Scouting, guiding enrich life skills, says President

Exhorting the youth to join the Scouts and Guide movement, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said the activities would enrich life skills.

"Scouting and guiding is a tool for enriching life skills through the understanding of social and national needs," said Mukherjee at the 17th national jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides here.

Asserting that young Scouts and Guides were valuable members of society, the President said as active citizens, they contribute to resolving the challenges of communities.

"The movement is to help the youth develop physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Scouting is a commitment to uphold truth and dignity at a young age," he said.

Noting that the century-old movement had stood the test of time and was as relevant as it was when it began 109 years ago, Mukherjee said there were over 50 million Scouts and Guides the world over across 216 countries in the 3-25 year age group.

This is third time the jamboree is being held in the southern state after 1960 and 1986 in Bengaluru.

"I am sure this jamboree will provide an opportunity to the participants to exchange ideas and exhibit their skills and talents and help create awareness among the youth about the values of national integration, service, discipline, patriotism and peaceful co-existence," said Mukherjee.

As India will be the youngest country by 2020, the demographic dividend will be an asset if the youth are skilled and oriented to the service of the nation, he said.

"I am happy that the movement has been growing steadily in the country and has strength of over 5 million Scouts and Guides. I am sure it will enable school-going children become better citizens," added Mukherjee.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also spoke at the inaugural event.

State Chief Commissioner and former state home minister P.G.R. Sindhia and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

--IANS

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