The National Service Scheme (NSS) Units I & II of the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) were recently honored with the “Humanitarian Excellence Award 2024” by the I Care Foundation India under the aegis of NITI Aayog & MSME, Government of India for their outstanding social work initiatives.
The award ceremony coincided with the 78th Independence Day and World Humanitarian Day in New Delhi.
The NSS units at MIT Manipal have consistently made a significant impact on society by promoting social responsibility among students, academics, and the community. During the academic year 2023–24, the units organized over 45 community-centric programs. These initiatives included blood donation camps to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation, environmental conservation programs such as rainwater harvesting, and plantation drives aimed at protecting and nurturing the environment.
Other notable initiatives included Swachh Bharat programs like beach cleaning and single-use plastic eradication, as well as a range of awareness campaigns covering crucial topics such as career guidance, first aid, CPR training, and cancer awareness. These efforts have positively influenced the lives of thousands in the community, leaving a lasting legacy of social responsibility.
Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, expressed his gratitude for the recognition: “This award is a testament to the dedication and passion of our NSS volunteers, who have tirelessly worked to make a difference in the lives of others. At MIT, we believe that education is not just about academic excellence but also about creating responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society. We are immensely proud of our NSS units for setting an example of how young minds can be agents of positive change.”
The award was received by Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, and Dr. Balakrishna S. Maddodi, MIT NSS Program Officer, alongside MIT Administrative Officer Sri Ratnakar Samanth. The award was presented by Santosh Bagrodia, former Coal Minister of India and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
