The National Service Scheme (NSS) plays a pivotal role in fostering social responsibility, community engagement, and holistic development among students at Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). With its rich legacy and commitment to service, the NSS chapter at the college has become an integral part of the institution’s ethos, empowering students to become socially conscious architects of tomorrow.
At Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, NSS activities are multifaceted and purpose-driven, encompassing a wide range of initiatives aimed at addressing pressing social issues, promoting sustainable development, and instilling a sense of civic duty. These activities are meticulously planned and executed under the guidance of dedicated faculty members and enthusiastic student volunteers, fostering collaboration, leadership, and empathy among participants.
One of the primary activities undertaken by the NSS is community outreach programs. These programs involve organizing health camps, literacy drives, and awareness campaigns in nearby villages and underserved communities. Through these initiatives, students not only provide much-needed support to those in need but also gain invaluable insights into the socio-economic challenges facing marginalized populations, sensitizing them to the importance of inclusive design and equitable development.
Furthermore, the NSS at Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture actively engages in environmental conservation efforts. Students participate in tree plantation drives, waste management initiatives, and eco-friendly building projects, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship both within the campus and the surrounding areas. By integrating principles of green architecture and sustainable design into their activities, students learn to minimize the ecological footprint of their future projects, contributing to the preservation of natural resources and the mitigation of climate change.
The NSS organizes various skill development workshops and capacity-building programs to empower individuals and communities. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, including vocational training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their livelihoods and enhance their socio-economic status. By fostering a culture of learning and empowerment, the NSS enables students to leverage their architectural expertise for the greater good, driving positive change and inclusive growth in society.
LIST OF ACTIVITIES UNDER NSS
1. Blood Donation Camp
2. Tree Plantation
3. Education And Health Awareness/ Camps Programme (if any)
4. Disaster Management Training Camp
5. Self Defense Training For Girls
6. School Dropout Survey Conducted
7. Road Safety Campaign/Camp
8. Yoga Training/ Demonstration
9. Pulse Polio Immunization
10. Eye Check-Up
11. Dental Check up
12. Swachha Bharat, People’s involvement and Sustainability
13. Health Awareness Program
14. Cashless Awareness Program:
15. Save Girls Program
16. Save fort Program
17. Voter Awareness Program
18. Organ Donation Program
19. Anti Drug Program
20. Climate change awareness campaign
21. Webinar on SDG
Anti Ragging Poster Design Competition
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Nirmalya Collection drive
The NASA (National Association of Students of Architecture, India) Unit (Z310) & the NSS Unit (ASS 200) at MKSSS’s Dr. B. N. College of Architecture for Women, Karve Nagar conducted a Nirmalya Collection Drive on 9th September, 2022, the last day of Ganapathi at the Visarjan Ghats in Karve Nagar. Over 40 Students volunteered in urging citizens to come forward and collect the Nirmalya at one place.
The Nirmalya Collection Drive commenced early in the morning on the final day of the Ganesh Festival. Volunteers from the NASA and NSS units, along with students and faculty members, gathered at designated collection points near immersion sites across Karve Nagar. Equipped with gloves, bins, and biodegradable bags, the volunteers spread out to various locations to collect nirmalya and other non-biodegradable waste.
Awareness campaigns were conducted simultaneously to educate devotees and bystanders about the importance of proper disposal of nirmalya to prevent water pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems. Posters, banners, and pamphlets emphasizing eco-friendly practices and the significance of environmental stewardship were displayed prominently to engage the community in the drive.
The Nirmalya Collection Drive held significant importance in promoting environmental sustainability and raising awareness about the adverse effects of water pollution caused by improper disposal of ritual offerings. By actively participating in the drive, volunteers demonstrated their commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of water bodies and fostering a culture of cleanliness and responsible waste management.
A total of 750KG (15 Bags) of Nirmalya was collected and handed over to local authorities for proper disposal.
The initiative was led by Miss. Nishka Gada (Unit Secretary, BNCA), along with Students of 2nd to 4th Year B. Arch.
Prof. Surabhi Gadkari (NSS Officer, BNCA) and Prof. Mahesh Bangad (Co-ordinator, B. Arch, BNCA) mentored and guided the Nirmalya Collection Drive.
Rakshabandhan: for the Indian Army
To express gratitude to our soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces on the occasion of Rakshabandhan
On the auspicious occasion of Rakshabandhan, the students of BNCA initiated a heartwarming gesture by sending rakhis to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army stationed at the borders. Rakshabandhan, a festival that celebrates the bond of protection and love between siblings, was reinterpreted by the BNCA girls as an opportunity to express their gratitude and admiration for the selfless service rendered by the soldiers in safeguarding the nation’s borders.Students donated Rakhis and paid the postage for these envelopes.
