NSS IIT Delhi - Newsletter
NSS IITD: Empowering Youth for Social Impact
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Contents
About
A Note by General Secretaries
Our Events
Giggle Gallery: A Comic
Initiatives Making an Impact: Our Projects
Making a Difference: Volunteer Testimonials
About
NSS IIT Delhi is the IIT Delhi chapter of the National Service Scheme, institutionalized under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Govt. of India. Our sole aim is to motivate students at IITD to indulge in nation-building activities through various events and projects which are aimed towards the benefit of people in and around IIT Delhi. We share the belief that such activities are always means of great satisfaction and joy. With a strong commitment to this vision, NSS IITD operates through 6 key domains and over 25+ interconnected projects spanning diverse domains.
A Note by General Secretaries
Hello everyone, at NSS IITD, we've conducted numerous events and introduced several volunteering opportunities. It's with great pleasure that we present the inaugural edition of the NSS newsletter to share glimpses of these activities. We sincerely hope you enjoy it and welcome any feedback you might have. The first newsletter will be released in two parts, with Part II coming in the following days. If you wish to share your thoughts, please feel free to reach out to us.
~ Abhishek, Purvi and Shriya
Our Events
Environment Week
We are delighted to present the report for our NSS Environment Week, which took place from May 26th to June 3rd, a week filled with various events and activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Here's a summary of what transpired during the week:
Seed Ball Making Workshop Our "Seed Ball Making Workshop" was a practical and hands-on event, promoting active involvement in environmental conservation. Volunteers were provided with seeds and instructions for creating seed balls. Over the course of two days, we successfully engaged participants in planting these seed balls, resulting in the growth of saplings within just one month. The event demonstrated the potential impact of community-driven initiatives and the commitment of our volunteers to making a tangible difference in our environment.
Focus on Nature: A Sustainable Future - Photography Competition The "Focus on Nature" photography competition was a captivating event. Participants from within our community submitted their best shots that encapsulated the essence of the environment and inspired positive change. The competition garnered substantial interest and showcased remarkable artistic talent. Winners are as follows:
Green Insights: NSS IIT Delhi's successful World Environment Day webinar on June 5, 2023, featured climate activist Ms. Licypriya Kangujam and "Forest Man of India" Mr. Jadav Payeng. They shared their inspiring journeys in combating climate change. The diverse audience engaged in an interactive Q&A session, emphasizing the power of individual actions in addressing climate change and the importance of World Environment Day for raising environmental awareness.
An Environment Survey: We asked for our college communities perspectives on environmental challenges and the actions necessary to create a greener future. These insights provided valuable perspectives and served as a reminder that collective knowledge and ideas are powerful tools for shaping our actions towards a cleaner and more sustainable tomorrow.
The NSS Environment Week was a resounding success, largely thanks to the active participation and dedication of our community members. It served as a platform for promoting environmental awareness, fostering creativity, and inspiring practical, sustainable actions.
Pride Month
Pride Month Newsletters
Pride Month was celebrated on our campus with exuberance and inclusivity. It was a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community, promote acceptance, and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and issues.
We also had the pleasure of sharing four newsletters that highlighted the experiences, stories, and achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals within our community.
Webinar: Exploring Queer Literature with Farzana Doctor
In celebration of Pride Month, NSS IIT Delhi was delighted to present a captivating webinar that delved into the world of queer literature. This event was part of our Pride month series, a reflection of our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within our community.
In honor of Pride Month, NSS IIT Delhi organized an enriching webinar on queer literature. Renowned author and therapist, Ms. Farzana Doctor, graced the event, highlighting the importance of embracing one's true self. Her impactful work earned her the prestigious Freedom To Read Award, and her insights empowered participants to foster diversity and inclusion within our community.
Chabeel Drive
On May 21st, our NSS volunteers joined hands with the renowned Robin Hood Army for the 'Chabeel Drive.' In the scorching heat, our volunteers distributed cold drinks to the people outside the AIIMS Metro Station. This act of kindness was a small but significant effort to provide relief and respite to commuters during the relentless heat. It exemplifies the true spirit of the NSS, which is about serving the community and making a difference, even in challenging conditions.
Notable Achievements
Blood Donation Camp
The Blood Donation Camp at NSS IIT Delhi on May 13 was a resounding success, with enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and staff. Stringent safety measures were in place. This achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of NSS volunteers, medical staff, and support teams. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all contributors for their benevolence, making a significant impact on our community, and look forward to future initiatives.
