Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 21 – The Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, has stressed the need for taking the activities of Bharat Scouts and Guides to the remote and far-flung areas of the State to bring a very large number of youth under its umbrella.
The Governor, who is also the Patron of the J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides, was addressing after presenting the 6th Rajya Puraskars to 118 successful Scouts and Guides of the Kashmir Valley at the Award Presentation Ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, here yesterday.
The Governor, recalling his association with the Scouting Movement over 60 years ago, referred to the skills taught to the Scouts in those days and shared his experiences. He said that non-formal education is an important part of the overall learning process, adding that Scouts and Guides movement can contribute, in a very big way, to the personality development of our youth.
The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, announced a grant of rupees two lakhs (Rs. one lakh each for Jammu and Kashmir Divisions) from the Board, for promotion of the activities of the J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides in the State. He also urged the State Government to suitably enhance the annual grant for the J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides and observed that he had stressed this matter with the Hon’ble Chief Minister.
The Governor evinced keen interest in the skill demonstration given by the Scouts and Guides on the occasion and impressed upon them to work still harder for the Rashtriya Awards, in good number, from the State. He also wished them a bright career and greeted them for being awarded with the Rajya Puraskar.
The Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Mr. R. S. Chib speaking on the occasion, congratulated the Scouts and Guides, who got the Rajya Puraskar today. Throwing light on the importance of the Scouts and Guides movement and its role in character building of the youth, he assured all possible support for this purpose. He hoped that many of the awardees of the Rajya Puraskar will make it to the Rashtrapati Award.
In his welcome address, the State Chief Commissioner, J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides, N. A. Khan gave details of the activities of the organisation in the State and the future plan of action for further promotion thereof. He also dwelt on the growth of the Scouting movement in the country and the State.
The Senior Lady Vice President, J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides, Mrs. Roma Wani also spoke on the occasion. The State Commissioner, J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides, Mr. I. D. Soni presented a vote of thanks.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Riyaz Punjabi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Raj Kumar Goyal, Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Mr. N. K. Verma, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Mr. Mohammad Rafi, Director, Doordarshan, Srinagar, Dr. Rafiq Masoodi, Director School Education, Kashmir, Mrs. Shagufta Parveen, Director Youth Services and Sports, Mr. S. A. Raina, other senior officers, a number of Scouts and Guides and their leaders were also present at the function.
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