The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the Rashtrapati Scout/Guide/Rover/Ranger and Adult Leader Awards/Certificates for the year 2014 at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (December 8, 2015).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the movement of Scout and Guides is a unique platform available to the youth to learn through experience, the values of friendship, hard work, harmony and humanity. Since its inception in 1907, under the leadership of Robert-Baden Powell, the movement has spread throughout the world. Today almost every country in the world has presence of Scouting and Guiding organization. Through its activities like community service, integration camps, exchange programs, outdoor activities, the Scout movement aims to inspire youth to contribute positively in the development of the nation and society.
The President said that for any progressive society, the citizens must possess an international outlook, modern perspective, digital and professional skills to steer the nation forward. We need to involve and groom the youth of our country with this purpose and instill in them a spirit of brotherhood, love and compassion. Today India is a young nation, with more than half of its population of the age of twenty-five years or less. In order to truly harness the potential of youth, we need to inculcate in them the core civilizational values i.e. compassion for all; love for motherland; respect for women; truth and honesty in life; discipline and self-restraint in conduct, and responsibility in action.
This release issued at 1600 hrs.