Shillong, Feb. 18: Affectionately addressed as “father”, vice-patron of the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides Honsen Lyngdoh has been bestowed with the Silver Elephant in recognition of his contribution to the Scouts
and Guides movement in the state.

The award, the highest national award in the Bharat Scouts and Guides, was bestowed on Lyngdoh and 15 others by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.

Lyngdoh was the seventh from the state to receive the award. The well-known entrepreneur, social worker and philanthropist had started his scouting career as Headquarters Commissioner in 1982. He continues to support the activities of the state association.

“He (Lyngdoh) is affectionately addressed as “father” in scouting guiding circles of Meghalaya as a mark of gratitude for his work in the expansion of the movement in the state and personal intimacy with its members,” the brochure on the awardees stated.

Apart from Lyngdoh, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides assistant leader trainer Rosario Swer was bestowed with the Silver Star award. Swer had joined the movement in 1982, and has been instrumental in conducting several programmes for lifelong learning of children.

Apart from the Silver Elephant awards, one Bar to Silver Star, 10 Silver Star Awards, 33 Rashtrapati Scout/Guide certificates, and 16 Rashtrapati Rover/Ranger certificates were presented by the President.

In a different award function held in Calcutta recently, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides organiser Gary James was bestowed with the Messenger of Peace Star Award Team India during the 50th Asia Pacific Management Course.

While congratulating the awardees, state secretary of the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides V. Swer said the trio would be felicitated on Friday during the World Brotherhood Day function to be held at Umtyngngar, where the training centre for Scouts and Guides is located.