Shillong, June 25: The five-day National Level Tribal Meet of Scouts, Guides, Rovers and Rangers was inaugurated on Thursday at the Meghalaya State Bharat Scouts and Guides Headquarters in Shillong, with Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui urging tribal youth to preserve their cultural heritage while embracing education, leadership and innovation.
The national event, which brings together scouts and guides from tribal communities across India, aims to promote intercultural learning, leadership, teamwork and community service through a series of interactive activities, cultural exchanges and educational programmes.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Assistant Director (Region and State) M. Sharma, officials of the Meghalaya State Bharat Scouts and Guides, and delegates from Rajasthan, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya and the North Frontier Railway (Assam).
Welcoming the participants, M. Sharma said a total of 176 delegates are taking part in the five-day programme. He described the meet as a platform to celebrate India’s rich tribal heritage and cultural diversity while strengthening the spirit of unity among young people from different regions of the country.
He said participants would engage in cultural exchanges, adventure activities, educational sessions, leadership development programmes and community-building initiatives designed to reinforce the ideals of scouting and guiding, including discipline, service, brotherhood, sisterhood and unity in diversity.
Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui commended the delegates for travelling from across the country to participate in the event and praised their enthusiasm, discipline and commitment, describing them as the true embodiment of the scouting and guiding movement.
Highlighting the invaluable contribution of tribal communities to India’s cultural and social fabric, Rymbui said indigenous communities are custodians of rich traditions, languages, customs and environmental stewardship. He urged young participants to take pride in their identity while making full use of opportunities in education, skill development and leadership.
The Minister encouraged tribal youth to remain aspirational and benefit from various government initiatives aimed at their welfare and empowerment, while continuing to preserve their indigenous cultures, languages and traditions.
Referring to the rapidly changing global landscape, Rymbui said tribal youth should remain rooted in their values and heritage even as they strive for academic excellence, innovation and leadership. He called upon them to become role models within their communities by combining cultural pride with modern aspirations.
Emphasising the importance of national integration, the Minister said India’s greatest strength lies in its diversity and urged participants to strengthen bonds of friendship, mutual respect and understanding across regions and cultures while contributing positively to nation-building.
The inaugural programme concluded with colourful cultural performances by delegates from the participating states, showcasing the music, dance and traditions of India’s diverse tribal communities.