The unit donated a total of 400 rakhis in the one day event.
The rakhis were collected and packaged with personalized messages of gratitude and encouragement. The messages, penned with heartfelt sincerity, conveyed sentiments of admiration and respect for the soldiers’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders, even in the face of adversity.
The event was coordinated by Prof.Surabhi Gadkari and Prof.Mahesh Bangad.
Mrs.Shilpa Pathak helped to coordinate with India Post to collect and conduct the activity smoothly. The NSS heads worked diligently on making this activity a success.
Through this heartfelt gesture, the students reaffirmed their appreciation for the sacrifices made by the soldiers in safeguarding the nation’s security, while also emphasizing the importance of unity and collective responsibility in upholding the values of freedom and sovereignty. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the bond that unites the nation and its defenders, transcending boundaries and celebrating the spirit of brotherhood and protection that defines Rakshabandhan.
Paper Recycling Activity
All unutilized and spare portfolio pages were gathered, weighed, sorted, and divided for making reusable sketchbooks/diaries as part of recycling the academic material we produce each year.
All of the portfolio pages were separated into sizes and colours, and provided to volunteers for cutting and assembling them into new usable sketchbooks. For optimal efficiency, the rear sides of the sheets were stacked together. These were given out to the MKSSS schoolgirls, the newly elected Student Council 2022-23, and the first-year students.
A total of 930 diaries weighing 360 kg were produced successfully. In addition to portfolio pages, we created these diaries using 60 files and 252 file clips.
The project began with the collection of unused or partially used diaries from within the college community and beyond. These diaries, often discarded or overlooked, were identified as valuable resources for upcycling into sketchbooks. The students meticulously sorted through the collected diaries, selecting those with durable covers and suitable paper quality for sketching and drawing.
With creativity and ingenuity, the students transformed the diaries into sketchbooks by repurposing the existing pages and binding them together using eco-friendly materials such as recycled paper, cloth, and thread. Each sketchbook was uniquely crafted, with attention to detail given to cover design, binding technique, and overall aesthetic appeal.
To add a personal touch, the students encouraged customization by incorporating hand-drawn illustrations, calligraphy, and decorative elements on the covers and pages of the sketchbooks. This not only enhanced the artistic value of the sketchbooks but also imbued them with a sense of individuality and character
Tidy Up Cleanliness Drive
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Tree Plantation Drive
As India celebrated its 77th Year of Independence, the National Service Scheme (NSS) team of BNCA orchestrated a significant tree plantation activity under the theme “Meri Maati Mera Desh” (My Soil, My Country). This initiative aimed to commemorate the nation’s freedom while reaffirming the commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The tree plantation activity commenced with fervent enthusiasm and patriotic fervor as members of the NSS team, along with students and faculty members, gathered to participate in the initiative. A diverse array of saplings native to the region were carefully selected, symbolizing the diversity and richness of India’s natural heritage. The plantation site, meticulously chosen to maximize ecological impact, provided an ideal setting for fostering environmental awareness and community engagement.
Participants were briefed on the importance of tree plantation in mitigating environmental degradation, combating climate change, and preserving biodiversity. Guided by experienced environmentalists and volunteers, they actively participated in the planting process, each sapling representing a pledge towards a greener, more sustainable future for India.
Prof.Mahesh Bangad, Prof.Surabhi Gadkari and Mr.Atul Bhalekar coordinated the event.
The Chief guest of the program, B.Arch and M.Arch HODS, the Vice Principal, students participated in this program.
Vastradaan
Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture (BNCA) students organized a compassionate initiative titled “Vastradaan” – a clothing drive aimed at supporting construction workers in need. Recognizing the challenges faced by these workers, especially during adverse weather conditions, the students sought to provide them with essential clothing items to alleviate their hardships and demonstrate solidarity with the marginalized community.
The “Vastradaan” clothing drive held profound significance in addressing the basic needs of construction workers and promoting social inclusivity and compassion within the community. By mobilizing resources and channeling collective efforts towards a noble cause, the students demonstrated their commitment to social responsibility and empathy-driven action.
The event was coordinated by Dr.Amita Pradhan, sported by Dr.Anurag Kashyap and Prof.Surabhi Gadkari, Prof.Mahesh Bangad
Moreover, the initiative fostered a sense of solidarity and mutual respect between the BNCA students and the construction workers, bridging societal divides and fostering a culture of inclusivity and empathy. It highlighted the power of small gestures in making a meaningful difference in the lives of marginalized individuals and underscored the importance of collective action in addressing social inequalities.
Voter’s Day Awareness
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Workshop on Gender Sensitization
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Yoga Day
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Prof. Surabhi Gadkari | Prof. Mahesh Bangad | Mr. Suraj Davale |