Milestone

SCOUTING AND GUIDING IN INDIA : MILESTONES (1909–2020)

Dr. Dharmendra Nath M.A., Ph.D., D.P.A.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides National Headquarters

Lakshmi Mazumdar Bhawan 16, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, I.P. Estate, New Delhi-110002 Tel. No. 011-23370724, 23378667 Fax. +91-11-23370126 E-mail : info@bsgindia.org | website : www.bsgindia.org

Scouting and Guiding in India : milestones

© The Bharat Scouts and Guides All Rights Reserved

Printed : First Edition : October, 2005

Second Edition : October, 2010 (Revised enlarged)

Third Edition : March, 2020

Published by

: Director, The Bharat Scouts & Guides, National Headquarters, Lakshmi Mazumdar Bhawan, 16, M.G. Marg, I.P. Estate, New Delhi-110002

Price

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Rs. 170/-

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Deeya Media Art, D-41/A, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi-110092 E-mail : infodma07@gmail.com

TO

THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE GLORY AND STRENGTH OF THE SCOUT AND GUIDE MOVEMENT

CONTENTS Message of H.E. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Governor of Orissa and President of the Bharat Scouts & Guides

(vii)

Foreword by Shri K.K. Khandelwal, IAS (Retd.)

Chief National Commissioner Bharat Scouts and Guides Preface

(ix) (xiii)

PART I - HISTORICAL BACKGROUND I

Scouting and the Indian Ethos

1

II

B.P. and Scouting in India

8

III

Period of Sporadic Growth (1909-1920)

17

IV

Efforts For Unification (1921–1949)

38

V

Emergence of a unified

National Movement (1948–1951)

51

PART II - A MARCH FORWARD (BS&G 1950-2010) VI

A National Movement on the Move (1950-1960)

VII Era of Expansion of the Movement (1961-1970)

63 80

VIII Augmentation of the Movement (1971-1980)

111

IX

An Epoch of Gold Harvest (1981-1990)

133

X

New dimensions of Scouting &

Guiding (1991-1999)

155

XI

Dawn of A New Millennium (2000-2010)

184

XII Epilogue

289

v

ANNEXURES (i) The Former President of the

Bharat Scouts and Guides, Dr. Anil Kumar Jain 299 (ii) The present Chief National Commissioner

of the Bharat Scouts and Guides,

Shri K.K. Khandelwal, IAS (Retd.)

301

(iii) Amalgamation of the Scout Associations

in India

309

(iv) Letter of Secretary General WOSM

314

(v) Order of Government of India

316

(vi) Office Bearers of the Bharat Scouts and Guides

320

(vii) National Jamborees of the

Bharat Scouts and Guides

324

(viii) Awards & Rewards to BS&G

325

(ix) World Jamborees

326

(x)

327

World Scout Conferences

(xi) World Guide Conferences

328

(xii) APR Events in India

329

(xiii) APR Guide Events

331

(xiv) Asia Pacific Jamborees

332

(xv) Asia Pacific Regional Scout Conferences

334

Chronology of Events

335

Abbreviations

360

Selected Bibliography

362

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MESSAGE TO THE FIRST EDITION

Rameshwar Thakur GOVERNOR OF ORISSA

RAJ BHAVAN BHUBANESWAR-751008 1st October, 2005

MESSAGE I am happy to know that the Bharat Scouts & Guides is going to publish a book ‘Scouting & Guiding in India: Milestones’ authored by Dr. Dharmendra Nath. It is a good venture as it will give the Scouts & Guides an insight into the history of the Movement. It is the first book of its kind as it reflects the process of Indianisation of Scout & Guide Movement and highlights the contribution of the nationalist leaders and eminent personalities who have immensely strengthened the Movement The Bharat Scouts & Guides to-day is the largest voluntary, non-political, secular, uniformed organization in the country working in the field of character building of the young boys & girls in grooming them into enlightened citizens with the spirit of dedicated service to the community without any distinction of caste, creed and religion.

I have been actively associated with the Scout Movement from student days since March, 1942 and still have the sweet memories of the last Scout Jamboree of the undivided India held at Karachi in December, 1946 which I attended as a contingent leader of the group of Scouts from Bihar.

It will be difficult to evaluate how much the society especially the rising generation owes to Scout & Guide Movement. It has left an imprint on history as well as in the hearts of the youth.

Every Movement or a philosophy has its path-finding thinkers who are followed by interpreters systematisers

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analysts, programmers etc. The initial or original thinking is later on elaborated, elucidated and interpreted by many who experiment and innovate saving the idea from becoming stereotyped, monotonous, dull and redundant, and preserving its creativeness, adventurism and relevance to the growing society.

I congratulate the author for doing this signal service to the Scout & Guide Movement by meticulously tracing its development from 1909 to 2005. The author being an old Scout who has served the Movement in various capacities, has presented the Indian view point while focusing on the process of Indianisation, as well as contribution of the Indian National leaders to the Movement.

