Governor of Nagaland and Chief Patron of the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides (NSBSG), Nand Kishore Yadav, felicitated 58 young Scouts and Guides who qualified for the prestigious Rajya Puraskar, also known as the Governor’s Award, at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan on August 21.
The award was conferred on 34 Guides and 24 Scouts in recognition of their dedication, discipline, training and perseverance throughout their Scouting and Guiding journey.
Congratulating the awardees, Governor Yadav said the Rajya Puraskar was not merely a certificate or recognition but a reflection of the hours of training, discipline, effort and perseverance demonstrated by the young achievers throughout their Scout and Guide journey.
He also congratulated the parents, teachers, Scout Masters, Guide Captains and all others who supported and guided the awardees in their journey.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor highlighted the importance of the Bharat Scouts and Guides as a voluntary, non-political and educational movement that seeks to develop young people physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually, while nurturing responsible citizenship and a spirit of service. He said the fundamental principles of the Movement, Duty to God, Duty to Others and Duty to Self provide a strong framework for life.
The Governor noted that the Bharat Scouts and Guides movement began its journey in Nagaland in 1967 and has since grown across the State, providing young people with practical experiences in teamwork, outdoor activities, community service and leadership. He observed that the values promoted by Scouting and Guiding service, discipline, cooperation, respect, courage and responsibility are closely aligned with the community traditions and collective responsibility deeply rooted in Nagaland.
Emphasising the relevance of the Movement in a rapidly changing world, the Governor said that Scouting and Guiding help young people look beyond technology and screens, work with others, experience nature, take responsibility, overcome difficulties and serve society.
Encouraging the awardees to aim higher, the Governor urged them to take up the challenge of qualifying for the President’s Scout and Guide Certificate Award at the national level. He reminded them that the Rajya Puraskar should be regarded as another milestone rather than the destination of their journey.
“Leadership begins with service,” the Governor said, stressing that true leadership means stepping forward, taking responsibility and helping others. He urged the young Scouts and Guides to carry the values of Scouting and Guiding into whichever profession they may choose in the future.
The Governor called upon the awardees to be punctual and honest, keep their word, respect others, help those in need, protect the environment, stand up for what is right and never consider any honest work beneath their dignity.
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Referring to India’s ongoing transformation and the vision of a Viksit Bharat, the Governor said that development cannot be achieved through infrastructure and technology alone, but requires responsible, compassionate, disciplined and committed citizens. He encouraged young people to become not only job seekers but also problem solvers, innovators, entrepreneurs and responsible citizens.
He further highlighted the practical life skills imparted through Scouting and Guiding, including leadership, first aid, disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, community service and teamwork. In the context of Nagaland, he said these skills can be particularly valuable during natural disasters, emergencies and community initiatives, enabling Scouts and Guides to become an organised force of goodwill and service.
Urging the awardees to wear their achievement with pride but carry their responsibility with humility, the Governor encouraged them to volunteer when others hesitate, extend a helping hand without seeking recognition, protect nature, bring people together and uphold the Scout and Guide promise and principles.
The Governor also encouraged the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides Association to expand its reach across the State, particularly among schools and communities in rural and remote areas, so that every child and young person has the opportunity to experience the transformative values of the Movement.
He called upon schools, educational institutions, parents and community leaders to support and encourage greater participation in Scouting and Guiding, observing that investing in the character development of young people is an investment in the future of Nagaland.
The Governor expressed confidence that the Scouts and Guides of Nagaland would continue to uphold the ideals of the Movement and become ambassadors of peace, service and responsible citizenship.
He once again congratulated all the awardees and wished them continued success in their journey, including success in achieving the President’s Scout and Guide Certificate and greater accomplishments in the years ahead. He also conveyed his best wishes to the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides Association in its mission of building character, developing leadership and nurturing responsible citizens for Nagaland and India.
Keynote and welcome address was delivered by Anthony Ngullie, NCS, Commissioner & Secretary, YRS and Vice President, NSBSG. A special song was presented by Miss Thejatsunuu Amelia Sekhose. The vote of thanks was delivered by K Neibou Sekhose, Vice President, NSBSG.
