Meghalaya governor donates Rs 2 lakh to scouts at foundation day

Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar attended the annual Rajya Puraskar Rally 2026 and the 76th Foundation Day celebration of the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides at Lok Bhavan in Shillong on Nov 7, 2026, according to Highland Post. The ceremony was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor HC Chaudhary, office bearers of the Scouts and Guides, unit leaders, teachers, the Scouts and Guides themselves and their parents. The gathering marked the state’s longest-running scouting event and provided a platform for recognising young volunteers.

Awards ceremony

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of Rajya Puraskar certificates to awardees who have shown dedication, training and commitment to the scouting movement. In the same session the Bharat Scouts and Guides National Award was conferred on the KJP Girls Higher Secondary School Guide Unit, acknowledging its status as a Historical Unit. After the awards, flag stickers were released and the awardees performed a community song, underscoring the cultural aspect of the event.

Governor’s donation and future pledge

During his address, the Governor announced a donation of Rs 2 lakh to the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, stating that the amount would support and strengthen the organisation’s activities across the state. He further declared that a similar contribution will be made every year, creating a recurring financial commitment. "Scouting and guiding have shaped young people into responsible citizens since 1950, instilling discipline, leadership, self-reliance, teamwork and national integration," the Governor said, adding his congratulations to the award recipients and urging them to set higher goals and serve their communities with sincerity.

Appreciation of past initiatives

The Governor praised the organisation for its work in Meghalaya, specifically mentioning the National Level Tribal meet held in Shillong in June 2026. He also congratulated the KJP Girls unit for its longstanding contribution to scouting and guiding in the state. By highlighting these past initiatives, the Governor underscored the role of the movement in fostering community service and national integration.

Calls for expanded scouting

Addressing contemporary challenges such as substance abuse and social pressures, the Governor urged Scouts and Guides to promote positive thinking, healthy lifestyles, environmental protection and community service. He called on leaders, teachers and volunteers to strengthen the movement in rural and remote areas so that more young people can benefit. The Governor’s appeal emphasized the need to expand scouting outreach, ensuring that the values of discipline, leadership and teamwork reach every corner of Meghalaya.