Workshop held for NSS programme officers and volunteers

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A total of 130 volunteers and programme officers from Kamrup Metro attended a day-long capacity-building workshop for NSS volunteers organized by WISH Foundation and NSS cell of the Gauhati University on February 25.

The programme was organized in collaboration with National Health Mission Assam and B. Borooah College.

Presenting introductory remarks, Dr Arup Jyoti Kalita, senior manager, WISH Foundation, explained the objectives of the workshop. He said that this workshop is an effort to enable all the volunteers with important information on health and wellness.

They will also be equipped with the needful information on some important components of Ayushman Bharat, the largest health initiative in the world. It is expected that information cascades down to peer groups, people from the communities and families, which would also mean reaching out to the most vulnerable people.

Speaking as Guest of honour at the workshop, Dr Ranjan Kumar Kakaty, Director of Students Welfare and in-charge of NSS Cell, Gauhati University, said that NSS community has been extending remarkable service during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Volunteers are also engaging in outreach and healthcare activities in their adopted villages. This capacity building of volunteers and program officers will empower them to render better services to the needy community," he added.

Raju Tamang, State in-charge, Wish Foundation, in his speech, said that NSS volunteers are known all over as selfless, sensible and socially-oriented individuals. He told NSS volunteers, "You are the most elite people as you are already part of the community and helping people. They can act as change agents in transforming the health scenario of the society."

In her inaugural address, Dr Binita Goswami, Joint Director (UIP) Directorate of Health Services (Family Welfare), Government of Assam, urged that NSS volunteers should come forward and help them reach the community in order to immunise children. She said, "Volunteers can take a pivotal role to mobilise community to access the health programs of Government of Assam through information, education and communication initiatives and bringing behavioural change."

The workshop was attended by Surendra Talkhedkar, Donirong Riang from Yoga and Naturopathy Institute, Guwahati; Dr Mousumi Krishnatreya, associate professor, GMCH, Dr Manas Katoky, state consultant, NUHM, Government of Assam as resource persons.

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