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. 
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
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The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