Root to Rise
On 25th June, NSS IITD and the Wellness Club celebrated International Day of Yoga with "Root to Rise," exploring personal growth. Participants submitted anonymous questions on mental health, resilience, relationships, and personal development. Speakers provided profound insights, fostering a nurturing atmosphere.
"Root to Rise" encouraged self-discovery and community growth. We thank all participants for making this event special.
Collection Drive for Goonj NGO
Another notable event that deserves special mention is our collection drive for Goonj NGO, which took place from May 15th to June 26th. Our dedicated volunteers gathered reusable items from various sources and donated them to Goonj, a renowned organization that works to uplift the underprivileged. The collected items will be used to support various communities in need, and our NSS unit is proud to have contributed to this noble cause.
Giggle Gallery
Initiatives Making an Impact: Our Projects
Welcome to the "Our Projects" section of our newsletter, where we take you on a journey through the heartwarming initiatives and impactful work undertaken by our dedicated NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers. These projects exemplify our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need and the betterment of our community.
Munirka
Empowering Dreams, Brightening Futures
The Munirka Project is an educational initiative in collaboration with three NGOs (Sahyog, Samadhan, CEHRO India) to empower slum children in grades 4 to 10. Volunteers from NSS IIT Delhi teach subjects like science, math, English, and computer science at NGO centers in Munirka from Monday to Saturday. They provide chapter-wise assignments and tests, with plans to introduce extracurricular activities on weekends for holistic development. The project aims to enhance children's education and overall development, helping them become self-sufficient and reach their full potential.
Animal Care
Fostering Compassion, Nourishing Lives
Our mission is to promote animal awareness and empathy among students while ensuring the well-being of over 500 animals on campus. We operate in two main areas: feeding and treatment. Leftover hostel mess rice is collected and cooked at Nilgiri night mess to prevent food wastage and feed animals. In the case of injuries or diseases, we treat animals on campus with small issues handled by our para-vet, and more severe cases are taken to an external veterinary clinic when necessary.
Jigyasa
Empowering Futures: Bridging the Digital Divide
Jigyasa is an educational initiative in collaboration with SELF NGO near Shahdara metro station, empowering underprivileged students (ages 14-18) with computer and programming skills. They offer Sunday classes, covering Python, C, HTML, and CSS. Volunteers lead the classes, with regular evaluations and hackathons for practical application.
Notable Achievements
VIAAN
Nurturing the Potential of Underprivileged students
The NSS IIT Delhi is proud to introduce you to the VIAAN Initiative, a program designed to uplift economically disadvantaged students. VIAAN takes a holistic approach, focusing on academic excellence, moral values, and extracurricular engagement. Through various educational activities and moral education integration, the program aims to provide students with a well-rounded academic experience. However, what truly sets VIAAN apart is its emphasis on extracurricular activities, recognising the transformative power of sports, arts, and more.
Old Age Home
Spreading Love and Compassion to the Elderly
Our Old Age Home Project is all about making a difference in the lives of our elderly citizens. The primary goal is to offer them mental support and love. By spending time with them, our students realize the joy of bringing a smile to someone's face with just a little companionship. This project teaches the importance of empathy and the fulfilment that comes from making a difference in someone's day.
Samiksha
Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity
In an effort to combat unjust notions about gender, sexuality, and disabilities, the NSS IIT Delhi presents the Gender Mainstreaming project. This project seeks to sensitise individuals by addressing stereotypes and raising awareness. Everyone should be treated with equality, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or disabilities. Through open dialogues and various initiatives, we aim to foster a more inclusive and respectful society.
Get Involved:
If you'd like to be a part of these impactful initiatives or learn more about our ongoing projects, don't hesitate to reach out to us. The NSS IIT Delhi community is dedicated to making a positive difference in the world, and your support can help us achieve even greater milestones. Let's work together for a brighter and more inclusive future!
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Making a Difference: Volunteer Testimonials
Aahna:
"I also realized that I do have a lot to give to society simply because of how much I have received. And that I want to use the skills that I have to make a change in someone's life for the better."
Bhavya:
"The children we taught there were so pure-hearted and good that it had an impact on us. I feel that I can sleep well at night now knowing I contributed something to their lives and made them smile."
As we wrap up this edition of the NSS IIT Delhi newsletter, we reflect on the remarkable initiatives and inspiring stories that have graced our community. The past few months have been a testament to the dedication, compassion, and resilience of our volunteers and partners who have consistently strived to make a difference.
Gladly and with Love,
Team NSS, IIT Delhi