Dainik Tribune Editor Naresh Kaushal conferred with highest scouting honour ‘Silver Elephant’

Felicitation by Chhattisgarh Governor at National Jamboree; recalls 1964 stint with Om Puri

BALOD (CHHATTISGARH), 9 January: In a historic ceremony marking a significant chapter for the scouting movement in India, Naresh Kaushal, Editor of Dainik Tribune, was today conferred with the ‘Silver Elephant Award’-the highest national honour of the Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG).
The prestigious award was presented by the Chief Guest, Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Ramen Deka, during the inaugural function of the First National Rover–Ranger Jamboree held at Balod. Sharing the stage and the honour was Chhattisgarh Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, who was also felicitated for his services to the organisation. Following the investiture, Mr Kaushal took the General Salute at the National Jamboree. In a moment described as a proud chapter in the Jamboree’s history, he jointly unfurled the Jamboree Flag alongside Chief National Commissioner Dr KK Khandelwal.

A Lifetime of Service and Journalism

The award serves as a recognition of Mr Kaushal’s lifelong dedication to the Scout–Guide movement, spanning over six decades. The citation highlighted his remarkable contribution towards youth character building and his pivotal role in propagating the values of service, discipline, and nation-building through the medium of senior journalism.
On this significant achievement, Dr Anil Jain, President of Bharat Scouts and Guides, and Dr KK Khandelwal, Chief National Commissioner, extended their heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Mr Kaushal.
The organisation expressed confidence that this highest honour bestowed upon the veteran journalist not only recognises his outstanding contribution but will also serve as a source of inspiration for youth across the nation to move forward on the path of service, leadership, and patriotism.

The 1964 Connection: A Walk Down Memory Lane

For Mr Kaushal, the ceremony was a poignant return to his roots. He recalled his participation as a young Scout in the 4th National Jamboree held in Allahabad in 1964. Reminiscing about those formative years, he shared that his childhood friend and the late legendary film actor, Om Puri, was also present at that camp. He noted that the exposure received during those early days proved to be a defining influence, deeply embedding the values of discipline and service in his personality.

Living the Scout Life

Embodying the spirit of the movement, Mr Kaushal eschewed ceremonial comforts to stay in a tent amidst nature, spending time with the participants. He inspected various camps and sub-camps, meeting nearly 15,000 Rovers and Rangers representing 54 states, Union Territories, Railway Zones, and organisations including the KVS and NVS.
He held extensive interactions with contingents from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh. During these interactions, he described scouting as a "powerful medium" for good citizenship and leadership development. He placed special emphasis on practical skills, appreciating activities related to environmental protection, disaster management, and first aid, terming them "essential services" in the present times.