New Delhi, (the states. news) Service to humanity and nation has been the tradition of Indian value system and has its roots in our tradition, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Thursday.
In his address after conferring the National Service Scheme awards to 42 youth volunteers here virtually, Mr Kovind cited the example of Mahatma Gandhi, saying that service should not be just towards humans but also towards nature.
Observing that the National Service Scheme was launched in 1969 on the 100th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, he said the scheme continued to be of immense relevance even today. He appreciated the presentation of awards even in testing times of Covid pandemic and applauded the efforts of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Ram Nath Kovind said the youth volunteers were instrumental in creating awareness about social distancing and the proper usage of masks in times of Covid 19. These volunteers were also helpful in providing the quarantined and isolated patients with food and other useful products required during these times. Besides, these volunteers have always whole heartedly helped in providing relief and rehabilitation to floods and earthquake victims, he added.
He also appreciated that 14 of the 42 awardees were girls was reassuring and encouraging, stating “the women of our country are abiding to the tradition of Savitribai Phule, Kasturba Gandhi and Mother Teresa in rendering service to the nation.”
Speaking about the NSS, the President observed that it encouraged youth to volunteer for community service through various measures true to its motto of “Not me, but you”. The fact that 40 lakh students of various educational institutions were associated with this noble scheme was an encouraging development and also assured that the future of the country was in safe hands, he said, according to an official release. (uni) (media saheb.com)
