It gives me immense pleasure and pride to see the remarkable journey of Sea Scouts and Guides, India, which was founded in the year 2000 with a vision to develop disciplined, skilled, and responsible young citizens through maritime and adventure-based training.
Over the past 26 years, our organization has witnessed numerous challenges and achievements. Despite many ups and downs, Sea Scouts and Guides has continued to grow steadily and today has a presence in nearly 19 states across India. While some states have achieved significant progress and established strong units, others are in the early stages of development, and we remain committed to supporting their growth.
One of our greatest achievements is the success of our cadets. Many former Sea Scouts have joined the Indian Navy, Merchant Navy, and the Indian Army. Others have excelled in diverse fields such as scientific research, information technology, education, administration, and entrepreneurship. Their accomplishments stand as a testament to the values and skills imparted through our training programs.
The Sea Scouts and Guides course offers numerous benefits to the younger generation. It develops leadership qualities, discipline, teamwork, self-confidence, physical fitness, environmental awareness, and a spirit of service to society. Through activities such as seamanship, water sports, navigation, communication, disaster management, adventure training, and community service, young people gain practical life skills that prepare them for future challenges and career opportunities.
I firmly believe that in today's rapidly changing world, such holistic training is more relevant than ever. Our mission is to nurture responsible citizens who are physically fit, mentally strong, socially conscious, and prepared to contribute positively to the nation.
As we celebrate 26 years of service to the youth of our nation, I would like to place on record my sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to this journey. I express my heartfelt thanks to the members of our Advisory Council for their invaluable guidance, wisdom, and encouragement over the years. Their experience and vision have played a vital role in shaping the growth and direction of our organization.
I also extend my deepest appreciation to all Sea Scouts Officers, Instructors, and Volunteers across the country for their unwavering commitment, dedication, and continuous support. Their selfless service has been the backbone of our success and expansion.
My sincere thanks are due to the Principals, Managements, and Teachers of various schools and educational institutions who have believed in our mission and provided opportunities for thousands of students to benefit from Sea Scout training. Their cooperation and encouragement have been instrumental in our progress.
I am especially grateful to the parents who have placed their trust and confidence in Sea Scouts and Guides, India. By entrusting us with the development of their children, they have become valued partners in our mission of building character, leadership, discipline, and responsible citizenship among the youth.
I also take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Navy Foundation Pune Chapter for serving as our mentor and guiding force, and to the Indian Maritime Foundation, Pune, for their continued support and encouragement in our endeavors.
As we move forward, I invite parents, educators, volunteers, and young people across the country to join us in strengthening this movement and building a brighter future for our nation.
Jai hind