Mysore/Mysuru: Karnataka State NSS Officer Pratap Lingaiah said it is the responsibility of every citizen of the country to vouch for National Integration and to fight  disruptive forces.

He was speaking after launching the week-long National Integration Camp jointly organised by University of Mysore (UoM) NSS Wing and Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports at NSS Bhavan on Sahukar Channaiah road in Saraswathipuram here on Friday.

Pointing out that India is known for Unity in Diversity across the world, Pratap Lingaiah said perhaps no other country in the world has such a diversified culture, language, food and traditions. But still the country is very strong in Unity, which is key for progress, he said adding that we should have a common goal for taking our country forward in all respects. It is happy to note that NSS is playing a vital role in building a sense of Unity and Oneness, he added.

UoM Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. H. Rajashekar said that there are certain issues which  are proving to be a threat to the country’s Unity and Integrity. Pointing out that casteism, communalism, regionalism and the like are posing a serious threat to the nation, he stressed on the need for everyone to learn at least one language other than mothertongue as it will help in bonding. Developing a mindset of oneness holds key for building an informed and better society, he added.

NSS Programme Officer Dr. M.B. Suresh, Prof. B. Chandrashekar, Prof. Suresh, K.T. Veerappa, Training Officer K.A. Cariappa, Prof. B.K. Shivanna, Prof. B.K. Jagadish, Prof. J.B. Shivaraj, Prof. K.M. Veeraiah, Prof. Sathyanarayan, Prof. Kalachannegowda, Dr. Rudraiah and others were present.