I am confident, it will be a valuable book of reference and enlightenment and provide a solid base for further study and research. It will hold a mirror to the Scouts & Guides as well as their leaders calling upon them to do their thinking in greater depth. This book is informative, interesting and inspiring and will inspire others to write more and more on Scouting and Guiding.

I congratulate the Bharat Scouts & Guides for publishing this book at a time when we need it most as we are nearing the century of Scouting & Guiding in India.

(RAMESHWAR THAKUR) President, Bharat Scouts & Guides

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FOREWORD To know the past is an urge of the human mind. The past is a storehouse of the experiences and experiments. It is often said that those who forget their past and learn no lesson from history have no future. Simply remembering the past is also not enough. One must know the art of using the past and learning from it. Old values, institutions, ideas etc., which have become obsolete, redundant and have lost their relevance must be discarded.

They should not be allowed to impede our progress. This calls for dynamism, flexibility and courage in our thoughts and actions, so that we attain new heights.

Scout & Guide Movement has a glorious past and a vibrant present and a very bright future. It has always been seen as a movement that develops leadership capabilities in our youth, encourages independent thinking and initiative, and promotes self-confidence as well as habit of self –help, amongst its members and the community. The task of the Bharat Scouts & Guides has become all the more important in the fast changing times, as it has to instil concrete value system in the youth and equip them with new technology.

It needs a new approach, which can be more meaningful, if we have to learn lessons from our past.

Great Movements do not wait for their growth. Even a little step forward counts a lot for the growth and development.

We all know that our movement had a humble start under the dynamic leadership of Lord Baden Powell in 1907,but it spread rapidly in all parts of the world on account of its special appeal for the youth.

India is one of those fortunate countries, where Scouting/ Guiding took a start quite early and till our independence, it was progressing under various Scout & Guide Associations.

It was only in 1950 that merger of various Scout Associations

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took place under the banner of Bharat Scouts & Guides and the Girl Guide Association also joined soon after.

Since then, the Movement is gaining strength day by day and its presence is being felt both at the national as well as international level. Endeavour is also being made to provide new dimensions to the Movement in qualitative terms along with its quantitative expansion.

Lord Baden Powell developed the Scout Movement in order to unfold the propensities and capacities inherent in the youth. He wanted each and every Scout/Guide to be self-reliant and self-confident to the extent that he/she may depend upon himself/herself to the maximum and minimum on others. Much water has flown in the Ganga since then, but the basis and principles upon which the Scout Movement developed still remain unchanged. However, it is necessary for everyone involved in the Scout/Guide Movement to introspect every day, whether their thinking and behaviour pattern is in consonance with the very basics of Scouting. For this purpose, it will be enlightening for the volunteer and professional members in the Movement to know the history of the Movement and growth of its activities, which have added colour and effectiveness to the Movement.

In today’s time, we have seen that unprecedented advances in science and technology have touched almost every segment of society. Scouting and Guiding cannot be an exception to this phenomenon. However, we have to see that there is no compromise with the purpose, principles and methods propounded by Lord Baden Powell.

Concern was expressed in the World Scout Conference at Oslo, Norway (1996) about Scouting becoming an avenue offering young people fun, adventurism and healthy leisure time activity. The theme of the Conference was ‘Scouting for what’ and ‘Scouting for whom’. There was a difference on concepts between the delegates from the developed and the developing countries. The deliberations at the

x

conference suggested that some of us have almost forgotten the relevance of Scouting to society. A peep into the past will make it clear to the youth that Scouting needs society, as much as society needs Scouting.

This book written by Dr. Dharmendra Nath is a compendium of Scout & Guide Movement’s history stretching over a period of nine and a half decades. The book will help the Scouts and Guides to realize their role in fulfilling the dream of the founder of the Movement Lord Baden Powell and other legendary figures of Scouting and Guiding who have worked hard to uplift the moral fibre of the society by personal example and sacrifices in various ways. The stories of these great men will definitely inspire the youth.

The author has been closely associated with the youth organization and has worked as a Lecturer in Delhi University for over four decades. He knows the interests and psychology of the rising generation. He has made discrete and meticulous use of the material available and this book reflects his unflinching faith in the ideals and values of Scouting. Having joined Scouting in 1945, Dr. Nath has served the Movement in various capacities and as Headquarters Commissioner of Bharat Scouts & Guides, National Headquarters. He has personally witnessed and has been involved in many historical changes and developments in the Movement. It is but natural that the book authored by an old Scout will mirror commitment, devotion and dedication to the Movement.

Having been born in an illustrious family of a freedom fighter, Dr. Nath has witnessed the events of the freedom struggle closely. He has inherited love for social service and nationalism. In this work too, he has presented the Indian viewpoint regarding the movement with some degree of personal commitment, which deserves appreciation. He has highlighted the contribution of eminent Indian personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, Dr. Annie Basent, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Sir Tej

xi

Bahadur Sapru, Justice Vivian Bose, Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai and others. The very first chapter of this book has been named as ‘The Scouting and Indian Ethos’.

