**Executive Summary**
The Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, stated on February 17, 2026, that NSS volunteers are architects of the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision. She addressed the valedictory ceremony of the seven-day National Integration Camp (NIC) held at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). The minister's comments highlighted the importance of the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and emphasized the vital role of NSS volunteers in building leadership.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Overview:**
* The Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports addressed the valedictory ceremony of the National Integration Camp (NIC) at SPPU on February 17, 2026.
* The NIC lasted seven days.
* **Camp Details:**
* The camp was jointly organized by SPPU and the National Service Scheme (NSS) Regional Directorate, Pune.
* It brought together 210 participants from 12 states.
* The volunteers showcased regional heritage, art, and traditions through cultural performances.
* **Minister's Remarks:**
* Smt. Khadse emphasized the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through mutual respect.
* She commended the discipline and active participation of volunteers.
* She highlighted the NSS's role in nurturing leadership and social responsibility.
* She stated that NSS is a vital medium for building leadership in students.
* She encouraged the volunteers to act as youth ambassadors for their respective states.
* **Vision and Aims:**
* Smt. Khadse highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to bring 100,000 young individuals from non-political backgrounds into the political sphere.
* The NSS serves as an ideal platform for those aspiring to enter leadership and public service.
* **Participants and Theme:**
* The ceremony was attended by the Vice Chancellor of SPPU, senior NSS officials, and state coordinators.
* The event concluded with cultural presentations, reinforcing the themes of unity and collective national identity.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder:** *NSS Volunteers*
* **Impact**: Are recognised as architects of 'Viksit Bharat @2047' and youth ambassadors for their states.
* **Action Required**: Embody the NSS motto, "Not Me, But You," and continue active participation.
**Stakeholder:** *Youth of India*
* **Impact**: Encouraged to participate in NSS. NSS is a vital medium for building leadership in students from an early age.
* **Action Required**: Aspire to enter leadership and public service through NSS.
**Stakeholder:** *SPPU, Senior NSS Officials, and State Coordinators*
* **Impact**: Attendees of the ceremony, reinforcing themes of unity and national identity.
* **Action Required**: Continue supporting and promoting NSS activities.
Key Entities Referenced
National Service Scheme (NSS): A program focused on nurturing leadership and social responsibility through volunteer activities.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports: The government ministry responsible for youth programs and sports initiatives in India.
Viksit Bharat @2047: A vision for India's development by the year 2047.
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU): A university in Pune, Maharashtra, that hosted the National Integration Camp.
National Integration Camp (NIC): A camp designed to bolster mutual respect and a shared national purpose among young citizens.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
NSS Volunteers are the Architects of Viksit
Bharat : Union MoS Raksha Khadse
Posted On: 17 FEB 2026 7:49PM by PIB Mumbai
Pune : 17 February 2026
India’s youth are not merely the foundation of the nation’s future but the principal
architects of the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision, stated Union Minister of State for
Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, today.Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the seven-day National Integration Camp
(NIC) at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Smt. Khadse emphasized that the
spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat must be bolstered through mutual respect and
a shared national purpose among young citizens.The camp, jointly organized by SPPU and the National Service Scheme (NSS)
Regional Directorate, Pune, brought together 210 participants from 12 states.
Representing a "Mini India," the volunteers showcased a vibrant tapestry of regional
heritage, art, and traditions through cultural performances.
The Minister commended the discipline and active participation of the volunteers,
highlighting the role of the NSS in nurturing leadership and social responsibility.
"Every NSS volunteer is special," Smt. Khadse remarked. "NSS is a vital medium for
building leadership in students from an early age. Those who participate in these
camps move forward in life with a deeper sense of responsibility. We must ensure
that NSS participation continues to grow across the country."She further encouraged volunteers to embody the NSS motto, "Not Me, But You,"
acting as youth ambassadors for their respective states.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the youth, Smt. Khadse
mentioned his aim to bring 100,000 young individuals from non-political
backgrounds into the political sphere. She opined that the NSS serves as an ideal
platform for those aspiring to enter the field of leadership and public service.
The ceremony was attended by the Vice Chancellor of SPPU, senior NSS officials,
and state coordinators. The event concluded with a series of cultural presentations,
reinforcing the themes of unity and collective national identity.
PIB Pune| Harshal Akude/ Priti Malandkar
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