The NSS unit of Government Engineering College, West Hill, Kozhikode, which has been in the forefront of social service, has reasons to smile as they have bagged the Bhumitra Sena State Award, instituted by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, this year.
The 100-member team had put up an outstanding performance in the seven-day camp. The award was given away the other day. The Bhumitra Sena Scheme was implemented in 2009 to bridge the gap between students and the environment. Winner of the Indira Gandhi National Award for the best NSS programme officer, Abid Tharavattath, was in charge of the Bhumitra Sena Club at the college. “We had formulated unique plans to make a difference,” said Abid.
“Last Christmas, while participating in the carol, instead of Christmas carols, we raised slogans for the conservation of water. It was a unique experience for the residents of Thalakulathur,” he said.
The NSS volunteers primarily focused on the need to protect water. In connection with the camp, a boat trip on Korapuzha was also conducted. Offering another unique experience to the residents, the NSS volunteers convened a ‘Nattukoottam,’ attended by as many as 250 residents to spread the message of energy conservation.
Thiruvananthapuram Mayor K Chandrika presented the award comprising a cash award, a plaque and a citation at a function held at VJT Hall in Thiruvananthapuram the other day. Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was the chief guest at the programme.
The volunteers of the NSS unit said that organised use of time and creative use of resources made them eligible for the award. “In the coming years also we will come up with unique programmes that can create changes in society,” said Abid.