I congratulate Dr. Dharmendra Nath on writing such a welldocumented book that caters to the basic expectations and requirements of the Scout and Guide Community and gives an insight into the history of the Movement. I am sure it will be a very popular reading among the Scout and Guide community in India and also internationally and will also be used as a reference book. I convey my best wishes to the author.

Mr. L.M. Jain, the then National Commissioner took very important initiative for motivating Dr. Dharmendra Nath to write this book, which is really a Milestone, not only for the organisation, but also for all of us. Now the book has been updated with the latest development which will be useful to the new generation.

Dr. K. K. Khandelwal, IAS (Retd.)

Chief National Commissioner

xii

PREFACE History is a continued process. It is neither easy nor natural to divide it into watertight compartments. Every momentin- being is interlinked with the chain of moments.

Time is a perennial stream of moments identified by occurrences,,happenings and events. What surfaces as an event has long roots in social background and cannot be viewed in isolation. That makes the work of a historian arduous.

I have humbly ventured to author a book on the history of the Bharat Scouts & Guides. The reason being my long association with Scouting which has urged me to serve the Scout Movement through pen also. I am completing six decades of my attending the first Scout camp in 1945.

Secondly, I have gone through the list of publications related to Scouting. Most of these deal either with organisational matters and training courses or development of skills of the Scouts & Guides. Only a few books deal with the history.

Those, too, centre round Lord Baden Powell’s life and have treaded the traditional line of approach.

This book starts with a chapter on ‘Scouting and Indian Ethos’ signifying that India is a natural habitat for this Movement.

Lord Baden Powell’s 10 years stay in India (during 1876-84 and 1897–99) had provided him the opportunities to give practical shape to his ideas. Two of his earliest books are based on his experiments and experiences in India. While eulogising the role of Lord Baden Powell I have modestly tried to explain that India, to some extent, was the most suitable laboratory for his ideas which later on flowered into this great Movement.

Chapters II to V throw light on the development of Scout and Guide Movement in India before the establishment of the Bharat Scouts & Guides in 1950. I have tried to focus on the emergence of the process of Indianisation in the Scout Movement. There is a feeling of criminal negligence towards

xiii

those who have made sacrifices and faced hardships to make this Movement flourish. Enough has not been done to perpetuate their memory or highlight their contribution.

There is a need to pass on this information to the rising generation.

Chapters VI to XII of this book enumerate major events, most of which have been commenced or occurred for the first time. Some of the events of national importance have been ignored since these have become a regular feature of our annual programme. I have concentrated only on the major events or the milestones. But the choice was very difficult. I might have faltered in making the choice.

I do not have enough words to thank Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner Bharat Scouts & Guides, I am really indebted to him for going through the manuscript and making valuable suggestions. But for his help, publication of this book would not have seen the light of the day.

Dr. S. Kumar former Director BS&G have always been very kind to me. He in spite of his busy schedule, has given time to read the draft of the book and suggest valuable improvements. I express my deep sense of gratitude to him.

I am grateful to Shri G. B. S. Sajwan, Director BS&G and Shri Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Dy. Director (B.P.) for their help.

I will be failing in my duty if I do not thank Shri S.K. Mittal, Public Relations Officer –cum- Administrative Officer, Bharat Scouts & Guides who was always ready to help me.

He has taken keen interest in managing the technical aspects as well as the publication of this book.

I thank Shri Dinesh Kumar Sharma of Public Relations Department and Smt. Monika Kapoor of the Computer Section, Bharat Scouts & Guides for their technical cooperation.

I owe much to the staff of the Bharat Scouts and Guides who has always been courteous and helpful to me.

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I will feel amply rewarded if the book draws attention of esearchers to write an authentic history of the Scout/Guide Movement in India and inspires the Scout/Guide Senior Leaders to pen down their memoirs. The history which exists in the minds needs to be recorded and preserved properly.

Suggestions are invited from readers for further improvements. These will be incorporated in the next edition of this book to make it as complete as possible.

Independence Day - Dharmendra Nath 15th August 2005

xv

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PART-I HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

xviii

DR. DHARMENDRA NATH (1934 - DELHI) Father :

Late Gopi Nath Aman a veteran freedom fighter, Dy. Speaker and Minister in Delhi, profound scholar of many languages, prolific writer,renowned poet, well known journalist and a Padma Bhushan Awardee.

Education: Early education in Jamia Millia (under the benign guidance of Dr. Zakir Hussain who later on became the President of India) Received degrees of M.A. (Pol. Sc.), Ph.D. and DPA from Lucknow University.

Profession: Taught graduate and post graduate classes and guided research in Delhi University.

