The Indian Scouting Centenary Express, an exhibition on wheels run by the Southern Railway in commemoration of the centenary celebrations of the Scouts movement in India was held recently. The exhibition attracted children in large numbers, particularly Scouts and Guides who came in to find out more about the movement's growth in India and looked every inch pleased.
Pictorial display
The exhibition train comprises three coaches, two displaying materials on Scouting and one exclusively giving out information on Railways. Lavita, of Std VIII, St Aloysius High School, Kodialbail was very impressed with the display of various types of awards in scouting and guiding based activities organised by Southern Railway, while for Gagan, Std X of the same school amazing information on growth of scouting in India and its history was very appealing. “The model of London Bridge made by fellow scouts using various knots and lashings was marvelous,” both the children said in unison.
The exhibition that impressed students with its neat arrangement. Two coaches on Scouting displayed various models of bridges, signal towers such as Brynback towers, Ten minutes tower, stilt tower apart from models of interlocking trestle and raft prepared by Scouts and Guides from various regions under Railways.
Models of The Gateway of India, Eiffel Tower and London Bridge as well as handicraft such as bangles, mini-chair and tonga model showcased the skills in Scouts and Guides to the hilt. Numerous posters depicting the fundamentals of scouting and involvement of scouts and guides in various awareness projects also attracted students.
Sharanya, of Std VII, St Ann's School, Kuntikana said, “The exhibition has inspired us, the scouts and guides, to arrange such an exhibition. “Viewing the scheme of advancement and scout leaders who played a significant role for the Scouting movement's development at the national and state-level has motivated me to follow in their path and serve society.” Tejas, Std VIII of the same school seconding her thoughts added that the exhibition with its neat arrangement was educative.
The only coach depicting the railways was an interesting treasure trove to students. The coach exhibited technical details of various locomotives, information on the masters and motivators behind Railways and yearwise growth of Indian railways. The most impressive item was the portrait of first Indian train, models of railway coaches and rolling stock of yesteryears.
