Ranchi, Oct. 19: Over 5,000 Scouts and Guides from more than 200 schools took part in the inaugural function of their first five-day state meet at Birsa Munda Stadium.

The Scouts and Guides charged the atmosphere with their characteristic slogan and clapping.

Divided into 16 contingents, they sang in chorus, “Swagatam, welcome, Johar and Khushamdid (synonyms of “welcome” in Sanskrit, Mundari and Urdu) to welcome governor Ved Prakash Marwah.

“The use of four words of the same meaning in different languages has helped me understand the meaning of ‘unity and diversity’,” said an elderly person at the meet.

The Scouts, clad in steel grey half-shirt and navy blue trousers attracted the audience with their colourful march-past. The Guides, donning light blue shirts, dark blue salwars and blue dupatta, took part in physical exercises and a colourful folk dance at the programme.

“It is the duty of Scouts and Guides to teach their elders lessons on unity and discipline,” he said. “Scouts and Guides, who are trained to accept challenges with self-confidence and discipline, will make a bright future for the state,” he added.

Competitions would be organised on quiz, debate, essay, cartoon-sketching, folkdance, physical training, Skill-O-Rama and a pageant show.