Yogesh
Jammu Feb 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called on the Jammu and Kashmir Bharat Scouts & Guides to spearhead a campaign against drug abuse and create a network of young leaders across the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor, while speaking at the Rajya Puraskar Ceremony of J&K Bharat Scouts & Guides here said, “You have to build a network of youth leaders across various sectors to promote leadership and dedication.”
“A dedicated team of Bharat Scouts & Guides can play a significant role in leading the fight against drug abuse and creating awareness about the perils of substance addiction.”
The Lt Governor said, “The Scouts & Guides movement was founded in 1907. It has served as a vital platform for the younger generation since its inception.”
The Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to all the recipients J&K Bharat Scouts & Guides Rajya Puraskar Certificates. “These certificates are recognition of your dedication, selfless service, hard work, and discipline,” he said.
Sinha said, “If we look into history, the Scouts & Guides have always played a pivotal role in shaping responsible citizens. It has taught the youth how to develop a sense of duty and commitment towards society.”
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the growing participation of youth in the Scouts & Guides activities, noting that the number of members in Jammu and Kashmir has risen to 14,000. “This increase in numbers shows that the youth of J&K are coming forward to build their lives and become an inspiration for others,” he remarked.
Encouraging young people to strive for positive change, he emphasized that the spirit of the youth is always inclined toward transformation and progress. “A young mind never remains satisfied with the status quo; it constantly seeks change. Scouts & Guides activities provide an excellent way to learn and evolve.”
Referring to the teachings of Emperor Ashoka, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated the importance of providing equal opportunities to all. “Ashoka had written that all humans are his children, and he (Ashoka) wanted them to receive equal facilities and opportunities. Likewise, we must ensure that our youth get the best resources for their growth and development.”
Sinha stressed the importance of environmental conservation, urging Scouts & Guides to prioritize efforts in safeguarding nature.
He also highlighted the remarkable progress witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years, with youth playing a crucial role in the transformation. “Youth clubs have emerged as a bridge between the administration and the people, ensuring better governance and outreach. With the government’s hand-holding, J&K’s youth have started new chapters in their lives.”
Additionally, he urged them to work towards preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage and promoting its historical significance.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the exemplary contribution of everyone associated with the Bharat Scouts and Guides movement towards community services and nation building. “J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides is on the mission to ensure that service to others is a motto of society before the self. With this vision J&K Bharat Scouts & Guides are doing commendable work in fostering the spirit of national integration and working selflessly for betterment of society,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the Scouts & Guides to act as the ‘Agents of Change’ at the grassroots level and inspire the youth to dedicate themselves towards constructive transformation of the society and the nation.
“Youth is the only power that we have today to develop a progressive society and a prosperous nation. Through youth we can ignite the flame of transformation. It is important to task Scouts and Guides to tackle socio-economic challenges because they have the potential to provide innovative solutions,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor, also the Chief Patron of Jammu & Kashmir Bharat Scouts & Guides, reiterated his commitment to facilitate the smooth operations of J&K Bharat Scouts & Guides. Along with the Annual Grant-in-Aid, whatever kind of support and financial help they require will definitely be provided, he said.
He also assured every possible support from the government for the smooth conduct of upcoming National Integration Camp.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also felicitated the Scout Masters and Guide Captains.
Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Wg. Cdr MM Joshi, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts & Guides; Rajinder Singh Tara, Director General, Youth Services and Sports; Administrators, Guide Captains, Instructors, Principals, teachers & students from various schools were present.
