Don Bosco College of Agriculture Organizes NSS Special Camp 2026 at Thiruvalangadu

Theme: Youth Against Addiction and Tuberculosis (TB)

Date: 1–7 September 2026
Venue: Thiruvalangadu, Tamil Nadu
Organized by: National Service Scheme (NSS), Don Bosco College of Agriculture, Sagayathottam
Participating Batch: Second-Year Students (2024–2028)

About the NSS Special Camp 2026

The National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Don Bosco College of Agriculture (DBCA), Sagayathottam, organized a seven-day NSS Special Camp at Thiruvalangadu from 1 to 7 September 2026. Based on the theme “Youth Against Addiction and Tuberculosis (TB),” the camp aimed to create awareness about substance abuse, tuberculosis prevention, public health, environmental protection and rural community development.

The camp brought together NSS student volunteers, faculty members, resource persons, healthcare professionals and local community members to undertake a range of social service and environmental conservation activities. The programme included village surveys, anti-drug awareness campaigns, tree plantation, palmyra seed sowing, cleanliness drives, agricultural technology demonstrations, health screening and lake conservation.

Through these activities, students gained practical experience in community engagement, teamwork, leadership and social responsibility, reflecting Don Bosco College of Agriculture's commitment to experiential learning and rural development.

NSS Coordination Team

The NSS Special Camp 2026 was coordinated under the guidance of the following faculty members:

• NSS Programme Coordinator: Dr. J. Jeevamathi

• NSS Programme Officer: Mr. C. Vigneshwaran

Resource Persons

The camp benefited from the academic guidance and contributions of the following resource persons:

• Dr. P. Puvila – Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy, and Principal-in-Charge, Don Bosco College of Agriculture.

• Dr. Selvakumar – Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, Don Bosco College of Agriculture.

• Rev. Fr. Arun Sahayaraj – Hostel Director, Don Bosco College of Agriculture.

Day-Wise Activities of the NSS Special Camp

Day 1: Inauguration Ceremony and Village Survey

1 September 2026

The camp commenced with an inaugural ceremony at Thiruvalangadu, beginning with the traditional invocation, Tamil Thai Vazhthu. The programme featured welcome and presidential addresses, felicitation remarks and special addresses emphasizing community service and rural development.

Mr. R. Ramesh highlighted the cultural heritage, local characteristics and socio-economic background of Thiruvalangadu village. Teacher Vency conducted an awareness session on mobile phone addiction and the importance of responsible digital behaviour.

In the afternoon, NSS volunteers conducted a door-to-door village survey to understand the socio-demographic characteristics and community needs of the adopted village.

Day 2: Temple Cleanliness and Tree Plantation

2 September 2026

NSS volunteers carried out a cleanliness and weed-removal drive at Arulmigu Vadaranyeswaraswami Temple, Thiruvalangadu, clearing overgrown vegetation and improving the cleanliness of the temple premises.

As part of the environmental initiative “Kalaieduppom; Kandru Naduvom” (Eradicate Weeds; Plant Saplings), volunteers planted tree saplings around the temple premises. The activity encouraged environmental responsibility and highlighted the importance of increasing green cover in community spaces.

Day 3: Anti-Drug Awareness and Mushroom Cultivation Training

3 September 2026

An anti-drug awareness programme under the theme “Drug-Free Tamil Nadu” was conducted at the Government Higher Secondary School, Thiruvalangadu. NSS volunteers presented street dramas and mime performances to educate school students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of a drug-free society.

In the afternoon, Dr. Balakrishnan delivered a technical lecture on “Mushroom Cultivation – Modern Technologies and Income Opportunities.” The session introduced students to mushroom cultivation practices and potential income-generating opportunities. An interactive quiz and practical demonstration further supported experiential learning.

Day 4: Cleanliness Drive and Traditional Millet Awareness

4 September 2026

NSS volunteers conducted sanitation and cleanliness activities at the Government Higher Secondary School and nearby public areas. Tree plantation activities were also undertaken to encourage environmental awareness and community participation.

Dr. Selvakumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, Don Bosco College of Agriculture, delivered a technical lecture on “Traditional Millets and Their Health Benefits.” The session highlighted the nutritional importance of traditional millets, their role in healthy diets and their significance in sustainable agriculture.

Day 5: Drug-Free Youth Rally, Palmyra Seed Sowing and Health Awareness

5 September 2026

A public awareness rally was organized from Arulmigu Vadaranyeswaraswami Temple towards Palayanur and back. The rally promoted the message of drug-free youth and raised awareness about substance abuse and tuberculosis.

Volunteers also sowed palmyra seeds along embankments to support soil conservation and environmental sustainability. Weed removal and single-use plastic waste clearance were undertaken around the temple premises.

Community food service (Annadhanam) was provided to devotees and local residents. In collaboration with the Government Health Department, an HIV/AIDS prevention awareness programme was conducted. The day's activities concluded with a traditional Tamil folk theatre performance (Therukoothu), conveying messages on public hygiene, civic responsibility and substance-abuse prevention.

Day 6: Multi-Speciality Health Camp and Lake Conservation

6 September 2026

A free multi-speciality health and eye-screening camp was organized at Thiruvalangadu village in coordination with Pammal Sankara Eye Hospital and healthcare teams.

Dr. Lakshmi Murali, former State Joint Director (Tuberculosis) and consultant in pulmonology, maternal and child health, provided medical consultations and guidance on tuberculosis awareness and preventive healthcare.

In the afternoon, NSS volunteers undertook a lake conservation drive at Thiruvalangadu Lake. The activities included the removal of plastic waste, promotion of responsible waste management and plantation of tree saplings along the lake bund. These initiatives highlighted the importance of protecting local water bodies and maintaining a clean environment.

Day 7: Valedictory Ceremony and Camp Report Presentation

7 September 2026

The seven-day NSS Special Camp concluded with a valedictory ceremony at the Community Hall, Thiruvalangadu.

Ms. Kayalvizhi K., NSS student volunteer, delivered the welcome address. Mr. C. Vigneshwaran, NSS Programme Officer, presented the consolidated camp report, summarizing the social welfare, environmental conservation and community awareness activities undertaken during the camp.

Mr. Yashwanth delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of the college administration, village leadership and community members. The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.

Major Outcomes of the NSS Special Camp

The NSS Special Camp 2026 provided a platform for student volunteers to engage directly with rural communities and contribute to social welfare initiatives. The major areas of contribution included:

Public Health Awareness: Programmes on drug prevention, tuberculosis awareness, HIV/AIDS prevention and general healthcare promoted awareness of important public health issues.

Environmental Conservation: Tree plantation, palmyra seed sowing, temple cleanliness, plastic waste removal and lake conservation encouraged sustainable environmental practices.

Agricultural Education: Technical sessions on mushroom cultivation and traditional millets introduced participants to agricultural technologies, nutritional awareness and potential livelihood opportunities.

Rural Community Engagement: The village survey and community-based activities helped students understand local needs and the importance of participatory rural development.

Student Leadership and Social Responsibility: Participation in awareness rallies, public service activities and environmental initiatives strengthened teamwork, communication, leadership and civic responsibility among NSS volunteers.

Conclusion

The NSS Special Camp 2026 at Thiruvalangadu demonstrated the role of student volunteers in promoting public health awareness, environmental sustainability and rural community development. Through a combination of social service, agricultural education and conservation activities, the camp provided valuable experiential learning opportunities for the participating students.

Don Bosco College of Agriculture, Sagayathottam, remains committed to nurturing socially responsible agricultural graduates who contribute to community welfare, sustainable development and nation-building through education and voluntary service.