CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The National Service Scheme (NSS) Units I & II of the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) were recently honored with the prestigious “Humanitarian Excellence Award 2024”. The award, presented by the I Care Foundation India under the aegis of NITI Aayog & MSME, Government of India, recognizes the outstanding social work initiatives undertaken by the NSS units. The award ceremony coincided with the 78th Independence Day and World Humanitarian Day and took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in New Delhi, Dwarka.
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 Honorable Sri Santosh Bagrodia, former Coal Minister of India and Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. The event also featured the presence of veteran actor Sri Surendra Pal Singh, renowned for his role as Dronacharya in the Mahabharat series, who commended the remarkable efforts of the NSS units in uplifting communities.
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.