Author:

Written over a dozen books and scores of articles in English, Hindi and urdu and gave’talks on AIR and Doordarshan.

Hobbies: Reading & Writing, Music, Poetry, Social Service and Scouting.

Scouting: Attended first camp in 1945, associated with Jamia Scouts, Hindustan Scout Association, the Bharat Scouts & Guides.

Served the Movement as State Commissioner (S) Delhi State for two terms; has worked as the National Headquarters Commissioner (Public Relations and Publication) for 12 years. Represented India in the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Pioneers (Scouts) in U.S.S.R. Received Silver Elephant the most prestigious award of BS&G from the President of India.

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1 SCOUTING AND THE INDIAN ETHOS INTRODUCTION The Boy Scout Movement, which had a small beginning in the experimental camp at the Brown Sea Island, UK, in 1907, soon became the largest uniformed voluntary youth Movement in the world.

The reason being its universal and moral appeal, unique methodology and pragmatic approach, i.e., fun with a purpose. It has now become a refreshing and fascinating movement for the youth of all creeds and colours. Scouting is essentially an ethical as well as a non-formal educational movement which aims at the physical, intellectual, social, moral and spiritual development of the younger generation.

The first regular Scout group in India was formed in 1909 and in spite of early colonial restrictions it appealed to the national sensitivity and aspirations of the youth of the country.*1 Very soon it became popular all over the country. Presently, India occupies a significant position among the comity of nations where the Scouts and Guides Movement is flourishing.

SCOUTING AND INDIAN VALUES Scouting is not merely a fun, it is a disciplined approach, more than anything else, aims at character Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

1

building. It is committed to inculcate moral values in the youth. Through recreation it catches the imagination of the young people and keeps them together by infusing in them the spirit of brotherhood and service to others.

The rapture of doing good to the society, the joy of exploring nature and discovering or rediscovering the ‘SELF’, the thrill of adventure and making new friends in one’s own country as well as abroad, are the great motivating factors to impel young people to become active members of this great Movement.

The Boy Scout & Guide Movement found a congenial atmosphere for its growth in India, as the values it is based upon, have been in vogue in this land of spiritualism long before. It will be informative as well as interesting to know the basic affinities and imilarities between the Indian thought and the ideology of Scouting/Guiding, on the basis of which India becomes a natural habitat for this Movement.

Scouting/Guiding does not confine itself to mere external joys while ignoring the internal strength.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘Scouting must not aim merely at the training of the body but that of the brain and heart too. It would be a poor performance if it confines itself to mere externals ignoring the internals.’*2 It has always aimed at the balanced development of its members. It trains the mind and heart along with the body. This aspect gets the top priority in the code of living of Scouting. The purpose of Scouting, as enunciated by Lord Baden Powell, is physical, moral and social development of its members with the object of utilising that external and internal strength in the service of the country. The founder of the Scout Movement Lord

2

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Baden Powell said, “Service of God in my view is serving others, making others happy. In helping others one must never wait”. *3 The prayer, promise and programme of the Scouts and Guides in India reflect these feelings very conspicuously.

‘Hamara Karma Ho Seva, Hamara Dharma Ho Seva’ (Let Service be our endeavour and faith)

In Indian thought, service to others has always been regarded as the highest form of Dharma i.e., one’s duty. The Indian Culture rests on harnessing the capabilities and potentials of an individual to serve other human beings. The idea is to live in this world, perform one’s duties and fulfill social obligations without being enslaved to worldly desires. The concept of Ahimsa or non-violence is not a negative concept in Indian thought. It has been given a much wider meaning both in theory and application. It is not merely non-injury to others but a positive action of love, a feeling of welfare and compassion for others. It has been regarded as the ‘Param Dharma’-the highest religion. The idea of non-injury to all living beings finds a place in the Scout/Guide Law also.

The Scout/Guide Movement is committed to certain values, which are endeared to the hearts of Indian saints too. The values like freedom of expression, reverence to all religions with a belief that all religious approaches lead to God, respect for human dignity, i.e., collectivization without the loss of individual identity, integrity of the natural world etc., have always been preached by the Indian saints. Promotion of peace has been given a much wider and comprehensive meaning in the Indian Religious Texts.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

3

It is evident from the above that there is a close proximity between the philosophy and programmes of the Scout Movement on the one hand and the Indian thought on the other. A further discussion on the issue would support the similarities between the Indian values and Scouting and Guiding.

AN IDEAL FOR A SOCIAL WORKER Performance of duty with devotion and commitment in itself is a source of inner joy and gives highest perfection*4. Every action must give strength and new energy to the soul. Service to others is a duty towards God. For attaining excellence in the performance of duties one must have a vision, expertise and consistency.

