Participation in State Advisory Committee Meeting

The State Level NSS Advisory Committee Meeting was held on 3rd November, 2011 at Conference Hall of Bikash Bhavan, Salt Lake, Kolkata. This was chaired by Honourable Higher Education Minister of the State, Mr. Bratya Basu. Mr. Satish Kumar Sawhney, Deputy Program Adviser, NSS came from Delhi. Vice Chancellors of various universities like Calcutta University, BESU, West Bengal State University, Sidhu Kanhu Birsa University etc. participated in the discussion. NSS, IIT Kharagpur was represented by the Program Coordinator.

Dr. A. N. Dey, State Liaison Officer, West Bengal presented an overall picture of NSS activities in the state of West Bengal and issues to be addressed. Honourable Minister wished to see practical outcome from NSS engagement that goes beyond abstract philosophy. This followed a discussion on how to strengthen NSS activity in the state. Mr. Sawnhney also presented his perspective. Honourable Minister participated in the discussion for more than an hour. There was a brief exchange with him on NSS, IIT Kharagpur activities and he wanted to discuss more later.

The meeting continued for one more hour with Vice Chancellor, Calcutta University chairing this part of the session. The activities of NSS, IIT Kharagpur was praised; the support it receives from IIT Kharagpur administration was applauded. Deputy Program Adviser praised IIT Kharagpur's conduct of NSS Camp and also the way it connects to the community. At the end there was an invitation from an university where NSS activities begin this year.

All these increase our responsibility and make the NSS, IIT Kharagpur team all the more inspired and motivated. Our sincere thanks to all functionaries of NSS in the state and at the centre. Our good wishes to fellow NSS volunteers across the state and country. Together we can and we will.