Bharat Scouts and Guides will introduce sea scouting in Mangaluru, says Chief Commissioner P.G.R. Sindhia

David Robert Baden Powell, great grandson of Scouting movement founder Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, being felicitated by Dakshins Kannada Scouts and Guides commissioner M. Mohan Alva, Karnataka State Chief Commissioner P.G.R. Sindhia, and others at Pilikula on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Dakshina Kannada District Association of Bharat Scouts and Guides inaugurated the new assembly hall at the district training centre at Pilikula on Wednesday.

The Dakshina Kannada District Association of Bharat Scouts and Guides inaugurated the new assembly hall at the district training centre at Pilikula on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
ANIL KUMAR SASTRY

Karnataka State Chief Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides P.G.R. Sindhia reiterated on Wednesday that the organisation will introduce sea scouting in Mangaluru, utilising the region’s coastal advantage to train students in naval fundamentals and essential maritime skills.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the Yuva Shakti Centre, the assembly hall of the Dakshina Kannada District Scouts and Guides Association’s training centre at Pilikula here.

Mr. Sindhia noted that while sea scouting was once active in Mumbai, it has since become non-functional. “We aim to revive it in Karnataka, and Mangaluru, with its beautiful coastline, is the ideal location. This initiative will provide students with valuable training in naval operations and other key skills,” he said.

The Chief Commissioner further said the introduction of sea scouting was expected to enhance the scouting movement in the State, offering young members hands-on experience in maritime activities and fostering a spirit of discipline, leadership, and service.

Located at pristine Pilikula and facing the Phalguni (Gurupura) valley, the centre could be an ideal place for adventure sports activities too. Trainees could get glimpses of aircraft landing and take off at the Mangaluru International Airport on the other side of the valley, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, David Robert Baden Powell, great grandson of Global Scouting movement founder Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, highlighted the rich legacy of scouting, which began with the Brownsea Island camp and later expanded worldwide with the introduction of the Wood Badge training at Gilwell Park. He emphasised that while the new building at Pilikula stands as an architectural feat of bricks, cement, and steel, its true significance lies in its role as a hub for youth empowerment through scouting.

He said: “I am confident that the visionaries behind this movement will utilise this facility to its fullest potential, fostering leadership and service among young scouts and guides.”

District Scouts and Guides Chief Commissioner and Alva’s Education Foundation chairman M. Mohan Alva said the expansive centre was built at a cost of around ₹12 crore. While the association has received about ₹2.5 crore contributions, it expects remaining contributions from different government agencies and CSR funding from corporate houses.

Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, MLCs S.L. Boje Gowda and Manjunath Bhandary, Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan and others were present.