President Murmu Honours Scouts and Guides with Awards for 2018–2021

In a celebratory ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 22, 2025, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred the prestigious Scouts, Guides, Rovers, and Rangers Award Certificates for the years 2018 to 2021. The function recognized the unwavering commitment, service, and leadership of young individuals from across the country who have made exemplary contributions to society through the principles of the scouting and guiding movements.

A Resplendent Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The grand event was held in the historic premises of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, representatives of The Bharat Scouts and Guides, mentors, and families of the award recipients.

President Droupadi Murmu, while addressing the gathering, lauded the awardees for their spirit of volunteerism and their commitment to national service. “The Scouts and Guides movement has long stood as a beacon of discipline, unity, and selfless service. I am proud to see our youth rising to the challenge of building a stronger, more compassionate India,” she said.

Recognizing Service and Leadership

The awards presented are among the highest recognitions given to young members of the Bharat Scouts and Guides organization. They cover achievements in various streams — Scouts (boys), Guides (girls), Rovers (senior boys), and Rangers (senior girls).

These awards are given after a rigorous selection process that evaluates candidates on a wide range of criteria including social service, leadership, discipline, outdoor skills, community development initiatives, and national integration activities. Candidates are required to demonstrate their knowledge and engagement in fields like first aid, disaster relief, environmental protection, and civic responsibility.

The ceremony honored recipients from across India who had fulfilled the requirements during the four-year period from 2018 to 2021 — a span that also included the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several of the honorees were acknowledged for their outstanding role in pandemic response, awareness campaigns, and relief distribution during lockdowns.

Scouts and Guides: A Legacy of Nation Building

The Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG), the national Scouting and Guiding association of India, has long played a crucial role in youth development, character building, and fostering a sense of national service. Rooted in the global ideals set by the founder of the movement, Lord Baden-Powell, BSG promotes the values of responsibility, self-reliance, teamwork, and civic consciousness.

Founded in 1950 as the unified association for boys and girls, BSG has more than 5 million members across urban and rural India. The organization continues to evolve to address contemporary challenges while remaining grounded in its motto — “Be Prepared.”

President Murmu praised BSG for its contributions in aligning with national development goals and inculcating constitutional values in young minds. “Our Scouts and Guides represent the conscience of our youth. They are changemakers in their communities and play an essential role in nurturing the spirit of unity in diversity,” she remarked.

Looking Toward the Future

As India continues to invest in youth leadership and civic participation, initiatives like the Scouts and Guides Awards highlight the power of structured youth engagement. These platforms not only celebrate individual achievement but also foster a lifelong commitment to social responsibility and ethical citizenship.

The award recipients expressed their gratitude and shared their aspirations to continue serving the nation in various fields including civil services, environmental activism, education, and healthcare. Many stated that the training and experiences gained through BSG have shaped their worldview and inspired them to pursue higher goals.

With President Murmu’s recognition and encouragement, the awardees leave the Rashtrapati Bhavan not just with certificates, but with renewed purpose and inspiration to lead by example in their communities and beyond.