The volunteers of the National Service Scheme (NSS) from Saraswati College of Engineering conducted a seven-day NSS Residential Camp from December 25th to December 31st, 2022, at Sarvodaya Nisargh Upchar Ashram, Bhanghar, Tal. Panvel, Dist. Raigad. The camp, aimed at addressing issues related to the environment, health, and education, involved various activities for the local residents of Bhanghar and nearby villages.
Prior to the camp, NSS volunteers visited the area to understand the problems faced by the residents and decided on the activities to be conducted. The camp commenced with an inauguration ceremony by NSS Program Officer (PO) and Area Coordinator Dr. Sunita Pal and Swarajya Samiti Adhyaksha Allahuddin Shaikh.
To highlight and spread the importance of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, volunteers initiated a cleanup drive at multiple locations including the residing place, Samarth Nagar, Bhairavdev Vidyalaya Ritghar, and Girija Old Age Home. Street plays were performed at Bhairavdev Vidyalaya, Dundare Adivasi Pada, Zilla Parishad Primary School Bhanghar, and Shantivan Aashram School, focusing on topics like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the importance of girls’ education, and the Nashamukti Abhiyan (anti-addiction campaign). The plays received positive feedback from school students and local residents.
On December 26th, volunteers spent the day at Girija Vrudhh Ashram, Karuneshwar, Varleshwar, and Shantivan Aashram, where they provided meals, assisted the elderly with their tasks, played games, and spent quality time with the residents.
A special session on women’s health was conducted on December 27th, with participation from women in the surrounding villages. Mrs. Purvi Modi, the special guest for the session, covered various topics on women’s health and distributed complimentary sanitary napkins. Other sessions included a talk on naturopathy by Dr. Blendy and a session on the eradication of superstition by Shriprasad Kule. Additionally, a free health check-up camp was set up at Ram Mandir, Chincholi, and Dhundre Adivasi Pada by DHMS homeopathy Dr. Deepak Kadu.
Tree plantation activities were also conducted, with volunteers planting 80 saplings. Principal Dr. Manjusha Deshmukh, Registrar Amar Shinde, and NSS PO Dr. Sunita Pal joined in the tree plantation activities, motivating volunteers and the local community.
The camp was conducted under the guidance of Program Officer Dr. Sunita Pal, Prof. Akshay Koli, and Abhishek Sir, with a total of 50 volunteers participating. The camp provided an enlightening and impactful experience for everyone involved.
