A 7-Day and Night NSS Camp titled ‘Shakti 2.0-Building Potential Through Upskilling’ began at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh. The camp aims to empower participants by equipping them with skills that foster confidence, creativity and collaboration.

The inaugural was graced by Dr Parveen Goyal, Associate Professor at the University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, and Programme Coordinator for NSS at the University. Following the inauguration, a video presentation highlighted the impactful initiatives and social welfare projects undertaken by the NSS units, and showcased their commitment to community service and social impact.

The first session of the day, on meditation, was conducted by Ms. Paulomi Mukherjee, Regional Director of Government Programs, Art of Living. The session aimed to help participants relax, release stress, and cultivate mindfulness. The next session, on healthcare, was conducted by Dr. Shweta Tahlan, Consultant in Gynae Oncosurgery, Fortis Hospital.

Dr. Tahlan provided valuable insights into the role of HPV vaccines in the prevention of cervical cancer. This was followed by a Basic Life Support (BLS) training session conducted by Ms. Amrit Kaur, Senior Clinical Instructor, equipping attendees with essential life-saving skills. The afternoon continued with a session on ‘Basics of Money Management and Investment’ by Dr. Ritu Rani, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce at the college.

The session equipped the participants with the knowledge of practical tools to manage personal finances and make informed investment decisions. Thereafter, an informative session on ‘Cyber Hygiene, Youth and Social Media’ was conducted by Gurpreet Kaur, a former NSS volunteer. The session focused on essential practices for maintaining online safety, particularly in the context of social media, and equipped participants with valuable digital safety tips. The day wrapped up with a fun, interactive games session.

Officiating Principal Ms. Suman Mahajan expressed appreciation for this endeavour of the NSS units to equip participants with crucial knowledge that can empower them with tools to enhance their personal and professional journeys. She expressed hope that this weeklong camp will mark the beginning of a transformative journey, one that is bound to leave a lasting and meaningful impact on all participants.