30 years ago in audience, today on stage: Speaker UT Khader recalls scouting days
New Delhi: Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader on Sunday recalled his school days as a Scout while addressing the President’s Awards ceremony of Bharat Scouts and Guides in New Delhi.
“Being a Scout Guide for five formative years from 5th to 10th grade shaped not just my character, but my capacity to lead with empathy, resilience, and purpose. In today’s rapidly evolving political and social landscape, the values instilled through Scout Guide training are more relevant than ever. Scouting taught me discipline, teamwork, service, how to face challenges calmly, and to make decisions in difficult situations. As society struggles with challenges like misinformation, polarization, and inequality, Scout Guides emerge as grounded leaders who prioritize truth, inclusivity, and civic duty, ” Khader said.
Khader added, “There are medical colleges to make good doctors, and engineering colleges to make good engineers. In the same way, Scouts and Guides serve as a great platform to nurture responsible and exemplary citizens. Thirty years ago, I was seated among the audience just like you. Today, I stand before you on this stage. This opportunity is not meant for me alone, one day, it can be yours as well. My heartfelt wish is that you achieve even greater heights and rise to positions far beyond mine in the future.”
Expressing pride in the gathering, he said, “Seeing the enthusiastic, confident, and determined youth gathered here, I feel immense hope and pride for the future of India. You are the pillars of this great nation, the very foundation upon which India is being recognized across the world as stronger, brighter, and more progressive than ever before.”
He described Scouting and Guiding as a journey built on three strong values: “The journey of scouting and guiding is a beautiful blend of Seva (Service), Sanskar (Values), and Sahyog (Teamwork). These three pillars act as a powerful framework for the total personality development of an individual. In short, this is a transformative journey from the self to the service of others. It builds character beyond the classroom, transforming students into responsible global citizens. I am very much delighted to see our young girls in Guides, representing Naari Shakti of India, ready to lead, explore, and scale new heights. You are truly an inspiration to millions.”
Congratulating the winners, he said, “This award ceremony is not just a ceremony to honour you, it is a profound expression of hope and confidence, a hope that you will carry these values forward, and that you will continue to contribute your service, strength, and skills for the betterment of society, thereby inspiring countless others to walk in your footsteps. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for your remarkable achievements. This is not your successful end, but a new beginning.”
Khader also acknowledged the support behind the awardees’ success, adding, “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to your parents and coaches for the hard work and support behind these remarkable achievements. I hope that with your guidance, they will achieve even greater heights, further strengthen the legacy of Bharat Scouts and Guides, and make a valuable contribution to society.”
Shedding light on the spirit of unity in diversity, he said, “Scouts and Guides is not just about wearing a uniform, it is about wearing responsibility. You also represent the beauty of unity in diversity. No matter where we come from, what language we speak, or what beliefs we hold, we are bound by the common thread of love for humanity. Let us always celebrate this unity and work together to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. Remember, every small action you take as Scouts, Guides, Rangers, and Rovers has the potential to create a ripple effect. Whether it is planting a tree, helping someone cross a busy street, or standing up for what is right, you represent the power of change.”
He added, “The Scout and Guide Law teaches us to respect others, value diversity, and work for harmony. By living these principles, you don’t just grow as individuals but inspire others to follow your lead. Carry forward the torch of selfless service, integrity, and discipline, and continue to make a positive impact on society.”
Speaking about leadership, Khader stressed, “True leadership is not about standing in front and commanding, but about encouraging, inspiring, and illuminating the path for others. A true leader strives to be a voice for the voiceless in society, a light for those in darkness, a ray of hope for the poor and the suffering, a deity of justice ensuring fairness to the most marginalized person in society, and moving forward with everyone.”
He urged the youth to be changemakers, guiding lights, and sources of inspiration for those around them in contributing to the greater good.
“True leadership is not about chasing fame or wealth, but about initiating change that empowers others and uplifts society. While fame and money may fade away with time, values, service, and sacrifice remain eternal, making individuals immortal in the hearts of people,” he said.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Khader emphasized, “One must not only be the change but also lead and inspire change for the nation’s progress.”
He furthermore urged everyone to take a collective oath to leave the world better than they found it.
Union Minister for Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Former Chief National Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides Dr. K. K. Khandelwal, Former Minister and MP of Chhattisgarh Brij Mohan Agarwal, MP of Delhi Manoj Tiwari, Former Justices Jhaveria and Geetanjali, Additional chief National Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides M. A. Khalid, National General Secretary of Bharat Scouts and Guides P. G. R. Scindia, and others were present on this occasion. 
.jpg)
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Delhi Police on high alert ahead of Lionel Messi's Delhi visit
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has beefed up security in the central parts of the national capital and set up traffic restrictions as global football icon Lionel Messi sets foot in the city, the final stop of his GOAT tour of India.
The Argentine legend is scheduled to attend an event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday between 1 pm and 4 pm. He kicked off the tour in Kolkata, which turned chaotic. However, the 2022 World Cup champion's Hyderabad and Mumbai visit went on smoothly.
With Delhi ready to welcome Messi, police are maintaining heightened vigil, especially in view of the recent fiasco in Kolkata, where chaos erupted at the Salt Lake Stadium after thousands of fans protested over failing to get a clear glimpse of the icon.
Delhi Police said an elaborate and multi-layered security bandobast has been put in place for Messi's visit. A senior police officer said comprehensive arrangements have been made with a strong focus on crowd management, access control and traffic regulation.
According to police, multiple security rings have been established around the venue, with deployment of additional police personnel along with paramilitary forces to maintain law and order. Entry to the stadium and designated areas is being strictly regulated, and no one is being permitted without a valid pass.
"Anti-sabotage checks, frisking points and surveillance through CCTV cameras form a key part of the security plan," the officer said.
The officer added that quick reaction teams, senior supervisory officers and emergency response units are on standby throughout the event, with public safety being the top priority.
On the traffic front, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Nishant Gupta said they have identified three main parking areas for labelled vehicles, including P1 near Vikram Nagar. Vehicles without labels are required to be parked at the Rajghat Powerhouse parking lot and Mata Sundari Lane, from where pedestrians can walk to the stadium.
App-based taxi users have been advised to alight vehicles at Rajghat Chowk and walk. Parking has been strictly prohibited around the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and vehicles found parked there will be towed and fined, the officer said.
The public has been encouraged to use the metro and buses as far as possible to reduce congestion and ensure smooth movement.
Public movement is expected to pick up around 11 am. Commuters have been advised to avoid Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO, Delhi Gate, Netaji Subhash Marg and Brijmohan Chowk from 10 am till the event concludes.
