There is a unique nostalgia tied to the scent of canvas tents, the roughness of hemp rope, and the sight of a perfectly tied square lash. For those of us who grew up in the scouting circles of Ponda, these weren't just hobbies—they were the building blocks of our character.
The making of a Patrol Leader
My journey began at St Mary’s High School, Ponda, where as the Patrol Leader of the Tiger Patrol, I first donned the proud khaki uniform. Scouting in those days was immersive. I vividly remember the Patrol Leaders’ camp at Sharda English School in Marcela. It was there, under the guidance of Sir Vinayak Narvekar, that the "BP Spirit" song first took root in our hearts. We weren't just learning to pitch tents; we were learning the rhythm of discipline and brotherhood.
The Sacorda camp
One of the most defining chapters was the combined Ponda schools camp at Sacorda. It was a melting pot of talent and future legends. I recall sharing those woods with Durgakumar Navati, Sarita, and Madhavi Sardesai.
But a standout memory remains Pandit Raghunath Phadke. During a cultural program on the final night, he performed "Kunachea khandeavar kunachea oze." Even then, as the notes drifted through the campfire smoke, I remember thinking that I was witnessing a future maestro. History, of course, proved me right.
Lessons in integration
Back at St Mary’s, our Scout Master and PT Teacher, Sir Mendes, was the heartbeat of our unit. He didn't just teach us knots; he taught us the soul of the nation. Through songs of national integration and the stirring verses of Vande Mataram, he ensured that we grew up to be citizens, not just scouts.
The midnight guest at Betora
However, the most ‘chilling’ memory (in every sense of the word) took place during a camp at Betora. Set near a quiet paddy field, the Tiger Patrol felt particularly prepared. Thanks to Atul Parvatkar, who had brought a sturdy tarpauline, and the company of Sudin Ghanekar, our tent was a fortress against the biting cold.
After a day of treasure hunts and a spirited campfire, I took my turn as the night sentry. When my shift ended, I crawled back into my blanket, exhausted. In the dead of night, I felt a strange, wet sensation and something creeping beside me. Drowsy and assuming it was just the rustle of the camp, I turned over and fell back asleep.
The morning light brought a chilling revelation. As I stirred, a Common Krait—one of the most venomous snakes in the land—slid out from my very own blanket. Sir Mendes and the rest of the scouts rushed in, frozen in a mix of horror and relief. I had spent the night with a silent killer as my ‘guest,’ yet I walked away unharmed.
The legacy of the scarf
Looking back, those days taught us more than survival skills. They taught us that whether we are facing a cold night at Betora or the challenges of adult life, the lessons of the Tiger Patrol remain. We learned to be prepared, to appreciate the arts, and to respect the silent mysteries of nature.
