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Mural reflects value of outdoors, diversity in Scouting

Navin Parthasarathy puts the final touches on the Scout diversity mural. There will be an unveiling ceremony on Sunday. PHOTO/HOPKINTON SCOUT LEADERS ASSOCIATION

EMC Park will have a more festive and family-oriented flair this fall as five new murals will be unveiled at a ceremony Sunday.

The murals are part of an annual project organized by the Hopkinton Cultural Council, explained Charusmitha Ram, the spokesperson for the Boy Scout mural. Created primarily by members of Troop 4 Hopkinton, it is entitled, “Many Helping Hands, One Big Heart.”

Ram, Troop 4’s assistant scoutmaster, helped organize the effort as part of the Hopkinton Scout Leaders Association. When her son, Navin Parthasarathy, joined the troop in 2023, she took on a troop leadership role.

“I love the outdoors and hiking, and I love art as well,” explained Ram. “This project was the perfect opportunity for me, so I happily volunteered.”

Ram’s communications and management skills helped guide the Scouts on the development of their mural’s concept. She sent a survey to all members of Hopkinton’s troops to get their input on their perspectives on the meaning of diversity in Scouting and “how the Scout Oath and Scout Law play out in terms of diversity and equity.”

“To one person, diversity of the outdoors was something that they related to,” she explained. “Another person talked about kindness in Scouting and how it means a lot to show kindness to people who are different from them.”

In addition to natural elements, which Parthasarathy painted, the mural also incorporated hands holding up a heart guided by a “moral compass” in its center.

“There are so many different kinds of Scouts,” noted Ram. “And the idea of service is very much a part of Scouting.”

Working on the project was somewhat challenging during the summer months, she added. The heavy rains and sometimes scorching temperatures made scheduling difficult. The heat lessened in the afternoon, but then the mosquitoes turned up in waves.

While the work was hard at times, the bonds that emerged were treasured, according to Ram.

“The Scouts sanded and primed the board before they painted it,” she said. “They had fun doing it. After that, they hung out at EMC Park and had a great time.”

The mural was a labor of love for Ram, Parthasarathy, Aryav Sachan and Danny Maida, who spent about 40 hours on the project. Parthasarathy and Ram applied the finishing touches together.

“This project was very close to my heart,” said Ram. “And doing this with my son was like a bonus for me.”

— MARY ELLEN GAMBON

Latest News

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list features five sales, including one for $2.1 million.

The latest Professional Insights from Kim Foemmel of Foemmel Fine Homes discusses the value of commissions in the home selling process.

Town meetings tonight include the Select Board (6) and Parks & Recreation Commission (6).

Photo of the Day

Work continues on the Main Street Crossing development at the site of the former Hopkinton Drug building.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR