Prof. Raveendranath, Hon’ble Minister for Education &
President, Kerala State Bharat Scouts & Guides
Smt Jessy Joseph, Additional Director, Public Instruction, Kerala
Shri Sajith A.K, State Secretary, Kerala State Bharat Scouts
and Guides,
Shri R. Shaji, State Organising Commissioner{Scouts}
My dear Scouts and Guides, Officials, Friends in Media,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am happy to address you all in this function which has been convened to felicitate the Scouts and Guides who have won the Rajyapuraskar Award for 2018-19.
As we all know, the Scout movement, which had its beginning in the year 1907 in England, has been contributing to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, spiritual and social potential in many countries.
It is interesting to note that though this movement was initiated by Lord Baden Powel, an Officer who served the British Army, the main inspiration behind this was the Gurukula system of education, which was truly Indian. Powel also had incorporated in the Scout movement, the training lessons he had picked up from South Africa.
It is interesting to note that when Scouting was introduced in British India, Indian students were not allowed to enroll in it. After Indian students were allowed to join, we also had a stage when many students left the Movement to express their solidarity with the Freedom struggle. However, since the intentions of the Scout movement were noble, we saw Indian Scout Associations springing up in Bengal, Madras etc. Finally, on 07th November 1950 the Bharat Scouts and Guides was formed and ever since it has been carrying out several schemes and projects aimed at the refinement of the community.
The Bharat Scouts and Guides has been undertaking various programmes such as planting of trees, creation of awareness on AIDS, campaigns against drugs and tobacco and promotion of a healthy ambiance in schools and homes. Through such activities, children nurture a commitment towards the ideals of truth, loyalty, voluntary service and moral integrity. These activities also attune the students to the Scout and Guide Laws which require one to be honest, a lover of Nature and a friend to all, promising to do one's duty to the people. It is interesting to note that this movement has different mottoes for different age groups. Thus, when the Cubs and Bulbuls, the youngest of the groups promise to do their best, the Scouts and Guides vow to be prepared and the Rovers and Rangers or the seniors offer unconditional service to society.
Thus, one can say that the ideals of Scouting also conform to the concepts of Man making and Nation building, which Swamy Vivekananda had always advocated. Keeping one’s body and mind pure, one can build one's own character, focusing on service to society and nurturing the spirit of patriotism. It is also laudable that Scouting and Guiding promote dignity of labor and vocational training along with community service. I would also suggest a component of training in 21st century life skills also so that the Scouts and Guides get a smoother entry into the future job market.
The Rajyapuraskar Awards that have you have won should be an inspiration to build yourselves as model citizens.
I am informed that at present, we have over 1.30 lakh members in the Scout and Guide movement in Kerala. If all these young people move into society by creating awareness on the Fundamental duties of citizens, it is going to make a great difference in our State. Similarly, if the Scouts and Guides initiate a campaign for Green Protocol and Water Conservation in schools, our environment would be healthier and cleaner. You should also be a model in ensuring equal rights and privileges for boys and girls in your institutions, so that you contribute to a future India based on equality.
I congratulate all the Scouts and Guides who have won the Rajyapuraskar Awards and wish them all the best. I also compliment the teachers and adult leaders for organizing this function in a befitting manner.
I shall be glad to interact with the Scouts and Guides sitting here. Your questions are most welcome.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
