The Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides (NSBSG) Award Ceremony was held at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on August 9, 2024. Speaking at the award ceremony of NSBSG, Nagaland governor, La Ganesan, who is also NSBSG chief patron, said that the Bharat Scouts and Guides was a voluntary non-political, educational movement for young people. He said the movement was open to all without distinction of origin, race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and methods conceived by the founder Lord Baden Powell in 1907.
He said the purpose of the movement was to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full all-round potentials as individual and as responsible citizen. Further, the governor said that the ideals of the Bharat Scouts and Guides—duty to God, duty to others, and duty to self—blend beautifully with the principles of patriotism. “Let the principles of loyalty, responsibility, and service to society be your guiding stars,” Ganesan said.
The governor said he was glad that this year 18 Guides, 14 Scouts, one Rover and two Ranger qualified from Dimapur, Kohima and Wokha districts for the Rajya Puraskar, which is the highest award at the state level for a Scouts & Guides in the State.
Ganesan said he looked forward to see those Rajya Puraskar Scouts, Guides, Rovers and Rangers prepare for the next award, the President award, which is the highest award for a Scout, Guide, Rover and Ranger in the country. He congratulated all awardees for their hard work and dedication.
The governor also congratulated the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts and Guides for coming out 2nd runner up during the 7th North East Mini Jamboree held at Sikkim from January 12-16, 2024. He also expressed joy that Sano Vamuzo, life member and former vice-president, state commissioner (guide) and state organizing commissioner (guide) was awarded the Padmashree award.
Earlier, the governor presented the Rajya Puraskar certificates and advisor YRS and NSBSG president, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung gave away the Tritiya Sopan certificates to the awardees. Tritiya Sopan is the highest rank for a Scout/Guide to earn at the district level. 20 Scouts and 30 Guides from Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung and Wokha qualified for Tritiya Sopan 2024.
Rajya Puraskar also known as the Governor’s Award is the highest award that a Scout, Guide, Rover and Ranger could earn at the state level. This year 14 Scouts, 18 Guides, 1 Rover and 2 Rangers (Dimapur, Kohima and Wokha) successfully qualified for the Governor’s Award 2024.
All the Awardees (both Tritiya Sopan and Rajya Puraskar) have undergone regular and consistent trainings and tests to earn their respective Awards. The Rajya Puraskar awardees would be preparing for further higher Award at the National level. Welcome address was delivered by NSBSG vice president, Dr. joyce Z. Angami and vote of thanks was proposed by YRS director and NSBSG vice president.