Shri M. Abdul Naser, State Chief Commissioner, Hindustan
Scouts & Guides, Kerala,
Shri K.S. Chauhan, National Executive Director, Hindustan
Scouts & Guides,
Shri M. Jouhar, State Secretary, Hindustan Scouts & Guides,
Kerala,
Dr. Deepa Chandran,
Dear Scouts and Guides,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.
I am very happy to address you all in this function which has been convened to present the Rajyapuraskar Awardfor Hindustan Scouts and Guidesand to honor the Trainers of students and their Principals.
Let me at the outset, compliment Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association for popularizing the Scout movement in the schools following the syllabus of Central Board of Secondary Education [CBSE], Indian Certificate of Secondary Education [ICSE] and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education [ICGSE]. As a non-political, non-sectarian, non-communal and non-profitable organization recognized by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and affiliated to World Federation of Independent Scout – Germany, having presence in 23 states, it has startedfunctioning in Kerala from last year. I am happy that within a year of its working in Kerala, the Association is optimistic aboutopening up the opportunity for about 2000 schools in the State.
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 picked up from South Africa.
Strangely enough, 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 saw many students leaving 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.
We are aware of how Scouts and Guides had been active in our schools managed by the State Government. It is indeed gratifying to note that the response from the students and teachers of the Central and other Schools to join the Scout association continues to be positive. I feel that this positive response is because of the ability of Scouting and Guiding to develop the inherent potential of the young people by providing them a number of structured activities which will make them physically, mentally, socially, spiritually and emotionally strong and useful citizens.
I am informed that the Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association, Keralahas already taken up several training programmes for students and Scout Masters. I am happy that the school level selection camps could be completed at different venues in the State as per schedule. It has been widely accepted that the introduction of Hindustan Scout and Guides in Kerala has boosted the expectations of the student community as it provides a platform for them to improve their self-esteem, leadership skills and team building abilities.
The ideals of Scouting also conform to the concepts of Man making and Nation building, which Swamy Vivekanandahad 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. I would also suggest a component of digital empowerment and an effective training in 21st century life skills also so that these students get a smoother entry into the future job market.
Let me remind the Scouts and Guides that the Rajyapuraskar awards that they have won should be an inspiration to build themselves as model citizens. I am informed that at present, we have over 1.40 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, water conservation and avoiding the use of Plastic in schools, our environment would be healthier and cleaner.
Those in Scouts and Guides should remember that by implementing environmental protection activities, they are carrying out one of the fundamental duties prescribed for citizens by our Constitution, namely, to protect the environment. I hope they would also be models in ensuring equal rights and privileges for boys and girls in their homes and institutions. Through this, they would be honouring the clause of equality of citizens.
I congratulate all the students who have won the Rajyapuraskar awards and wish them all the best. I also compliment the teachers and teacher trainers for organizing this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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