STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar on Monday called for rejuvenating the scouting movement in Jammu and Kashmir to realise the full potential of the State’s youth in achieving their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential.
Addressing the oath ceremony of the honorary office bearers of J and K chapter of Bharat Scouts and Guides at SP Higher Secondary School here today, the minister that the mission of scouting is to contribute to the education of young people, through a value-based system so that they can play a constructive role in the society.
Akhtar, who is also the president of J and K chapter of Bharat Scouts and Guides, said informal education is as important as formal education in building healthy society by institutionalizing the tremendous capacity of young Scouts and Guides.
The minister impressed upon the volunteers of the organisation to put in their best to keep the torch of this movement afloat so that its message reaches every corner of the State.
Referring to the latest initiatives taken for improving education system in the State, the minister besides introducing the concept of Model Schools, Smart Classes, Evening Colleges, a community mobilization movement has been launched across J&K by reconstituting the Village Education Committees (VEC) to ensure participation of locals in the universalization of elementary education.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Education and Information, Priya Sethi called for making the movement vibrant in the State to achieve its well envisaged ideals and objectives. She said the youth of J and K have tremendous potential and capabilities which need to be harnessed fully to utilize their energies towards bringing peace and prosperity to the State.
Pertinently, Scouts and Guides is a voluntary, non-political, educational movement for young people, open to all without distinction of origin, race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and method conceived by the Founder Lord Baden Powell in 1907. The purpose of the movement is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of the local, national and international communities.
The customary scarves of Bharat Scouts and Guides were presented on this occasion to the President, Naeem Akhtar, Senior Vice President, Roma Wani, Vice President, Priya Sethi, Vice President, Jehangir Mir, Vice President, Yasha Mudgal and Vice President, Showkat Beigh.
State Chief Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, N.A Khan was also present on the occasion.
The oath ceremony was conducted by I.D Soni State Commissioner (S) Bharat Scouts and Guides.