Bikram Rana—who enables Chandigarh NSS Cell mark its footprints at national level

May 2, 2021

Bikram Rana—who enables Chandigarh NSS Cell mark its footprints at national level

CHANDIGARH—Life is like a play and it is not the length but how acted one that matters. The adage seems to be just opted for Bikram Rana, SLO, Chandigarh NSS Cell, retired from active government service on April 30 and someone else to take over the place. Growing up in a remote area once called ‘Kala Paani’ did not let his vision crumble with his determination. Moved to Chandigarh to prove his mettle, highly qualified he preferred teaching as his profession, Joined Government College, Kalka. In 2008, the Chandigarh Administration was looking for a man who can revive NSS Cell lying in ICU. He was found suitable for his aptitude to work among youth. He joined Administration in 2008 as SLO, Chandigarh NSS Cell.

Passion plus perseverance and meticulous planning have brought improvement in the working of NSS Cell. He has mooted an innovative plan to chanellise the energy of youth. From a measly 400 in 2008 to masterly over 18,000 strong youth force up to end 2021 comprising 136 regular NSS units and 23 self-financing units, each unit consists of 100 volunteer. He succeeded in imbibing the instinct of community service among NSS volunteers. There is no dearth of acctivities in which the NSS volunteers have not been involved. NSS volunteers are being deputed on regular basis in the services of patients and their attendants at PGI thus feel the pulse of community activities. He introduced first-of-its-kind initiative to develop ‘NSS Herbal Garden’ in government as well as private schools and pickle making business in rural areas of Chandigarh won applause from the Ministry of HRD. “pickle making’ initiative has revolutionized the economic condition of rural folk especially women of Chandigarh.

In 2020 when COVID-19 was in its peak in Chandigarh, there was a force of NSS volunteers that has been working tirelessly for poor away from media attention. From distribution of medicines, ration and packets of cooked food among the people in distress to activeness on social media volunteers were busy silently to complete the assigned work. Over 34,000 videos of face mask making have been shared with members, various groups, youth and villagers. Within two months around 8,000 people have started mask making work and prepared over one lakh masks and distributed among the poor free.

Mr Rana has been awarded national level SKOCHAwar in Order-of-Merit for his outstanding services during Corona Mukt Abhiyan. Besides, he was awarded state level commendation award for meritorious services in public services by the Governor, Punjab and Administrator Chandigarh Prof V.P. Singh Badnore on Independence Day 2020. He also served as state nodal officer for COVID-19 from Ministry of Health, GOI.

Within a span of five years of his stint, its volunteer was awarded the prestigious Indira Gandhi National Best NSS volunteer in 2012 for the first time since its inception in 1988. Next year, NSS Cell walked away with three awards—Best Volunteer, Best NSS Programme Officer and Best NSS Unit across the country.

The Chandigarh Administration has accorded his proposal for three types of gradation certificate to NSS volunteers on the pattern of NCC. These certificates get weightage of two marks, two-and-a-half marks and three marks respectively seeing admission in higher classes. To transform NSS into more lucrative and job-oriented to the youths, the he has introduced skill development schemes along with academics.

Passing time in leisure and passing time for others to enjoy their life are two different things, the former has many followers while the latter has only a few. He is one of those few people in the second category. He, thorough out his association with NSS Cell hasenlightened many youth, children, people from all walks of life through is motivational speeches and actions.