The NSS Unit of the Kaveri College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Pune, in association with SPPU organized a seven-day Special Winter Camp at Jawalgaon, Tal. Mulshi, Dist. Pune from 18th January to 24th January 2024. The theme of Special camp was “Youth for My India and Digital Literacy”.
The inauguration ceremony of the camp took place on January 19, 2025, and was conducted by the Principal Dr. Muckta Karmarkar and Vice-Principal Dr. Anand Buddhikot. The event was graced by prominent village leaders, including Acharya Guruvarya Shri Digambar Das Ghare Maharaj, Gurumai Smt. Umatai Ghare, Swami Divyanand Giri Maharaj, Jawalgaon Adarsh Sarpanch Mohanappa Ghare, Sarpanch Smt. Ujwala Nilesh Ghare, and Shri Nilesh Ghare (Pune District Head, Yuva Shiv Sena).
During the NSS camp, various sessions were conducted for the students. These included topics such as Holistic Development through NSS, Wealth Management, Opportunities through NSS, Role of Gram Panchayats and Village Development, Leadership Development through NSS.
The volunteers conducted surveys in the village on topics like ‘ Educational Literacy, Socio-Economic, Digital Literacy, Educational Needs, Livelihood and Employment Status, Community Participation, Health and Sanitation’. During the camp, various awareness activities were carried out including Population Control Awareness, Community Reading Development, Digital Awareness, Guidance on Government Schemes, Clean India Campaign.
Volunteers actively participated in various activities during the camp, including planting saplings in the fields, conducting the Home Minister program for villagers, organizing Dindi processions and Prabhat Pheris, and hosting a Haldi-Kunku program for women. Additionally, a Rejuvenating Omkar session and devotional bhajans were held. Each initiative was carried out with dedication and a systematic approach.
Mr. Nilesh Nemade, the NSS Program Officer, presented a detailed report on the camp and its various activities through a video presentation. On behalf of the college, Satranjies were donated to the Shri Kshetra Avdhutwadi temple, and notebooks were given to the Zilla Parishad school in Jawalgaon.
The camp concluded with a ceremony attended by the chief guest, Shri Sudhir Gogte. In his address to the students, he emphasized, “We are recognized by what we give to the world. Our perspective on life gives meaning to our existence. Instead of seeking success and happiness in material things, we should focus on contributing to society.” He also encouraged students to connect their lives with spirituality. Shri Abhay Devdhar spoke about the importance of NSS in student development and urged students to learn from rural culture. Guruvar Shri Digambar Das Maharaj provided spiritual guidance to the volunteers. Principal Dr. Muckta Karmarkar praised the students and expressed gratitude to the villagers of Jawalgaon for their support and the opportunities they provided. Vice-Principal Dr. Buddhikot also commended the students’ efforts and highlighted the importance of the values instilled during the camp.
The valedictory function was graced by Mr. Sudhir Gogte, Mr. Abhay Devdhar, Guruvar Shri Digambar Das Maharaj, Shri Divyanand Giri Maharaj, Shri Tejas Ghare, Shri Sanjay Ghare, Smt. Gauri Ghare, and others. Prof. Chitra Alavani, Head of the College’s IQAC Department, was also present. The participating NSS volunteers shared their experiences and lessons learned during the camp. The event was anchored by Ved Walbhodkar.
