A new unit of the National Service Scheme (NSS) was launched at Brahmanandodayam Higher Secondary School, managed by Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kalady, on 2 October 2026, Gandhi Jayanti. The function was inaugurated by Shri Roji M. John, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Kerala, who is the elected member from the Angamaly constituency in which the school is situated. The traditional lamp, Nilavilakku, was lit by the Minister together with Swami Srividyananda, Manager of the School and Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kalady, and other dignitaries.
Addresses
In his inaugural address, the Minister spoke about his own involvement in the NSS during his school days and its influence on his later career in public service. He also recalled his early years in Kalady.
Swami Srividyananda delivered the benedictory address. He spoke on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, founder of Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math, who had emphasised service to humanity, and urged the students to take these lessons to heart. He explained the objectives of the National Service Scheme and its relevance at present. He also thanked the Minister for attending the function despite his engagements on Gandhi Jayanti.
Dr. Santhosh Kumar S, HSE State Programme Co-ordinator, NSS, delivered the keynote address, in which he outlined the history of the NSS and the need for youth participation in it.
The New Unit
The new NSS Unit has been sanctioned by the Government and forms part of the 1,750 NSS units in Kerala. It comprises 50 selected students of the school. The function was attended by the newly enrolled NSS volunteers, teachers, parents, students of nearby schools and members of the public.
Programme Participants
| Role | Name and Designation |
|---|---|
| Welcome address | Smt. Suprabha R, Principal |
| Presidential address | Smt. Pauly Baby, President, Grama Panchayat, Kalady |
| Inauguration | Shri Roji M. John, Minister for Higher Education, Government of Kerala |
| Benedictory address | Swami Srividyananda, Manager of the School and Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kalady |
| Keynote address | Dr. Santhosh Kumar S, HSE State Programme Co-ordinator, NSS |
| Felicitations | Smt. Maya Sajeev, Ward Member, Grama Panchayat, Kalady; Smt. Sharmila T.P, District Co-ordinator, NSS, Ernakulam; Smt. Akhila Sunilkumar, PTA President, BHSS Kalady; Sri Roopesh Raj R.V., Cluster Co-ordinator, Angamaly |
| Vote of thanks | Smt. Aswathy Balachandran, Programme Officer, BHSS Kalady |
Following the inaugural function, Sri Rajesh gave a demonstration on various aspects of First Aid to the students.
