KOHIMA — Nagaland Governor and chief patron of Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides (NSBSG), La. Ganesan, urged the young students to draw inspiration from historical events and the nation’s freedom fighters.
Addressing the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides award ceremony held at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, in Kohima on Friday, the governor emphasised on the importance of remembering and honouring the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.
Reminding the students of the 82nd anniversary of the Quit India Movement of August 8, 1942, Ganesan said on that day, the Indian leaders made a clarion call urging the British to ‘Quit India,’ which resonated across the country and igniting the flames of freedom in the hearts of millions.
“They faced immense hardships but displayed unparalleled courage and devoted their lives to secure the freedom we now cherish. As young citizens of this great nation, it is your duty to draw inspiration from these historical events and the individuals who shaped our country’s history,” he exhorted the scouts and guides.
He also expressed hope that the struggles and sacrifices of the freedom fighters would fuel the students’ spirit of patriotism and that they would emulate the freedom fighters’ selflessness and commitment in everyday life.
“Inculcate a strong sense of national pride and let that reflect in your actions,” he said.
The governor further said the ideals of the Bharat Scouts and Guides-duty to God, duty to others and duty to self-blend beautifully with the principles of patriotism.
“Let the principles of loyalty, responsibility and service to society be your guiding stars,” he added.
This year, 14 Scouts, 18 Guides, one Rover and two Rangers from Dimapur, Kohima and Wokha qualified for the Rajya Puraskar, which is also known as the Governor's Award.
Rajya Puraskar is the highest award a Scout, Guide, Rover or Ranger can earn at the state level. The Rayja Puraskar awardees will be preparing for further higher awards at the national level.
For the Tritiya Sopan award, the highest rank a Scout/ Guide can earn at the district level, 20 Scouts and 30 Guides from Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung and Wokha qualified.
All the awardees of Tritiya Sopan and Rajya Puraskar underwent regular and consistent trainings and testing to earn their respective awards.
A group of professionally trained leaders and examiners from various districts tested them on a series of formal and informal topics and syllabus. The syllabus for tests was prescribed by the national headquarters of the Bharat Scouts and Guides India.
In his speech, president of NSBSG and advisor of Youth Resources and Sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, said that the awards are not only a recognition of the hard work and perseverance shown by the young individuals but also a reflection of the guidance and support they received from their leaders and families.
He told the scout and guides to direct their skills and knowledge gained towards helping others and to aim higher.
He further encouraged the other districts to work diligently to help their Scouts and Guides advance in their scouting and guiding journeys.
“Scouting and guiding are more than just community service; they foster personal development, good character and harmonious living in society. They teach valuable life skills such as leadership, teamwork and resilience, which are essential in today's world,” the advisor added.