President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday lauded the Scouts and Guides movement in India for its success in developing a wide national network and also in connecting with counterpart organizations throughout the world to spread friendship and cooperation
Presenting the Rashtrapati Scout/Guide/Rover/Ranger and Adult Leader Awards/Certificates for the year 2011 and 2012 at an award function at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, Mukherjee said that the guiding dictum of Bharat Scouts and Guides, 'duty to god, duty to others and duty to self', would ingrain in them spiritual principles that build character.
"It would impel them to spread the virtues of mutual respect and brotherhood in our society," he added.
He further stated that through their participation in the Scouts and Guides Movement, they would also realise their own intellectual, physical and spiritual potential.
The President said that while we speak of inclusive growth, it is the leaders at the grassroots who would be the agents of change.
He expressed the confidence that the Scouts and Guides Movement can effectively provide this leadership where it is needed - at the bottom of the pyramid.
The President said that he would also like to take the opportunity to convey his deep appreciation to the Scouts and Guides for their untiring efforts in rescue and rehabilitation operations - including just a few months ago during the devastating floods in Uttarakhand.
"They had been at the forefront in extremely challenging situations," he added.
