by Namratha Goddeti for BIS Mumbai

The Investiture Ceremony of the Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) at Don Bosco School and Junior College took place on September 26, 2024, in the parish hall. Fr Felix, a member of the school and junior college management, served as the Chief Guest for the investiture ceremony. 

The event was also graced by the presence of Fr Nelson and Fr Panna Singh who were the guests of honour. The principal, Fr Rixson guided the guests to the hall accompanied by a guard of honour by the scouts. As the key figure responsible for the event, he led them with care and ensured their proper reception. During this occasion, the students of Class 8 were officially welcomed into the Scout and Guide movement. Dressed impeccably in uniform, the Scouts and Guides proudly received their Pravesh and Pratham badges. 

This milestone ceremony symbolizes their first steps into a meaningful journey, where they publicly declare their commitment to the Scout Law by reciting the Scouts and Guides Promise. The pinning of the group badge and the presentation of the scarf serve as a rite of passage, marking their official induction. In the presence of their peers and mentors, the young Scouts affirm their dedication to the values that bind Scouts across the globe, stepping forward with a sense of responsibility and honour.

The ceremony commenced with the Chief Guest Fr Felix garlanding the portrait of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder and father of the Scouting and Girl Guide movement. The students formed a horseshoe around the flag. The program officially began with a reverent Prayer Song, followed by the hoisting of the Bharat Scouts and Guides flag by Scout Captain, Master Aadesh Gajbhiv. The gathering then honoured the flag by offering the Scout/Guide salute and singing the Flag Song. Sir Santosh proceeded to lead the formal Scout and Guide induction process, where students took the solemn vow to uphold the laws of the movement. The Scout patrol leaders and assistant patrol leaders were called forward to receive their scarves and badges, followed by the Guide patrol leaders. This symbolic gesture was carried out by the esteemed Chief Guests and our Principal, marking the students' commitment to the Scout/Guide promise.

In his address, the Chief Guest Fr Felix congratulated the newly invested Scouts and Guides, sharing his vision in light of the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco's dream. He expressed his belief that many of the students would one day serve the nation in the armed forces, making the Don Bosco family proud of their contributions. Quoting Baden Powell, he emphasized the importance of the motto "Be Prepared" (BP). He also urged students to practice discipline, lead a value-based life, and distinguish between competition and cooperation

Following this, the Principal Fr. Rixson extended his congratulations to the teachers in charge of the Scouts and Guides— teachers Santosh, Satish, Laxmi and Anagha for organizing an exemplary programme. He highlighted the significance of wearing the Scout uniform, which symbolizes a commitment to service both inside and outside the school. Through various examples, he illustrated the types of service Scouts and Guides can provide, such as maintaining cleanliness in classrooms, the school, and their surrounding environment.