The Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides Award Ceremony was held at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 9th August 2024.
Speaking at the award ceremony of the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides, the Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, who is also the Chief Patron, NSBSG, said that the Bharat Scouts & Guides is a voluntary non-political, educational movement for young people, open to all without distinction of origin, race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and methods conceived by the founder Lord Baden Powell in 1907. The purpose of the movement is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full all-round potentials as individual and as responsible citizen.
The Governor said, the Scout & Guide Movement is based on the principles of duty to God, duty to others and duty to self and is spread across the world. The Governor was glad that this year, 18 Guides, 14 Scouts, 1 Rover and 2 Ranger qualified from Dimapur, Kohima and Wokha districts for the Rajya Puraskar, which is the highest award at the state level for a Scouts & Guides in the State. He looked forward to see these Rajya Puraskar Scouts, Guides, Rovers and Rangers prepare for the next award, the President award which is the highest award for a Scout, Guide, Rover and Ranger in the country, and congratulated all awardees for their hard work and dedication.
The Governor also congratulated the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides for coming out 2nd runner up during the 7th North East Mini Jamboree held at Sikkim from 12th to 16th January 2024. And that it was heartwarming to learn that Sano Vamuzo, Life Member and former Vice-President, State Commissioner (Guide) and State Organizing Commissioner (Guide) was awarded the Padmashree award which adds a feather to the cap of the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides.
As we celebrate the achievements, we are also reminded of another significant day in our nation's history. The 8th of August 2024 also marked the 82nd anniversary of the Quit India Movement, a pivotal moment in our struggle for independence. On this day in 1942, a clarion call was made by our leaders, urging the British to "Quit India," and it resonated across the country, igniting the flames of freedom in the hearts of millions, the Governor added.
The Governor further called upon the young Scouts and Guides, to emphasize the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. As 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 their duty to draw inspiration from these historical events and the individuals who shaped our country’s history. Let their struggles and sacrifices fuel your spirit of patriotism. Emulate their selflessness and commitment in your everyday lives. Inculcate a strong sense of national pride, and let that reflect in your actions.
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.
Earlier, the Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, presented the Rajya Puraskar certificates and, Advisor, YRS & President, NSBSG, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung gave the Tritiya Sopan certificates, to the awardees.
Tritiya Sopan is the highest rank for a Scout/Guide to earn at the district level. 20 Scouts and 30 Guides from Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung and Wokha qualified for Tritiya Sopan 2024.
Rajya Puraskar also known as the GOVERNOR'S AWARD is the highest award a Scout/Guide/Rover/Ranger can earn at the State Level. This year 14 Scouts, 18 Guides, 1 Rover and 2 Rangers (Dimapur, Kohima and Wokha) successfully qualified for the GOVERNOR'S AWARD 2024.
All the awardees (both Tritiya Sopan and Rajya Puraskar) have undergone regular and consistent trainings and testings 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 their testing are prescribed by the National Headquarters of the Bharat Scouts and Guides India.
The Rajya Puraskar awardees will be preparing for further higher Award at the National level.
Welcome address was said by, Vice President, NSBSG, Dr. Joyce Z. Angami and vote of thanks was delivered by, Director YRS & Vice President, NSBSG, Kethosituo Sekhose.
(Pro Raj Bhavan)