Above all, equanimity of mind or emotional stability, harmonious blending of body, mind and soul as well as constant flow of energy and strong will are the prerequisites of excellence. To develop these qualities and skills one should tread on the path of yoga. The saints of India have practised yoga for achieving excellence and perfection. To a man engaged in the development of ‘Self’ and Social Welfare, yoga helps a lot. The efficiency of yoga is being gradually realized and its past glory and popularity revived. It is now attracting the attention of the Scout and Guide community in India also.

The sages and thinkers of India always viewed the world as one family. The Indian philosophy has always conceived the notion of ‘UNISON’ from the smallest particle to the whole of the Cosmos, which is a manifestation of God. As the Creator is one, the whole world is to be viewed as one family-olq/kkSo dqVqEcde~ Besides, India has always believed in peaceful coexistence. Its history spreading over millennia bears 4

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

testimony to the fact that it has exported philosophical ideas, scriptures, cultural heritage of yoga and meditation, objects of arts and handicrafts, merchandise etc., not arms or armies. It is a unique country whose unity is based on cultural values rather than political authority.

Scouting has found its natural habitat in India as this universal ethical movement, too, transcends geographical boundaries and frees minds of youth from all shackles of caste, colour and creed, fosters in them genuine good feeling for one another and makes sincere efforts to keep them together. The virtues mentioned above are found in the Scout/ Guide Law. QUALITIES OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON Lord Baden Powell in his book ‘Rovering to Success’ has described ‘Five Rocks’, which impede the voyage of life. These are wine and drugs, unrighteous sexual temptations, gambling, selfishness in enjoying at the cost of others and ungodliness or irreligiousness.*5 These have been enumerated as Asuri Pravritis or demonical properties in Shrimad Bhagvadgita, too, which enumerates demonical properties such as hypocrisy, arrogance, pride, anger, cruelty, conceit, addiction to sensuous pleasures, ego, intoxication of wealth etc.*6 Such men never attain perfection or even happiness. A person should always maintain his cool and magnanimity of mind. *7.

THE GURUKUL SYSTEM OF EDUCATION Thousands of years ago ‘outing’ was recognised as an educational method in India. The Gurukul system Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

5

of education and Ashram life brought the children in tune with nature. It was a process of exploring, discovering, outside a walled class room, much akin to the fundamental activities of Scout/ Guide training i.e., the camping and hiking, star gazing, hut building, pioneering, bird watching etc. The main emphasis was on spiritual growth besides being proficient in a particular trade. There was a system of dividing children, studying in the Ashram, into groups. Duties were assigned to them and they worked under senior students. The Patrol system in Scouting also contains this important feature as the foundation of training.

Similarly the system of cooking in groups was like group cooking in a Scout/Guide camp.

Lord Baden Powell used to emphasise that life should be happy, healthy and helpful while according to Indian scriptures it should be simple, happy, helpful and contended. The three promises of the Scouts and Guides are, to some extent, well reflected in the concept of ‘TRI-RINAS’ or the three debts we owe to God (DevRin), to the preceptor, teacher or sages (Guru-Rin) and to the society or ancestors (Pitri-Rin). Each individual, according to the Indian thought, is bound by the moral duty to repay these debts.

The similarities and affinities between the Indian thought filled with cherished values and Scouting prove that India is a natural habitat for Scouting.

That is why this character building Movement of Baden- Powell has flourished so well here. Lord Baden Powell’s approach, dedication, methodology have been par excellent. That is why he is revered by millions of Indian Youth.

6

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

REFERENCES *1.

The first Scout Group of purely Indian boys was formed in Chanda

by Rev. Alex Wood in 1908 but it was later on disaffiliated and reaffiliated by the Imperial Headquarters, London.

*2.

Gandhi M. K.: The Harijan, December 31, 1938

*3.

Mishra, R.S,: Our Scouts and Guides, New Delhi: The Director Publication Division, Government of India, 1993, p.3

*4.

The Bhagvadgita, No. of verse 45, Chapter 18, Gorakhpur: Gita Press, 1978, p 356

*5.

Baden Powell : Rovering to Success, (Revised Indian Edition, 2002), New Delhi: The Bharat Scouts and Guides, p.11.

*6.

The Bhagvatgita, op.cit. No. of Verse 4 Ch.16/4, p.312.

*7.

Ibid., No. of verses 1-3, p.309-3011

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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2 B.P. AND SCOUTING IN INDIA “I have spent over 10 years in India among the happiest in my life and have great admiration for this country.”

-Lord Baden Powell.

(letter to Nawab of Chhattari Chief Commissioner Boy Scout Association, dt. 24.6.1937) The Boy Scouting did not start as an organization.

It is a natural growth of a movement which has gradually evolved. Though the Movement was given a concrete shape in the experimental camp, which Baden-Powell conducted at Brownsea Island, England, in 1907, the concept of Scouting was working in the mind of this great visionary long before. *1 It is clearly evident from the writings of the close associates of Baden-Powell that he was waiting for an opportunity to concretise his vision of a movement for the youth. *2 There was an urge in him to do something for the development of the youth and the Boy Scouting was the outcome.

