Welcome back to the Scout Library blog! Every scout’s journey is paved with campfires, countless knots, community service, and lifelong friendships. But today, I want to take a trip down memory lane and share a very special milestone—a journey that began way back in 2005 and culminated in the ultimate test in 2017.
This is the story of our pursuit of the Rashtrapati Rover Award.
Where It All Began
For many of us, the year 2005 was the starting line. We put on our uniforms for the first time, learned the Scout Promise, and started understanding what it meant to “Be Prepared.” Over the years, scouting transformed from a fun extracurricular activity into a way of life. Through local camps, state-level rallies, and rigorous training, we slowly built the discipline and skills required to aim for the highest honor in The Bharat Scouts and Guides: The Rashtrapati Award.
The Kerala Contingent: 12 Rovers, One Dream
By the time 2017 rolled around, the stakes were at their highest. The Rashtrapati Award exam is not just a test of theoretical knowledge; it is an exhaustive evaluation of your character, your practical survival skills, your leadership abilities, and your dedication to the movement.
I had the absolute privilege of traveling to the National Youth Complex (NCY) in Haryana alongside a dedicated contingent of 12 rovers from Kerala State. We were far from home, representing our state on a national platform as the exclusive group of qualified rovers for the 2016 award year, and the energy was electric.
The proud 12 Rovers who represented Kerala were:
- Sanjay Lakshman. A
- Vaisagh. K. V
- Anuvind Krishna. T. Ajith
- Ramkumar. R
- Shaiju. B
- Steny. M. R
- Varun. K. S
- Vineeth Murali
- Rohith. A. P
- Akhil. M
- Jishnu. K D
- Babu. M
The Pride of Mavelikara
Within that incredible Kerala contingent, I was incredibly proud to share this experience with two of my closest scouting brothers from our very own Mavelikara District.
The Mavelikara trio consisted of:
- Ramkumar R * Shaiju B * Vineeth Murali Standing there at NCY, Haryana, the three of us realized how far we had come. From the local troop meetings in Mavelikara 12 years prior, to facing the most prestigious scouting examination in the country—it was a surreal and humbling experience. We relied on each other, shared our anxieties, and ultimately pushed each other to perform our absolute best.
The Ultimate Test
The days spent at NCY, Haryana in 2017 were intense. We were tested on everything from pioneering and first aid to disaster management and mapping. Surrounded by some of the best scouts from across India, the environment was competitive but deeply fraternal. We learned as much from our peers as we did from the examiners.
When the camp concluded, regardless of the results, we knew we had already won. We had proven our resilience.
Looking Back
Holding the President Rover Award certificate today, signed by the Honorable President of India, brings all those memories rushing back. A 12-year journey from 2005 to 2017, filled with hard work, patience, and unwavering brotherhood.
To all the young scouts reading this on the Scout Library: stay the course. The journey is long, and sometimes the knots are hard to tie and the hikes are exhausting. But the destination—and the person you become along the way—is absolutely worth it.
Once a Scout, Always a Scout! ⚜️
