Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh on Monday lauded the Haryana State Bharat Scouts and Guides for introducing Scouting and Guiding activities at Bal Bhavans across the state to ensure the holistic development of underprivileged children. Addressing the 44th Annual General Meeting of the Haryana State Bharat Scouts and Guides at Lok Bhavan here today, the Governor, who is also the State President of The Haryana State Bharat Scouts and Guides Association, said that under the initiative of the Women and Child Development Department, Haryana, led by the State Commissioner (Bulbuls), Bharat Scouts and Guides activities have now been introduced in Bal Bhavans across Haryana.
Describing the initiative as highly commendable, Prof. Ghosh said it would help nurture discipline, self-confidence, leadership qualities, teamwork and essential life skills among underprivileged children, enabling them to become responsible and empowered citizens. The Governor also appreciated the State Association for taking the innovative step of signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various colleges and universities across Haryana to establish Rovers and Rangers Units and expand the reach of the Bharat Scouts and Guides Movement among the youth.
He said the future of any nation depends upon the character of its young citizens. The values of honesty, compassion, courage, respect for nature and service before self, which Scouting and Guiding instil, are the very qualities required to build a strong, progressive and inclusive India.
Prof. Ghosh said that the Bharat Scouts and Guides is much more than an organisation; it is a movement dedicated to building character, promoting discipline, developing leadership and fostering the spirit of selfless service among young people. Highlighting Haryana's outstanding contribution to the movement, he said Bharat Scouts and Guides has a membership of over seven million across the country.
Although Haryana accounts for only about two per cent of India's population, it contributes nearly 17 per cent of the total Scouts and Guides membership in the country. "This is indeed a remarkable achievement and a matter of pride for the State," he said.
On the occasion, the Governor also presented warrants and awards to office-bearers, Cubs, Bulbuls, Scouts, Guides, Rovers, Rangers, Unit Leaders and dedicated volunteers in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the movement. Earlier, Dr. K.K. Khandelwal, State Chief Commissioner, Haryana State Bharat Scouts and Guides, welcomed the Governor and presented a detailed overview of the activities, achievements and future initiatives of the Association.
Smt. Dheera Khandelwal, State Chief Commissioner, Smt. Amneet P. Kumar, State Commissioner (Guides), Smt. Ashima Brar, Commissioner and Secretary, Sh. Saket Kumar, State Commissioner Headquarters, Sh. Vijaykumar Bhavikatti, Secretary to Governor, Sh. Mani Ram Sharma and other officers and representatives of the Bharat Scouts and Guides were also present on this occasion.