Saniya Anjum/Bengaluru

Mohammed Ali Khalid, India’s Bronze Wolf Award recipient, has been shaping the Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) Movement for four decades. His work involves uniting millions through his leadership, forging global partnerships, and spearheading monumental events like the 2017 National Jamboree with 26,000 participants and the 2022 International Cultural Jamboree with 60,000.

From crafting the Vision 2013 Strategic Plan for the Asia-Pacific to brokering consensus on WOSM’s global fee system, Khalid’s sacrifices—often funding his own travels—and his mentorship of young leaders have made him a beacon for those who believe one person’s flame can light the way for generations.

In the bustling streets of Bangalore, Mohammed Ali Khalid first discovered the spark of Scouting. It was the mid-1980s, and as a young volunteer, he stood amid the chaos of organising the 10th National Jamboree.

Tents dotted the landscape, and thousands of curious youth from across India gathered under the banner of adventure, learning, and brotherhood. Little did Khalid know that this event would trigger his leadership trait and he would become a tool of transforming the lives of millions in the Scout Movement globally.

Mohammed Ali Khalid receiving a n award

Born into a world where tradition and modernity often clashed, Khalid embodied the Scout promise: to do his best, to help others, and to live by duty to God and country.

His dedication propelled him into leadership. By 1999, he was a member of the Executive Committee of India's Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG), an organisation boasting over 6.3 million members today—second only to Indonesia in the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM).

Khalid's rise was fueled by a genuine belief in Scouting's power to shape young minds. "Once a Scout, always a Scout," he often says, a motto that has guided him through personal sacrifices, including funding his own travels for 24 years of national service.

As the Chairman of the Finance Resource Committee from 2003 to 2009, Khalid ensured BSG's financial stability, allowing programs to flourish without burdening volunteers. However, it was his role as International Commissioner for Scouts for six years that truly showcased his catalytic prowess

Mohammed Ali Khalid

During this period (2011-17), he forged bonds with National Scout Organisations (NSOs) across the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) and beyond. BSG's partnerships soared, earning acclaim as the "best connected period" in its history. Khalid's diplomacy turned rivals into allies, fostering collaborations that amplified Scouting's reach in a diverse region.

One of his crowning achievements came in 2017, when he led the 17th National Jamboree. With over 26,000 participants, it was the largest gathering of its kind in India up to that point.

Khalid didn't just organise logistics; he infused the event with cultural richness, blending Indian traditions like folk dances and yoga with global Scout values. Participants left not only with badges but with lifelong friendships and a renewed sense of global citizenship.

Even more remarkable was the 2022 International Cultural Jamboree in Karnataka, which he conceptualised amid the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing over 60,000 boys and girls, it became a beacon of hope, proving Scouting's resilience. "In a world fractured by isolation," Khalid reflected, "we built bridges through shared stories and laughter."

Khalid's vision extends far beyond India's borders. He joined APR in 1995. As Vice-Chairman of the Regional Strategic Planning Task Force and Chairman, he spearheaded the "Vision 2013" plan—a blueprint that aligned APR strategies with global goals, emphasising youth empowerment and sustainable growth. This document wasn't just paper; it catalysed real change, helping NSOs in resource-strapped countries expand their programs.

In 2005, as Chairperson of the Resolutions Committee at the World Scout Conference in Hammamet, Tunisia, Khalid navigated complex debates with grace and all his resolutions were passed.

Mohammed Ali Khalid US President Bill Clinton

 That same year, he chaired the host Executive Committee for the second World Scout Seminar on Partnership in Bangalore. Mobilising local government resources, he turned the event into a triumph, birthing the "Marrakech Charter - Bangalore Edition." This milestone document became a cornerstone of WOSM's Communications and External Relations strategy, promoting partnerships that transcended borders and ideologies.

As a member of WOSM's Registration Fees and Voting System Task Force, he bridged divides among APR's diverse NSOs. Khalid joined the WOSM at the urging of key leaders like Dr Davis and Secretary General Scott Teare.

His neutral stance and empathetic listening turned scepticism into consensus. He travelled to forums in Norway and Manila, presenting drafts and addressing concerns without compromising the task force's principles.

The new fee system, delayed by the pandemic but set for presentation at the 2024 World Scout Conference, owes much to his brokerage. "Without Khalid's bridge-building," one colleague noted, "distrust could have derailed progress."

As a WOSM GSAT (Global Support Assessment Tool) Facilitator since 2016, Khalid has mentored NSOs through assessments, strengthening governance and operations. His visits to 13 of APR's 26 member countries from 2008 to 2011 under the Committee NSO Visits initiative were eye-opening.

In remote areas, he witnessed Scouting's raw potential: youth in Bhutan learning environmental stewardship, or in the Maldives building community resilience against climate change. These experiences fueled his advocacy for sub-regional groupings like SAANSO (South Asian Association of National Scout Organisations), which he helped establish in 2010. Registered with the SAARC Secretariat, SAANSO has fostered annual camps and summits, uniting Scouts across geopolitical tensions.

Mohammed Ali Khalid with a colleague

Khalid's personal sacrifices add a deeply human layer to his story. At 70, he continues to serve as Additional Chief National Commissioner. In this role, he oversees executive committees, nominates leaders, and ensures adherence to BSG's bylaws while managing vast finances and properties. He's spearheading a 20% membership growth target by 2024 and pushing for youth inclusion—aiming for one-third youth in committees and 50% in international events. He has been a member of WOSM's Youth Engagement Task Force since 2022.

His awards reflect a life of service: the BSA Silver World Award in 2010, APR Chairman's Award in 2001, APR Distinguished Service Award in 2012, and India's Silver Elephant in 1994. Yet, Khalid measures success not in accolades but in lives changed. He has groomed countless young leaders, many now holding key positions. His self-funded travels have built Scouting's image as a selfless pursuit, inspiring volunteers worldwide.

It's his role-model leadership—sacrificing time and resources without fanfare. He's the "Face of India in Scouting," harmonising regional strategies with global visions, securing government grants worth 1.5 million USD for events, and advocating for partnerships like tying the APR Scout Foundation to the World Scout Foundation during economic downturns. This move safeguarded funds, ensuring sustainability.

In overseeing BSG's massive membership, Khalid has touched millions, fostering unity in diversity. His initiatives, like revising APR awards and the Meritorious Contribution Award, have recognised unsung heroes and motivated more to join the Movement.

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Khalid's story is one of quiet revolution—a leader who turns challenges into opportunities. In a world often divided, he reminds us that Scouting isn't just activities; it's a force for good, building empathetic leaders.