Over 250 NSS volunteers in Ujjain to get special training for Simhastha 2028

Samrat Vikramaditya University has begun preparations to involve young people in serving and helping the lakhs of devotees expected at Simhastha 2028, and in managing arrangements. The university's National Service Scheme (NSS) cell will train more than 250 volunteers for service work.

The training will not be limited to Simhastha arrangements. Young people will also be connected with social issues such as freedom from addiction, TB eradication, cleanliness and environmental protection.

A seven-day university-level special training camp is being held for this from November 13 to 19. Its theme is "Nasha evam TB mukt yuva tatha Simhastha 2028" (Youth free of addiction and TB, and Simhastha 2028). It will be held at Shri Raj Rajendra Jayantsen Suri Shiksha Mahavidyalaya in Manpura village on Dewas Road.

Besides more than 250 university volunteers, one male and one female programme officer and the district coordinator from each of the seven districts will attend. With core group members, the number of participants will be about 300. Senior state and central government officials, college principals and senior volunteers will also take part in the training.

According to NSS coordinator Shekhar Maidamwar, volunteers will be trained through lectures by experts, group discussions and community activities. They will be prepared to spread awareness about the harmful effects of addiction and about TB, and to increase public participation in cleanliness and environmental protection. Developing leadership, discipline and teamwork is also part of the training.

A big religious event like Simhastha will need trained young people for helping devotees, public cooperation and social coordination at various levels. This is why the plan is to prepare NSS volunteers now. The camp will stress a spirit of service and the ability to take on responsibility at large events.

The camp is being organised under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Dr Arpan Bhardwaj and with the support of Registrar and senior Executive Council member Rajesh Singh Kushwah. Dr Prashant Puranik, former NSS coordinator, Dr Raman Singh Solanki, programme officer of the open unit, and Rajesh Gandhara, nodal officer for school education in Ujjain, have key roles in the arrangements. District coordinator Dr Pradeep Lakhre is looking after coordination of the work of the various committees.