The inaugural session was graced by Chief Guest Prerna Puri, Secretary Education, UT Administration Chandigarh, who was joined by prominent dignitaries including Komal Singh Chaudhary, Representative Director NSS; Jai Bhagwan, Regional Director, NSS Chandigarh, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports; Rupinder Kaur, State NSS Assistant Director; Nemi Chand Golia, State NSS Officer; and Dr. Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice Chancellor of Chandigarh University. In her keynote address, Prerna Puri emphasized the pivotal role of the NSS in shaping socially responsible youth and highlighted the critical importance of community service within the framework of holistic education. She remarked that the convention arrives at a relevant time, asserting that the National Service Scheme is not merely a program but an ideology of service, dedication, and social responsibility.
Puri further articulated that the vision of a developed India by 2047 is contingent upon character-building rooted in empathy, compassion, and the rejection of self-interest. She urged participants to contribute meaningfully to ensure the program advances nation-building and leadership development. Addressing the contemporary materialistic landscape, she noted that true happiness stems from selfless actions, citing Finland’s status as the world's happiest country due to social support and collective experience. She called for a behavioral change and the nurturing of value systems from a young age, stating that meaningful societal change only occurs when individuals take responsibility.
Jai Bhagwan, Regional Director of NSS Chandigarh, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for unprecedented youth empowerment measures. He noted that under the Prime Minister's visionary leadership, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports continues to strengthen youth engagement and promote NSS initiatives nationwide. He described the gathering as a landmark occasion, being the first comprehensive State Convention of its kind for Punjab and UT Chandigarh at Chandigarh University. He emphasized that the event is a collective movement to expand the spirit of volunteerism and refine coordination. Guided by the motto "Not Me, But You," NSS volunteers remain actively involved in cleanliness drives, health initiatives, and community development to shape committed citizens.
The convention features technical sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops focusing on innovative approaches and challenges in NSS implementation, specifically regarding youth leadership, environmental sustainability, and alignment with national priorities. Deliberations on the inaugural day aimed at reviewing the current status of NSS implementation while aligning future strategies with key national initiatives such as MY Bharat and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Speakers underscored the necessity of strengthening coordination mechanisms, enhancing institutional capacity, and ensuring effective monitoring systems to maximize grassroots impact. Chandigarh University, a NAAC A+ Grade and QS World Ranked autonomous institution located near Chandigarh in Punjab, continues to host such pivotal events as the youngest university in India to achieve such distinction, offering over 109 programs and holding the title of "University with Best Placements" by WCRC.
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