Bhubaneswar, April 6: NSS volunteers belonging to the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER) and Institute of Business and Computer Studies (IBCS), faculties of engineering and management sciences of the SOA Deemed to be University respectively, spent a week in nearby villages getting engaged in a variety of activities.

The activities included door-to-door socio economic survey, cleanliness drive, fire safety training, health camp and spreading awareness among the villagers about digital literacy and AI.

NSS volunteers of ITER set up the special camp in Harapur village on the outskirts of the city from March 19 to 25 while those of IBCS visited Nuagaon from March 18 to 24 for the program.

The ITER students organized an innovative ‘Bayo Seva’ focusing on the well-being of the elderly people. The volunteers spent time with the senior citizens providing them personal care while encouraging the family members to be sensitive to the needs of the elderly through practical demonstration.

The volunteers also staged six street plays at different locations of the village on themes which included prevention of child marriage, the evil of dowry, maintenance of cleanliness, menstrual hygiene and responsible voting for upholding democracy. “The seven day camp was highly impactful fostering a strong bond between the volunteers and villagers while drawing attention to several key issues affecting life,” Dr. Kamal Lochan Mahanta, Program Coordinator of NSS, said.

The volunteers of IBCS, who were accompanied by Prof. Ayasa Kanta Mohanty, Dean of the institute and Prof. Jyoti Ranjan Das, Dean (Students’ Welfare), displayed remarkable qualities of unity, discipline and enthusiasm throughout the week-long event. Mr. Ananta Prasad Nanda, Program Officer, NSS was also present.

The survey conducted by them provided valuable insight into the living conditions of the villagers and the challenges faced by them. A medical camp and an oral health camp organised during the outing extended basic healthcare to the inhabitants. The volunteers also provided with basic hygiene awareness to children in a local school and conducted a plantation drive while creating awareness about protection of the environment.