It is interesting to know that Lord Baden Powell who started his career as a second lieutenant in 1876 in India in the XIII Hussar Regiment at the age of 19 and spent over a decade in India, had been trying to play 8

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

with the concept of Scouting during his army career much earlier in India.*3 It may be relevant to recollect the early days of Lord Baden Powell in the Indian Army. After graduating from Charter House College, Baden-Powell appeared in the Military examination and stood second in Cavalry and fourth in Infantry out of a total of 700 candidates. As a result he was exempted from training at Sandhurst and was directly commissioned and sent to India in 1876 at the age of 19 years. He landed for the first time in Bombay on 16.12.1876. He joined the XIII Hussar Regiment of the Indian Army at Lucknow as a Second Lieutenant. He underwent Garrison Course of 8 months in 1877 and became a Lieutenant. In December 1878 he fell ill and proceeded to England on sick leave in early 1879. There he went through Musketry Instructor’s Course. On his return to India in 1880 he rejoined the XIII Hussar Regiment and accompanied it to Kandhar (Afghanistan). There he showed his qualities and skill as a soldier. In 1881 his regiment marched 900 miles from Quetta to Mathura. He was appointed Musketry Instructor to this regiment. He became a captain at an early age of 26 years. In 1884 his regiment moved to Natal (South Africa). B.P. was sent to India again in 1897 as the Commander (Col.) of 5th Dragoon Guards. In 1899 he went back to England.

The experiences and ideas gathered by BP, while training the soldiers (1897-99) in India, were later on incorporated in his book ‘Aid to Scouting for NCOs and Men’. This book became popular not only in the army but also with the school teachers who tried these ideas with their students.

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It may be interesting to find that the defence of ‘Mafeking’ in South Africa in 1899 made B.P. a national Hero. He was impressed by the work of the Boy Cadet Corps during this siege. This gave him an opportunity to observe the sense of responsibility and potential of the boys. This idea was further strengthened when he reviewed the Annual Drill of the Boy Brigade at Glassgow in 1903. In 1904 B.P. drafted his ideas for the training of boys. B. P. wanted to put his ideas into practice. He organized an experimental camp at Brownsea Islands (U.K.) in 1907. In January 1908, he wrote ‘Scouting for Boys’.

Thus started the Boy Scout Movement which soon spread to different countries.

Lady Olave Baden Powell while inaugurating the Conference of Commissioners and Secretaries at Sangam on 24.2.1968 disclosed that the idea which later shaped into the worldwide Boy Scout and Girl Guide Movement, originated in the mind of the Founder while working as an army officer in India. She said that in 1897 when her husband was in-charge of training young soldiers of the Dragoon Guards Regiment at Meerut (U. P.), he tried teaching the soldiers various crafts as a means of character building and found that the crafts developed courage, discipline, spirit of adventure and resourcefulness amongst the young. *4 VISIT AS THE CHIEF SCOUT After the Scout Movement took a start, Lord Baden Powell was regarded top most personality and declared the Chief Scout of the World in the first World Jamboree in 1920. He paid his first visit to India as the Chief Scout in 1921. He was accompanied by 10

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Lady Olave Baden Powell. By that time Scouting had spread to various parts of India but there was no unity among the Scout organisations. They did not work under one banner.

Unplanned growth of the Scout Movement in India and formation of separate groups of Indian boys alarmed the British Government. Scout leaders, too, were eager for the unification of the Movement.

The All India Conference of Scout Organisations in Calcutta on August 20-21, 1920 had unanimously passed a resolution that Lord Baden Powell be invited to India to unite the Scout Organisations. The then Viceroy of India, Lord Chelmsford, invited the most respected and beloved personality of the Scouting World to bring various Scout Organisations under one banner.

On his arrival in Bombay along with his wife, Olave Baden Powell, in January, 1921 BP said, ‘I see opening up a vista of tremendous promise for the development of this Movement in India and for India.’ He spoke against the Movement going into the hands of the Government. While in India, he became a strong votary of Scouting being promoted among the Indian Boys and this brought him and Dr. Annie Besant together. It was misconstrued by some people that he did not favour promoting Scouting amongst Indian Boys. He had to explain - ‘It was not true that I was against it in principle - quite the opposite, I was against starting it without trained Scoutmasters.’

Citing an example of comradeship between the Indian and British soldiers who had fought the enemy together he said, “why can’t the Scouts of India and Britain come together?” *5

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11

Lord Baden Powell wanted to have the support of Gurudev Tagore for his Movement.*6 He requested him to popularise it through letters among his friends in India. Tagore in his reply from New York in January 1921 wrote ‘I have reasons to believe that it has great potentialities.’*7 Lady and Lord Baden Powell, after arriving in Bombay in the last week of January 1921, visited Bombay, Baroda, Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Allahabad, Jabalpur, Ranchi, Kharagpur, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Madras, Calcutta and many other places as well as contacted leaders who mattered in Scouting. Baden Powell’s efforts to build up one ‘National Organisation’ for all scout groups in India met with partial success.

