The NSS Unit of the Kaveri College, in collaboration with Savitribai Phule Pune University, successfully organized a seven-days NSS Special Camp at Dive, Taluka Purandar, District Pune, from 4th to 10th January 2026. The camp was conducted on the theme “Youth for Sustainable Development with Special Focus on Watershed Management and Wasteland Development” with the objective of nurturing social responsibility, leadership qualities, and environmental consciousness among students.
The camp was formally flagged off by Vice Principal Dr. Anand Buddhikot, who appealed to the volunteers to actively participate in community service and contribute meaningfully towards nation-building. The inauguration ceremony, held on 5th January 2026, was presided over by the Principal, Dr. Muckta Karmarkar. The programme was attended by Vice Principal Dr. Anand Buddhikot, IQAC Head Prof. Chitra Alwani, NSS Programme Officer Mr.Nilesh Nemade, Assistant Programme Officer Mr. Nagesh Kanki, faculty members, and a large number of NSS volunteers.
The function was graced by prominent village representatives including Hon. Rupesh Dattatraya Raut (Sarpanch), Hon. Mrs. Shobha Shivaji Tilekar (Deputy Sarpanch), Shri Ganpat Anna Shitkal (President, School Management Committee), former Sarpanch Shri Babusaheb Tilekar, former Sarpanch Shri Yogesh Bapu Kale, Shri Rajendra Tilekar, and other Gram Panchayat members. The dignitaries were formally welcomed and felicitated at the hands of Principal Dr. Muckta Karmarkar.
In his address, Dr. Anand Buddhikot highlighted the significance of NSS in shaping disciplined, socially responsible, and compassionate citizens. He briefed the volunteers on the objectives of the camp and encouraged them to engage in systematic planning for overall personality development. Former Sarpanch Shri Yogesh Bapu Kale assured full cooperation from the villagers and motivated students to understand rural life through direct interaction. Shri Ganpat Anna Shitkal emphasized the importance of rural exposure, human values, and agricultural awareness, inspiring students to learn through practical experiences.
Throughout the seven days, volunteers actively participated in a wide range of social, environmental, educational, and cultural activities. Major initiatives included plastic-free village awareness drives, Prabhat Pheris, village cleanliness campaigns, tree plantation, an Fort conservation awareness drive at Malhargad Fort, and a detailed primary village survey. A donation drive was conducted in which notebooks and books were distributed to school students, and two doors were donated to the village school as infrastructure support. A Haldi-Kumkum and Home Monister Programme was also organized for local women to promote social interaction and cultural bonding.
As part of environmental and social awareness, a Plastic-Free Village Campaign was conducted through door-to-door interaction and public appeals to educate villagers about the harmful effects of plastic and the importance of eco-friendly alternatives. Daily Prabhat Pheris conveyed messages of cleanliness, health, and environmental protection. Cleanliness drives were carried out in public spaces such as roads, school premises, temples, and open areas. A tree plantation programme strengthened environmental conservation efforts and enhanced green cover. The awareness drive at Malhargad Fort emphasized the protection of historical heritage along with environmental sustainability. The Gram Suraksha Survey, conducted as per Savitribai Phule Pune University guidelines, enabled systematic data collection related to households, education, health, sanitation, and basic amenities, supporting future community-oriented initiatives.
The camp also featured a series of informative and motivational sessions aimed at holistic development. Sessions were conducted on Role of NSS by Mr. Nilesh Nemade, Women Empowerment by Ms. Sheetal Kulkarni, Personality Development by Mr. Nagesh Kanki, Session on Building Your Career Through Competitive Exams by Mr. Akshay Kumthekar and Financial Literacy by Mr. Shubham Sutar. An inspiring lecture on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by Mr. Satish Kumdale instilled a sense of pride, patriotism, and leadership among volunteers. A meditation session by Mr. Dhanesh Paradkar helped students understand the importance of mental well-being, self-discipline, and inner balance.
A special attraction of the camp was the innovative “Haldi-Kumkum and Home Minister” programme organized for village women, which witnessed enthusiastic participation. The programme included engaging games and interactive activities aimed at empowerment, awareness, and recreation, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere. Volunteers also presented cultural programmes highlighting India’s rich heritage, which received an overwhelming response and strengthened the bond between the college and the local community. As part of the cultural initiatives, a Vitthal–Rukmini Dindi was organized, adding a devotional and traditional dimension to the camp activities.
The volunteers also visited local farms, where they observed agricultural practices, learned about modern farming techniques, and understood real-life challenges faced by farmers. This exposure enhanced their understanding of the rural economy and sustainable agricultural development.
The valedictory function was held in the presence of Sarpanch Mr. Rupesh Dattatray Raut, School Management Committee Chairman Shri Ganpat Anna Shitkal, Principal Dr. Muckta Karmarkar, Vice Principal Dr. Anand Buddhikot, NSS Programme Officer Mr. Nilesh Nemade, APO Mr. Nagesh Kanki, and Student Development Officer Dr. Deepa Sathe.
Mr. Rupesh Raut and Shri Ganpat Anna Shitkal highly appreciated the dedication and social commitment of the volunteers and congratulated Prof. Nilesh Nemade for his excellent leadership and tireless efforts. Dr. Muckta Karmarkar emphasized the importance of values imbibed through NSS activities, congratulated the volunteers on the successful completion of the camp, and expressed gratitude to the villagers of Dive for their support.
The Headmaster of the Zilla Parishad School, Dive, Mr. Sathe, specially appreciated the students for cleaning the school premises and playground and commended their disciplined conduct, social responsibility, and cultural values.
Mr. Nilesh Nemade presented the comprehensive camp report. During the valedictory ceremony, volunteers shared their experiences and reflections. The programme was compered by Ved Valbhojkar.
