Lord Baden Powell of Gilwell who introduced a nature-friendly life

B. Pragnaratne

In the present era in which Sri Lanka's school-disciplines on a track of deplorable downslide, and her resources of water, flora and fauna are gradually being destroyed, it must be stated that the Scouts' Association which upholds human discipline and promotes human values of leading life in harmony with Nature needs to be re-livened and spread-out.

The name of Lord Baden Powell, best known among many in his pet names as 'BP' the founder of the Scouts' Movement, comes to one's mind whenever a mention is to be made about the said Movement. His 150th Birth Anniversary fell on february 22.

'BP', or Robert Stevenson Smith Baden Powell, who was later to become the world scout leader and shoulder the noble task of making life better for juniors, was born on 22nd February 1857 in London. The Chaplain and a Professor in the Oxford University, H.G. Baden Powell was his father while his mother was a daughter of a British Admiral named W.T. Smith.

Little Robert's father's death occurred when he was just three years old, leaving his mother with the formidable task of looking after seven children below 14 years, bringing them up, and readying them for the life ahead. Still, the love, co-operation and the bond between the mother and children proved to be so strong that they surmounted all those difficulties.

Travelling and camping-out in many areas in England with his four brothers, Robert led a happy and open life. Having received a Scholarship, Robert entered Charter House School of London in 1870 and proved to be an active student though not so clever in academic work. He was full of work and a regular partner at school sports events.

He was also a multi-faceted performer. Being a champion footballer, he often was held in high esteem by his friends for his play acting performances. Having a great liking for music, his drawing skill proved to be quite remarkable.

At the age of 19, leaving school, BP set off for India as a Lieutenant in the renowned Cavalry of the Crimion War. Promoted as a Captain at the age of 23, he took part in battles against Zulus in Africa, dangerous Ashant tribes and jungle fighters.

The talents he demonstrated at these clashes were so outstanding that he soon became an awe-inspiring figure among the locals. Courage, talents of exploration and tracking out brought on him the nickname of 'Impizza', which means the wolf who never sleeps. BP became a Colonel in 1899.

With start of battles in South Africa, Baden Powell was directed to lead two cavalry brigades to its centre, the city of Mafkin. There was a saying well known among the South African locals that anyone who captures the city of Mafkin becomes the leader of South Africa'.

This proved true. The war started. BP kept the city of Mafkin besieged with a massive troop of the enemy camp for 217 days from 13th October 1899. He succeeded in achieving his goal on 18th May 1900 with the assistance of supportive troops. The Great Britain was overjoyed hearing the rescue of the city of Mafkin. Meanwhile, BP was promoted to the rank of Major General and the Britons held him up as a hero.

It is as heart of oak among the soldiers and children that he returned from Africa to England in 1901. The whole Britain stood with him. He was once surprised to see the popularity of his book written for soldiers as Instructions for Scouting has earned as a result of his personal achievements. This book was being prescribed as a school textbook too.

With the aim of developing the scouting activities. BP initially took a group of 20 children to the Browney isle in English Channel in 1907, which laid a successful foundation for the world's first ever Scouts Camp.

His book titled 'The Science of Scouting' including his own drawings and illustrations was published in 1908. With selling out of its copies and dissemination of its vision, scouting groups began to be formed not only in England, but also in a number of other countries.

With a gradual headway made in Scouts Movement, BP was determined to devote a larger part of his lifetime for it, which resulted in his resignation from the armed service and dedicating the rest of his life for the welfare of children who would be the citizens of future society. This second phase of his life is known as the 'Mission of Serving the World Through Scouts Movement'.

After a tour of visit to the scouts in the world in 1912, BP held the first Scouts Workshop in the world in 1920, which turned out to be the first Scouts Jamboree Children marked the last night. This jamboree, which fell on 06th August, was celebrated when BP was declared the 'World Scouts Master.'

Witnessing a rapid growth and extension throughout the world from then on, the Movement had a membership exceeding two million on its twenty first birth anniversary having members in almost every civilized country. At this stage BP was conferred the Lordship of Lord Baden Powell of Gilwell by King George V.

Jamborees were held in Denmark in 1924, in England in 1929, in Hungary in 1933 and in Holland in 1937 under the presidency of Lord Baden Powell. BP travelled extensively around the world for the promotion of the Scouts Association and co-operated well with all the scoutmasters in the world.

He felt that his life was reaching its end by the age of 80. This made him migrate with his wife to South Africa, the country he loved most dearly. Proving the saying true that there is a woman behind the success of every man', Lady Baden played a highly supportive role at every endeavour of BP's life, turning out to be the leader of the world's Girl Guides' Movement.

BP passed away on 08th January 1941, with more than a month left for his 84th birthday. Fathered by BP, this noble Scouts Movement is presently being spread out to every corner of the world for the welfare of the younger generation.

The point to be made finally is that every adult in general, and the world leadership of today in particular, must be prepared to look to the well-being of millions of children under the threat of aberration by unrest, disquiet and indiscipline, by admitting them to this noble Movement which is the one assured action for their rehabilitation.

(The writer is the Ratnapura District Secretary, Scouts Association of Sri Lanka.)