The Indian Scout Association headed by Dr. Annie Besant along with some small organisations merged with the Boys Scout Association of India which was being patronised by the Government. The Seva Samiti Scout Association, which was started by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, Dr. H. N. Kunzru and Pandit S. R. Bajpai for Indian boys, opted to stay out.

The Chief Scout addressed six main conferences and inspected 24 rallies during this tour. Apart from 20 lectures to the Scout Officers and Boy Scouts, he had delivered 9 public addresses. Nearly one thousand Scouts of U.P. gathered on the grounds of the Muir College, Allahabad to greet the Chief Scout and the Chief Guide. There was an act of courage and skill by a Boy Scout which was appreciated by BP. *8 “In Allahabad Rally, while hoisting the flag the rope got stuck up. A small boy ascended the flag bamboo pole, which could not stand his weight. The boy fell on the ground along with the flag and the broken part of the

12

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pole. He ascended the pole again, tied the broken part and the flag was hoisted.''

At a rally in Madras the Chief Scout was welcomed by 1700 Scouts and Girl Guides. Mrs. Annie Besant was investitured as the Hony. Commissioner for India. A very interesting incident of this rally is described by Lord Baden Powell himself that when he administered the Scout/Guide promise to Dr. Annie Besant at the rally, he himself forgot the oath and faltered due to which he had an awkward pause. Baden-Powell narrated his experience as “I felt a perfect fool”.

However, he further said,’Mrs. Besant recognised my dilemma and rose nobly to the occasion with all the ability of a theatrical prompter, she gave me the cue, whispered my own words to me which I roared out with ringing tone with the confidence as if I had never faltered.” *9 Before his visit to India in 1921, the Chief Scout had a different idea about Scouting and Guiding in India. His stay in India changed his mind. He appreciated the spirit, skill and discipline of the splendid Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in India and was sure that they would do big things.*10 He was impressed by the Scout village set up by the Scouts in Madras Rally in 1921.

In Calcutta rally on 21.2.1921 and a scout gathering on his birthday, Lord BP extended his good wishes and gave some practical suggestions like setting up a Scout Masters’ School on the pattern of Gilwell. He congratulated Indian Scouts and expressed confidence in their bright future. The Chief Scout considered the Calcutta Scout Rally as one of the best he had ever seen. *11 Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

13

As a part of the merger agreement signed in 1921, it was decided that a handbook of Scouting for Boys in India be compiled. As a result a memorable book ‘Scouting for Boys In India’ was authored by Lord Baden Powell himself. This book is still read like a Bible for Scouting in India. *12 The opening page of the book reveals the buoyancy of the Indian Scout. He drew a sketch of the Scout about whom he says, “An Indian boy Scout is never downcast is never downhearted.” *13 Meanwhile, Indian Scouts were eager for greater cooperation at the international level. The Boy Scout Association had convened a Scout Officers’ camp in May 1919 at Poona. At the end of the camp an All India Conference was held in which a resolution was passed pressing for the admission of Indian Scouts into the world brotherhood of Scouting. *14 During his visit to India, BP had extended an invitation to the Indian Boy Scouts to participate in the World Scout Jamboree. The first contingent of Boy Scouts from India attended the Wembley Empire Jamboree (England) in 1924 and their participation was very impressive. *15 After the visit of Lord and Lady Baden Powell the Scouting and Guiding Movement received more support from the Government of India and got due recognition at the international level. India became one of the founder members of WAGGGS. B.P’S SECOND AND LAST VISIT AS THE CHIEF SCOUT (1937) In 1937 Lord and Lady Baden Powell visited India again on the invitation of Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy 14

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of India. The couple, along with their elder daughter Heather, came to Delhi and formally inaugurated the first formal Jamboree of Boy Scouts in India on February 3, 1937. It was attended by 4069 Scouts from all over India. Lord Baden Powell congratulated the participants on smart and orderly parade and advised the Scouts to make themselves ‘Healthy, Helpful and Happy’, Lord and Lady Baden Powell visited all the camps and attended the final campfire. He wished good bye to the Indian Scouts and asked them to grow as men for the good, happiness and prosperity of their country. ‘Ye Scouts have a great heritage and your motto should always be ‘honour’, honour to yourselves and honour to your country.’ *16 After the Jamboree, Lady and Lord Baden Powell paid a visit to a few cities. He spent his 80th birthday with his 13/18 Hussar Regiment stationed at Risalpur (NWFP of un-partitioned India). This was the last visit of Lord Baden Powell to India though Lady Baden Powell visited India thereafter in 1960, 1966 and 1968.

REFERENCES *1.

