The Impact of National Service Scheme (NSS) on Social Norms and Values of Higher Education Students

This research paper explores the impact of the ‘National Service Scheme’ (NSS) on ‘social norms’ and ‘values’ of higher education students, analysing how participation in community service activities influences individuals’ attitudes and behaviours. The ‘NSS’, established with the aim of promoting social welfare, ‘volunteerism’, and ‘civic responsibility’ among young people, plays a pivotal role in shaping the social fabric of communities. This study examines the program's effectiveness in fostering values such as ‘empathy’, ‘equality’, ‘social justice’, and ‘active citizenship’, as well as its influence on challenging entrenched social norms, such as caste discrimination and ‘gender inequality’. Through qualitative interviews with ‘NSS’ volunteers and case studies of ‘NSS’-led initiatives, the research highlights how the program contributes to personal development and social change. The findings highlight the program’s role in promoting a sense of ‘civic duty’, breaking down ‘traditional barriers’, and cultivating ‘values’ of inclusivity, ‘volunteerism’, and ‘social justice’. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the ‘NSS’s’ potential as a transformative tool for social change, particularly in fostering ‘progressive values’ among the higher education students.