The Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides Award Ceremony was held at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on August 9, 2024.
Speaking at the event, Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, who is also the Chief Patron of the NSBSG, highlighted the Bharat Scouts and Guides as a voluntary, non-political educational movement open to all, regardless of origin, race, or creed. Established by Lord Baden Powell in 1907, the movement aims to foster the development of young people, helping them realize their full potential as individuals and responsible citizens.
Governor Ganesan noted that the Scout and Guide Movement is based on the principles of duty to God, duty to others, and duty to self, and is recognized worldwide. He expressed pleasure that this year, 18 Guides, 14 Scouts, 1 Rover, and 2 Rangers from Dimapur, Kohima, and Wokha districts qualified for the Rajya Puraskar, the highest state-level award. He encouraged these awardees to prepare for the next milestone, the President’s Award, the highest national award for Scouts, Guides, Rovers, and Rangers.
The Governor also congratulated the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides for being the second runner-up at the 7th North East Mini Jamboree held in Sikkim from January 12 to 16, 2024. He praised Sano Vamuzo, a Life Member and former Vice-President, State Commissioner (Guide), and State Organizing Commissioner (Guide), for receiving the Padmashree award, adding a significant accolade to the organization.
In his address, Governor Ganesan reflected on August 8, 2024, marking the 82nd anniversary of the Quit India Movement—a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence. He urged the young Scouts and Guides to honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters and draw inspiration from their courage and dedication.
Governor Ganesan encouraged the awardees to embody the Bharat Scouts and Guides’ principles—duty to God, duty to others, and duty to self—and to integrate these values with patriotism and service to society.
During the ceremony, Governor La Ganesan presented the Rajya Puraskar certificates, while S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor, YRS & President, NSBSG, distributed the Tritiya Sopan certificates. Tritiya Sopan is the highest rank a Scout/Guide can achieve at the district level. This year, 20 Scouts and 30 Guides from Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, and Wokha earned the Tritiya Sopan.
The Rajya Puraskar, also known as the Governor’s Award, is the highest state-level award for Scouts, Guides, Rovers, and Rangers. This year, 14 Scouts, 18 Guides, 1 Rover, and 2 Rangers from Dimapur, Kohima, and Wokha qualified for the Governor’s Award.
All awardees underwent rigorous training and testing, conducted by professionally trained leaders and examiners from various districts. The testing syllabus was prescribed by the National Headquarters of the Bharat Scouts and Guides India. Rajya Puraskar awardees will now prepare for further national-level awards.
The Vice President of NSBSG, Dr. Joyce Z. Angami, delivered the welcome address, and the vote of thanks was given by the Director of YRS & Vice President of NSBSG.