Scouting builds responsible citizens: DRM Lalit Bohra

“Scouting plays a vital role in shaping responsible citizens and strengthening team spirit,” said Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager of Waltair Division and Patron of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, Waltair District, while inaugurating the 4th State Camp and Rally on Thursday.

The four-day camp is being held at Aranya, the camping centre of Waltair Division near the Waltair Railway Cricket Stadium, and will conclude on December 30. The inauguration was attended by Jyotsna Bohra, President of ECoRWWO and Vice-President of Scouts and Guides.

More than 300 Scouts and Guides cadets from four East Coast Railway districts — Central, Khurda, Waltair, and Sambalpur — are participating in the camp. Planned activities include campfire sessions, drill and display competitions, melodrama, a state expo, a march-past, gate-making, campcraft, exhibitions, cultural programs, and quizzes.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Bohra praised the Waltair District Scouts and Guides team for successfully organising the state-level camp. Recalling his own experiences as a scout, he said the movement played a key role in shaping his values. He noted that scouting helps young people develop leadership skills, discipline, teamwork, and the confidence to handle challenges and crisis situations. He also highlighted scouting’s role in fostering social responsibility and nation-building, and invited the public, especially parents and children, to visit the camp and observe the activities.

ADRM (Operations) and District Chief Commissioner K. Rama Rao, Senior Divisional Engineer and District Commissioner (Scouts) A.K. Moharana, Divisional Medical Officer and District Commissioner (Guides) Dr Bhashini Priyanka, Senior Divisional Personnel Officer Jusuf Kabir Ansari, along with other senior railway officials and Scouts and Guides functionaries, were present.

The inaugural session featured colourful cultural performances by the cadets. Dr Bhashini Priyanka proposed the vote of thanks.