It is interesting to note that the NSS symbol which is a wheel with eight spokes is patterned on the wheel of the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa.
The eight spokes represent 24 hours and this means that the NSS organization and the volunteers are ready for service for all the 24 hours, round the clock.
The NSS symbol is used everywhere, in all NSS activities, and it also appears on the badge which the NSS volunteers pin on their shirts while they are on NSS duties.
NSS was formally launched on 24th September 1969, the birth centenary year of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. Therefore, 24th September is celebrated every year as NSS Day with appropriate programmes and activities.
The philosophy of the scheme was aptly summed up in four words “Not me but you” as a motto of the NSS. This expresses the essence of democratic living and upholds the need to appreciate the other man’s point of view first and to show consideration for fellow human beings. Therefore “Not me but you” is the motto that is decided for the scheme.
- To work with and among the people.
- To engage in creative and constructive social action.
- To enhance in creative and constructive social action.
- To enhance his knowledge of himself and the
- community through a confrontation with reality.
- To put his scholarship to practical use in mitigating at
- least some of the social problems and evils.
- To gain skills into exercise of democratic leadership.
- To gain skills in the programme of development to
- enable him to get self-employed.