consciousness among students.

Over the past five decades, the NSS has grown into one of India’s most influential youth engagement initiatives, with over 4 million active volunteers across universities, colleges, and higher secondary institutions. Through various programs—ranging from literacy drives and environmental campaigns to health awareness and disaster relief operations—the NSS continues to shape India’s youth into agents of social transformation.

MY Bharat: Empowering Youth for a New Era

The MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) platform, launched by the Government of India, aims to further institutionalize youth engagement by integrating digital technologies, volunteerism, and nation-building activities under a unified framework. The MY Bharat–NSS Awards symbolize this new era of coordinated youth action, linking service with leadership and innovation.

Through this integration, volunteers are encouraged to explore opportunities that align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, contributing to sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development.

Recognizing Excellence Across Categories

The awards were conferred across multiple categories, including:

• University/College Level NSS Units – for outstanding community service projects.

• Program Officers – for exceptional leadership in mobilizing and mentoring volunteers.

• Individual Volunteers – for their consistent, impactful service and leadership.

• Schools and Higher Secondary Units – for fostering the spirit of volunteerism among younger students.

Awardees shared stories of projects that addressed rural sanitation, women’s empowerment, blood donation, digital literacy, and environmental sustainability. Their achievements reflected the true ethos of the NSS motto: “Not Me But You.”

Building the Spirit of Service and Nationhood

The President called upon all youth to emulate the example of NSS volunteers by dedicating at least a portion of their lives to community service. She noted that such experiences instill empathy, teamwork, and leadership—qualities essential to a healthy democracy and thriving society.

“India’s youth are the torchbearers of our future. By combining compassion with innovation, they can transform the social fabric of our nation,” she added.

A Continuing Journey of Service

As the MY Bharat–NSS Awards 2022–23 concluded, the ceremony reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing a culture of service-oriented leadership among the youth. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports continues to expand the reach of the NSS by introducing digital engagement tools, expanding rural outreach programs, and aligning volunteer activities with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event not only celebrated individual achievements but also showcased the collective power of India’s youth to bring meaningful change—proving once again that the spirit of service is at the heart of the nation’s progress.