The Hindu : Karnataka News : A Scout’s journey to London

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007
ePaper

Karnataka

Karnataka

A Scout’s journey to London

Firoz Rozindar

Travel agency did not want him to stay for two more days in London because he was a Muslim

A GO-GETTER: Abdul Khadar

Chitradurga: For 21-year-old Abdul Khadar, it was more than a dream-come-true to become the only person of the district who participated in the recently concluded centenary celebration of Scouts and Guides held in London between July 28 and August 8.

A final year student of Bachelor of Arts, Khadar has been into the Scouts for five years and won several medals, including Nipun Rover given by Governor T.N. Chaturvedi. Having part of NSS and NCC for long, he later took to the Scouts and involved himself into it so passionately.

About a year ago, he heard of the 21st World Scouts Jamboree to be held in England and decided to participate in that programme.

“I visited Bangalore headquarters to gather more details about it. I showed interest to participate and sought their approval,” he says.

Obtaining approval was just a beginning of his struggle to his dream destination. The first difficulty came was of convincing the family and raising funds. “Since the Government does not pay for such tours, I had to make personal arrangements. I tried to take some financial aid from the district administration but the efforts went in vain,” he says. Mr. Khadar spent Rs. 85,000, of which Rs. 45,000 was shared by his three sisters and mother.

The remaining money he borrowed from a private finance. “I have to pay 2 per cent monthly interest on the loan. I do not know how I will repay it, but I am hopeful of some help from the district administration at least now,” he says.

Disappointment

Explaining his ordeal in getting visa and tickets, he says he had made frequent visits to get his visa approved. But the saddest aspect involved in extending the date of return ticket.

Mr. Khadar wanted to spend a couple of days in London after the event, but the travel agency did not allow it.

“I was told that being a Muslim, I may face problems in London after the incident of London terror strike. I do not know much about the incident, but indeed the incident made me very upset as I did not get a chance to see the city,” he says.

About the experience, he says it was the biggest congregation of Scouts and Guides he ever witnessed at one place. The students of around 150 countries had gathered to mark the occasion while around 800 students from India had come.

“It was exciting to see people from all over the world at one place. I had the opportunity to meet students from many countries, though I did not understand the language of many students, nevertheless I enjoyed every bit of their company,” he says.

Mr. Khadar says the 10-day event was packed with plenty of cultural and entertaining programmes. Students from all the countries presented their traditional dance in bright costumes.

“Among a few performances, I immensely enjoyed the Zulu dance of South African tribes. It was mesmerising to see the tradition and culture of different countries,” he says.

Recalling the memorable event of his journey, he said many local high-ranked officers had come to attend the programme and to render social services. “I saw top officials of the place personally cleaning the bathrooms. They were collecting garbage to make the area clean. They never show vanity and behaved so kind. They were always on their toes to help people with a big smile on their face,” he says.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News Update

Stories in this Section