Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (NP)
Udupi, May 31: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna speaks about selfless service. His message that 'all are equal' must be upheld by everyone. Scouts and guides is a sacred organization, not confined to any particular religion. Merely scoring high marks and enhancing memory is not the pinnacle of achievement for students. True success is attained when one develops a spirit of selfless service,” stated Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji.
He was speaking at the felicitation ceremony organized by the District Unit of Bharat Scouts and Guides Karnataka at the Rajangana of Sri Krishna Math on Friday. The event honoured talented Scouts and Guides students who excelled in the SSLC and PUC examinations for the academic year 2024-25.
A total of 1,023 meritorious students registered across the state were presented with a shawl, memento, notebook, and cash award. Sanidhya Rao from Moodbidri, who scored a perfect 625 out of 625 in the SSLC examination, was the first to receive the felicitation.
PGR Sindhya, state chief commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides, echoed this sentiment, stating that true service is one done without expectations of reward. Swamiji inaugurated the program and encouraged students to actively participate in co-curricular activities like Scouts and Guides. He said such engagement fosters social awareness and nurtures a service-oriented mindset.
Yashpal Suvarna, MLA Udupi, highlighted that education should not be limited to acquiring marks but must also instill values like social service and devotion. “Where there is no moral conduct or humility, achievements hold no true value,” he said. He also stressed the need for children to be guided toward respecting elders and teachers, a quality that is diminishing today.
Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal, addressing the gathering, suggested an innovative educational reform. “If we want to nurture service-minded citizens, our assessment systems must evolve. Social service should carry academic credit. A student’s character and contribution to society should be part of their evaluation. Such systems already exist in Western countries and should be introduced here as well. Sharing love and spreading happiness should be core values. Students must grow into responsible citizens with strong moral character.”
Sri Susreendra Thirtha Swamiji, also addressed the students. Jayakar Shetty Indrali, District chief commissioner, delivered the welcome address.
Other dignitaries present included Ashok Rao, principal, DIET, Maruthi, DDPU; Ganapathi, DDPI; Janardhan Kodavooru, district scouts commissioner; Jyoti J Pai, district guides commissioner, M Prabhakar Bhat, state organizational commissioner; Hariprasad Rai, district treasurer; Anand B Adiga, and Suman Shekhar and others were present.