President Murmu honoured Tripura’s NSS heroes, Shyamal Dey and Anupam Das, with the 2022–23 MY Bharat NSS Award for their outstanding community service, including tree plantation, blood donation, and digital literacy campaigns that inspired statewide pride.
In a moment of immense pride for Tripura, two representatives from the state — Shyamal Dey, NSS Programme Officer of Bani Vidyapith Higher Secondary Girls’ School, and Anupam Das, NSS volunteer from Ramthakur College — were conferred with the prestigious 2022–23 MY Bharat NSS Award by President Droupadi Murmu at a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Monday.
The MY Bharat NSS Awards, instituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, recognize outstanding contributions made by NSS volunteers, programme officers, and universities in community service, social awareness, and national development. This year’s recognition places Tripura once again on the national map for exemplary youth and educational initiatives.
Under the leadership of Shyamal Dey and the active involvement of Anupam Das, NSS volunteers from their respective institutions carried out impactful social work that combined environmental conservation, public health awareness, and digital empowerment. Together, their teams successfully planted 1,125 trees across different localities, contributing significantly to the state’s green cover and climate resilience efforts. They also collected 51 units of blood, helping save numerous lives through sustained blood donation drives.
Beyond environmental and healthcare initiatives, the awardees led multiple awareness campaigns that touched upon pressing social issues. These included Pulse Polio immunization drives, voter awareness programmes, and workshops on digital literacy and the Cashless India initiative. Their commitment to spreading knowledge about clean environments, hygiene, and responsible citizenship reflects the essence of the National Service Scheme’s motto — “Not Me But You.”
The recognition by the President is not only a personal achievement for Dey and Das but also a tribute to the spirit of volunteerism and community participation that defines Tripura’s youth. Both awardees expressed deep gratitude to their mentors, peers, and the NSS family, emphasizing that the award would further motivate them to continue serving society with dedication.
Speaking about the honour, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Tinku Roy, took to social media to express his heartfelt congratulations. “This achievement is a symbol of pride not just for the individuals but for the entire state of Tripura,” he wrote. He lauded their unwavering dedication, leadership qualities, and humanitarian spirit, calling them “shining examples for today’s youth.”
The minister also highlighted the broader impact of the NSS in shaping responsible citizens and fostering a culture of service among young people. He noted that through community-based activities, NSS volunteers are helping bridge the gap between education and social responsibility, making them active contributors to nation-building.
The National Service Scheme (NSS), launched in 1969, has long been a cornerstone of youth engagement in India. By involving students in community development work, it aims to instill in them a sense of empathy, discipline, and national consciousness. The achievements of Tripura’s NSS team underlines the potential of youth-led initiatives in addressing grassroots challenges like health awareness, environmental degradation, and civic participation.
Tripura’s education and social welfare departments have also commended the duo’s success, noting that such recognition at the national level inspires schools and colleges across the state to strengthen their NSS units. Several institutions are now planning to expand their outreach programs to include climate action projects, menstrual hygiene awareness, and digital education in rural areas.
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As India celebrates its young changemakers, the honour bestowed upon Shyamal Dey and Anupam Das stands as a testament to how collective effort, guided by a spirit of selflessness, can bring about meaningful transformation. Their journey from local service initiatives to receiving accolades from the President of India underscores the timeless message that true leadership begins with service to others.
