In a heartwarming display of friendship and regional cooperation, the Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) hosted an induction programme for a 24-member delegation from the Bhutan Scouts Association on May 28, 2025, at its National Headquarters in New Delhi. The event marked a significant moment in fostering deeper ties between the two neighboring nations through the shared values of scouting.
The Bhutanese delegation is currently in India as part of an educational programme, accompanied by Lieutenant Yashodhara Raj of Sharda University, who has been guiding and mentoring the group. Their visit to the BSG Headquarters was not only a cultural and institutional exchange but also a reaffirmation of the spirit of unity and youth development that scouting promotes across borders.
The programme began with the ceremonial General Salute and the Scout Prayers from both India and Bhutan, setting a tone of mutual respect and shared purpose. Executive Director Shri Amar B. Chettri welcomed the guests, introduced them to the BSG team, and expressed the organization’s pride in hosting fellow scouts from Bhutan. Ms. Darshana Pawaskar, Director at BSG, honored Lt. Raj and the delegation with the symbolic BSG scarf, a gesture that was received with heartfelt appreciation.
The history and mission of BSG were shared by Shri Arup Sarkar, Deputy Director of Scouts, who spoke of the movement’s inception in India in 1909 and its eventual unification under the current banner. He highlighted the prestigious recognition BSG has received from the Government of India and its ongoing commitment to nurturing young leaders.
Members of the Bhutan Scouts Association expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and recalled fond memories of participating in training programs and leadership courses in India, particularly in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh. Their words reflected a genuine admiration for India’s role in supporting Bhutan’s scouting journey over the years.
Shri Prassanna Shrivastava, a senior figure in the Asia-Pacific Region of the World Scout Bureau, commended the Bhutanese team for their passion and dedication, calling scouting a true reflection of responsible citizenship. He acknowledged Bhutan’s longstanding engagement with India in scouting, dating back to the 1990s, and lauded the continued collaboration.
The visit included a guided tour of the BSG Headquarters, with the delegates exploring various departments, enjoying a vibrant video presentation of the Trichy Jamboree, and collecting souvenirs and literature from the Equipment Shop. These activities offered them a glimpse into the day-to-day functioning and spirit of the Indian scouting movement.
As the event came to a close, mementos were exchanged as tokens of friendship and goodwill. The Bhutan Scouts presented a thoughtful gift to the Bharat Scouts and Guides, who in turn honored the Bhutanese guests and Sharda University with their official mementos.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Darshana Pawaskar expressed optimism for a future filled with even greater collaboration. She affirmed BSG’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s scouting efforts and assured them of increased participation opportunities in upcoming jamborees. With a vote of thanks and a joyful group photograph, the programme concluded, leaving behind a sense of shared vision, goodwill, and enduring partnership between the two nations’ scouting communities.