A motivating speech by the Honorable Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Shri U.T. Khader, at the prestigious President's Award Ceremony of Bharat Scouts and Guides in New Delhi, captivated the attention of the nation's youth and leaders among an audience of about 5,000. When he emphasized the need to collectively develop leadership, a spirit of service, and patriotism, the students present were inspired to recognize their responsibilities and act with commitment.

The event was attended by many leaders, including the Honorable Union Minister for Labor, Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya; former Chief National Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides, Dr. K.K. Khandelwal; former Chhattisgarh Minister and MP, Shri Brij Mohan Agrawal; Honorable Delhi MP, Manoj Tiwari; former Justices Shri Javeri and Smt. Gitanjali; Additional Assistant Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides, Shri M. A. Khalid; and National General President of Bharat Scouts and Guides, Shri P.G.R. Sindhya.

Addressing the ceremony, he said, "Seeing the enthusiastic, confident, and determined youth gathered here, I feel immense hope and pride for the future of India. This is because you are, without a doubt, the architects of a great India that will be recognized as a more powerful and progressive nation than ever before."

"Scouting and Guiding are a beautiful confluence of three things: service, character, and collaboration. These three pillars act as a strong framework for building a complete personality. It is a transformative journey from 'self' to 'serving others,' a journey that takes students beyond the classroom and turns them into responsible citizens of society. I am very happy to see our proud young women, who represent the 'Nari Shakti' (women power) of India, leading the way and being ready for exploration and new challenges. You are truly a spring of inspiration for millions of young women," he said, inspiring the students.

Congratulating the award winners, he said, "This prestigious President's Award Ceremony, which recognizes the excellence in service and leadership of Scouts, Guides, Rovers, and Rangers, is not just a formal event. It is held with the noble intention of recognizing their dedication, hard work, and social responsibility, and to inspire many more people by encouraging them to pour more of their service and skills into society."

"Your success is not an end; it is a prelude to a new beginning. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the parents and trainers whose hard work and support are behind your successful achievements. Furthermore, may they achieve even greater things with your guidance, strengthen the legacy of Bharat Scouts and Guides, and make valuable contributions to society," he said.

Recalling his school days, he said, "Being a Scout Guide for five years from 5th to 10th grade not only shaped my personality but also gave me a sense of humanity, tolerance, and the leadership ability to move forward with a goal. Scouting taught me discipline, teamwork, social service, how to face challenges, and how to make calm decisions in difficult situations. At a time when today's society is struggling with challenges like misinformation, polarization, and inequality, it is commendable that Scout Guides are shaping student leaders with values like social equality, harmony, and peaceful coexistence."

"There are medical colleges to become good doctors, and engineering colleges to become good engineers. Similarly, Scouts and Guides is an excellent platform to become a good and worthy citizen," he said. "If U.T. Khader, who was sitting among the audience thirty years ago, is standing and speaking before you today, this opportunity is not just for me; it can also be available to you in the future. May you achieve even more and go to a higher position than me in the future," he expressed his wish.

Shedding light on unity in diversity, he said, "Scouts and Guides also represent the unity in diversity. Even if they come from different parts of the country, speak different languages, and have different religious beliefs and practices, they all work together with humanity, love, and trust."

"Even a small change made by a Scout, Guide, Ranger, or Rover becomes a wave of change in society. Whether it is planting a tree, helping someone cross a crowded road, or fighting for justice, it all reflects the power of social transformation. The core principle of Scouts and Guides teaches us to respect others, maintain unity in diversity, and work for harmony. Through this, along with our individual growth, we become a source of inspiration and a role model for others by having a positive impact on society with selfless service, integrity, and discipline," he said.

Speaking about leadership, he said, "True leadership is not standing in front and commanding, but rather encouraging, motivating others, and becoming a light in their lives. It is also being a voice for the voiceless in society, a light for those in darkness, a beacon of hope for the poor, a wish-granting tree for the suffering, and a goddess of justice who ensures justice for the last person in society. True leadership is about bringing everyone together and moving forward."

"Leaders do not take the lead for the sake of a name; instead, they usher in change by empowering others. Such a rich leadership, filled with moral values, leads to real social transformation. The name and money should come looking for us, not the other way around. When we are born, we have breath but no name. When we die, we don't have breath, but the good deeds we did become the breath of everyone, making us vibrant and immortal, keeping us alive in people's minds forever. This is the fulfillment of life," he expressed his opinion.