The National Service Scheme (NSS) is an indian government sponsored public service program conducted by the ministry of Youth Affairs and sports of the Government of India. Popularly known as NSS, The scheme was launched in Gandhiji‘s centenary year, 1969. Aimed at developing students personality through community service, NSS is a voluntary association of young people, especially students.
Government Arts College Udhagamandalam, has been soul member in NSS over three decades.In the early years it had only one unit for which Azhagar Ramanujam, a professor of Tamil Language and Head of the department was the programme officer, and he was widely noted for social activities.For his social services , he has been awarded the INDIRA GANDHI NSS Programme Officer Award for the year 2009-2010. After his death in Dec 2012, the unit was handed over to Dr.Krishnamurthy, an Assistant professor of Botany, who also an eminent programme officer like Azhagar Ramanujam. Aimed at developing students personality through community service, NSS is a voluntary association of young people, especially students.