Leh, March 4, 2025: The UT of Ladakh State Association of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was formally launched with the presentation of the warrant of appointment and the honour of patta, followed by the administration of the Scout Guide Promise to the office bearers by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd). The event, held at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, was attended by First Lady Smt Neelam Mishra, Chief National Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) Dr KK Khandelwal, and officials from UT Ladakh and BSG.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor (HLG) serves as the Chief Patron and President of the UT of Ladakh State Association of Bharat Scouts and Guides, with Chief Secretary Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS, as the Patron and Principal Secretary Sanjiv Khirwar, IAS, as the Vice-Patron. The new office bearers include Principal Secretary Sanjiv Khirwar, IAS; Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Vikram Singh Malik, IAS; Director, School Education, Tsering Paldan, JKAS; Under Secretary, Education, Sumera Shafi, JKAS; and Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Tahir Hussain, JKAS.
Speaking at the event, the HLG expressed his delight at being part of this milestone for Bharat Scouts and Guides in Ladakh. He commended the organisation for its commitment to selfless service, cultural promotion, cooperation, and devotion to the nation. He noted that in military terminology, scouting refers to intelligence collection, while guiding means to assist, emphasizing the need for both within society.
Highlighting the apolitical nature of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, the HLG praised its role in personality and nation-building. He urged senior officials to raise awareness among members about the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Additionally, he acknowledged the significant role BSG members play in organizing national-level events.
During his address, the HLG raised concerns about the issue of feral dogs in society and suggested that Bharat Scouts and Guides members could contribute to awareness initiatives to tackle the problem. He assured full support in promoting the organisation as a movement for personality development among Ladakhi youth and expressed gratitude for its establishment in the Union Territory.
The HLG also administered the Scout Guide Promise to the newly appointed office bearers of the UT of Ladakh State Association of Bharat Scouts and Guides.
Chief National Commissioner of BSG, Dr KK Khandelwal, provided insights into BSG’s status as one of the world’s largest youth organizations, boasting the highest number of girl members globally. He highlighted that BSG was formed on November 7, 1950, through the merger of the Boy Scouts Association in India and the Hindustan Scout Association. He also mentioned the military and life skills training provided to members and their involvement in community services.
Dr Khandelwal expressed gratitude to the HLG for serving as the Patron and President of the UT of Ladakh State Association of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, expressing confidence that the Ladakh chapter would thrive under his leadership. He also presented the State Byelaws and Charter of Affiliation to the HLG.
National Commissioner (Special Programme), BSG, Wing Commander MM Joshi, delivered the vote of thanks. A video showcasing activities from the BSG Diamond Jubilee Jamboree was also screened during the event.
The event was attended by Principal Secretary Sanjiv Khirwar, IAS; Commissioner/Secretary to the HLG, Dr L Franklin, IAS; Under Secretary, Education, Sumera Shafi, JKAS; Joint Director, YSS, Tahir Hussain, JKAS; Chief Education Officer, Leh, Sonam Angchuk; OSD to Secretary YSS, Dr Stanzin Thakchos; District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Leh, Tsering Tashi; DYSSO Kargil, Abid Hussain; and other officials and members of Bharat Scouts and Guides.
