A dedicated member of the Bharat Scouts and Guides since 2019, Nikhil Sahu has achieved several milestones like the Governor’s Award 2024, Best Scout Award, and national-level recognitions. Guided by his mentors and inspired by his parents’ dream of serving the nation, he embodies the scouting values of discipline, service, and leadership. Balancing academics and scouting, he encourages the youth to join the movement for self-discovery, personal growth, and contributing to society.

The Initiation

Nikhil Sahu is a proud member of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, having begun his scouting career in 2019. He completed his higher secondary education at The Vision Academy, Udaipur. His first step into scouting was the ‘Pratham Sopan’, an introductory examination that, after a qualifying entrance test, instills the core values of scouting and teaches how one can dedicate themselves to the service of the nation. During the lockdown, he actively participated in awareness drives, educating people about safety measures to protect themselves from COVID-19. He then progressed to the ‘Dwitiya Sopan’ and ‘Tritiya Sopan’ levels, further strengthening his skills and commitment. Nikhil also took part in the prestigious Governor’s Award program, which included a five-day training camp. There, he learned a variety of practical skills — from creating detailed maps and assisting people in need to providing first aid and performing CPR. Through scouting, he has embraced the belief that one must always be ready to serve the nation first, a principle that continues to guide his actions and outlook.

Gurus & Role Models

Nikhil credits much of his scouting career successes to his mentors and supporters. At The Vision Academy, he learned the essence of scouting from his PTI and scouting master, Umesh Chandra Purohit, who not only trained him but also inspired him to advance further in the field. His school principal, Dr. Pratima Samar, played a pivotal role in motivating him to strive for success, and he firmly believes that whatever milestones he has achieved today are largely because of her guidance. He also expresses gratitude to the CO of Udaipur, who extended support whenever he needed it. Above all, Nikhil considers his parents his greatest role models. They have been instrumental in shaping his life, instilling in him the value of hard work and determination. Their dream of serving the nation is one he is committed to fulfilling in the future. Even now, through his active role in scouting, he contributes to the country by offering help whenever possible — a reflection of the values his parents have instilled in him.

The Talent

Sahu believes that scouting is not merely an activity, but a way of life. At its heart lies the motto of Seva — the spirit of serving the nation. For him, the primary objective of scouting is to put the country first in all endeavors. It is a process that shapes character, instills leadership qualities, and teaches the value of teamwork, preparing individuals to contribute selflessly to society.

Achievements

Nikhil Sahu participated in the Tritiya Sopan level of scouting, earning a certificate for his achievement, and later went on to compete for the prestigious Governor’s Award — which he proudly received in 2024. Alongside scouting, he actively engages in sports, representing his school in Kho-Kho at the CBSE Zonal Level. His dedication and passion have earned him recognition beyond scouting as well. He was nominated for the India Star Passion Award and successfully selected for it. He also participated in the National Youth Icon Award, where he was chosen as an awardee, with the ceremony scheduled to take place on 25th December in Prayagraj. Furthering his scouting career, he completed training for the President’s Award and was honored by Bharat Vikas Parishad with the Best Scout Award, presented during an event at The Vision Academy School’s RMV Ground.

A Bit More

He draws great inspiration from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s quote: "Dreams are not what you see in sleep; dreams are those that do not let you sleep." This quote motivates him deeply, teaching him that true drive must come from within. External motivation alone is not enough—unless we are self-motivated, we cannot achieve anything. He believes that to move toward success, we don’t always need someone else’s push; even the smallest step we take by ourselves can lead us toward our goals. Since joining scouting, the first lesson he learned was discipline, followed by time management—such as being ready within just three minutes. The camps and training sessions have also taught him valuable skills and life lessons. In scouting, discipline is the foundation—how disciplined you are determines how much you can contribute. Only after that comes learning how to serve the nation in meaningful ways. Scout Nikhil Sahu encourages other young people to understand that scouting can open many doors in life — not only helping in personal growth but also giving preference in certain government jobs. In his view, every youth should join the Scout-Guide movement so they can discover their true interests, gain clarity about their goals, and identify the right path for their future. Scouting, he believes, is a powerful way to recognize one’s talents and shape oneself into a better human being. According to him, the first step toward success is to truly know yourself — and self-discovery requires discipline. He advises that when starting something new, one should not expect to be perfect right away. Perfection only comes through consistent practice after taking that first step. Balancing his academics with scouting activities, he managed both by giving each the time they deserved. Alongside his studies, he actively participated in scouting programs, attended camps, and took on responsibilities wherever needed. Even during examination periods, if he was at a camp, he would dedicate nights to studying. In fact, he feels scouting has also helped him excel in his academics by instilling in him focus, discipline, and resilience.