Odia teen earns rare ‘Eagle Scout’ honour, highest rank in Scouts BSA program in US

An Odia teenager studying in Boston, US, has earned an incredibly rare honour of the ‘Eagle Scout, ’ the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program by Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Shaashwat Sahoo (18), a Class 12 student at Nashua High School South near Boston, has made the state proud with his achievements.

According to The Times of India, Sahoo is among the very few who have received the honour after a lengthy review process.

Proud Moment for Odisha:

“It is a matter of great pride for us. His achievement will inspire many scouts and guides in India, particularly Odisha, to take up scouting, to which they often devote very little time due to the pressure of studies,” Anamika Das, joint state secretary of Odisha State Bharat Scouts and Guides, told TOI.

She continued, “The US is a pioneer in scouting, where every child must compulsorily join the scouts. We often give examples of the US scouts to our boys. If Shaashwat could achieve the rank while leading a fast life, then I am sure children in India can do so too.”

Shaashwat Sahoo Goal in Life:

The young boy is confident that the leadership skills, technical abilities, and community engagement fostered through scouting will help him academically, professionally, and in the life ahead.

“I have designed ADA-compliant picnic tables for a local high school. ADA compliance means people with disabilities can access these tables, creating inclusivity. Besides, I learnt cycling, and swimming and all the basic first aid and lifesaving, emergency preparedness, volunteerism and developed leadership skills, among others,” TOI quoted an elated Shaashwat.