Justice Gita Mittal calls for stronger role of guides in empowering girls

Former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir, Justice Gita Mittal, has underlined the importance of instilling commitment in guides to help young women realise their full potential as responsible citizens.

She was speaking as the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony of five–day 15th Asia Pacific Regional Conference of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) on Saturday.

Justice Mittal expressed confidence that the discussions and decisions taken during the conference would significantly contribute to empowering girls and young women to become leaders in their communities, promote diversity, and ensure good governance in the societies they represent.

She said this event is the manifestation of its commitment and leadership in youth engagement and global co-operation. The Bharat Scouts and Guides has been committed to the spirit of “Stronger Together”.

Addressing the gathering, Uttarakhand School Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said the state government is committed to strengthening the girl guide movement. He announced plans to enrol one lakh guides this year and increase the figure to two lakh in the next year across Uttarakhand.

Chief National Commissioner of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, Dr KK Khandelwal said 199 Guide Commissioners representing 23 member countries participated in the conference. He said the conference had charted bold new directions to enhance youth leadership, encourage adoption of digital innovations and address pressing global issues such as climate change and gender equality.

Mementoes and certificates were presented to WAGGGS World Board officials and participating countries. Nadine El Achy, Chief Executive, WAGGGS, and Candela González, Chair of the WAGGGS World Board, appreciated the India’s comprehensive support extended by the Bharat Scouts and Guides. A vibrant cultural programme by the Guides from Karnataka was presented on the occasion.