Also given in the Baden Powell; Scouting for Boys: Foreward, New Delhi, Bharat Scouts & Guides, 1998, p : (i)

*2.

Wilson, J.S. Scouting Round the World: London: Blandford Press, 1959, p.1

*3.

Mazumdar, Lakshmi: Dream Came True, New Delhi, BS&G, 1997, p.3

*4.

Virlley A.S.: History of Scouting Abroad and in India, Patna: Swatantra Press, Patna, 1956, p.1

*5. B.P.’s famous book ‘Aid to Scouting for NCO’s and Men’ (1899) was based on those ideas and experiences.

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15

*6.

Baden Powell’s letter to Gurdev Rabindra Nath Tagore cf., Ghosh, Profulla: Lord and Lady Baden Powell, Calcutta, Sabitri Art Press, Sreerampore, 1996, Annexure B, pp.2021

*7.

ibid.

*8.

Virlley A.S.: Scout Movement in India; op cit; p.30

*9. Lord Baden Powell has described the incident in his book ‘Varsity of Life’, ibid; p. 15 *10. ibid. p.22 *11. ibid. pp.29-30 *12.

‘Scouting for Boys in India’ was authored by Lord Baden Powell and published by the Scout Association, London in 1923. An Indian edition was printed by the General Headquarters of the Boy Scout Association, India in 1943. The National Headquarters of the Bharat Scouts & Guides brought out second Indian edition in 1998.

*13. Baden Powell: Scouting for Boys in India, op cit; p.1 *14. Mazumdar, (Shrimati) Lakshmi: A Dream Came True, op cit; p.14 *15

Virlley, A. S: Scout Movement in India, op cit; p.56

*16.

ibid; p.72

16

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3 PERIOD OF SPORADIC GROWTH (1909-1920)

It may be interesting to note that the Scout Movement was started by Lord BP in England for the benefit of the British Boys stressing on the social values which could enable them to join the British society as responsible citizens. An experimental camp was held on Brown Sea Island by BP. The boys arrived on 25.7.1907 for the camp which was inaugurated on July 29 and closed on 9.8.1907. The universal appeal of the Movement carried it to other countries.

As stated earlier Boy Scouting came to India in 1909, two years after its inception in England. Scout Troops were formed in different parts of India under the local dynamic leadership. Besides philanthropists, native leaders, Christians missionaries there were many English army and police officers who did a commendable job in introducing Scouting in India.

There was, however, no planned development as the growth was spontaneous. These groups, in the beginning, were open to European and AngloIndian Boys only. Racial discrimination and political apprehensions were largely responsible for avoiding Indian boys from Scouting. The first regular Scout Troop was formed at Bangalore, followed by

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17

the emergence of Scout groups at Kirkee (Pune), Jabalpur and Shimla.*1 Bangalore Scout Troop was run by a retired naval officer, Captain T.H.Baker.

Major W.P. Pakenham Walsh R.E. claims to have organized a Scout Troop at Bishop Cotton School, Bangalore. These were registered with the Imperial Headquarters of the British Boy Scout Association (London), as there was no central organisation of Scouts in India. The first troop of purely Indian boys in the Central Provinces was started by Rev Alex Wood in Chanda in 1908 and was registered by the Imperial Headquarters, London directly. *2 But it was later on disaffiliated. However, after sometime the disaffiliation order was cancelled and the group was re-registered. Scout Troops were opened in the areas where the European and Anglo-Indian Boys were residing in good number. Shimla had a special significance. It was the Summer Capital of India.

Mr. Hogue started a Scout troop in Shimla.

Col. J.S. Wilson Chief Superintendent of Police, Calcutta and Sir Alfred Pickford contributed much to the development of Scouting in Calcutta. The Calcutta Boy Scout Association was set up in 1910 and Scout Troops were formed in the City.

The Bombay Provincial Government, it may be mentioned, wanted to go ‘very cautiously and gradually’ in introducing Scouting for the Indian boys in view of the Government of India’s observations about the Belgaum experiment in Scouting which might be ‘misapplied and perverted’ elsewhere. *3 Some time later in 1914 it was expressed in a Press Note that the Government looked with interest the Belgaum experiment in Scouting as introduced by 18

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Mr. A.C. Miller, headmaster of the Sardars’ High School, Belgaum regarding the working of the Scout system as a means for ‘making education more practical’ The Motto adopted for Scouts was “Serve God and Work Hard”. It was, perhaps, one of the pioneering efforts for introducing Scouting for the Indian Boys with the sound objectives and a well thought out methodology. The initial hindrances did not deter the school authorities to go ahead with the system which almost amounted to a Scout School.*4 THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF SCOUTS In 1911, British King George V visited Calcutta.

This gave an opportunity to the Scouts to assemble there. A conference was convened which decided to set up an All India Headquarter. The first Scout magazine - ‘YE INDIA SCOUT’ - an official organ of the Boy Scout Association was published from Calcutta. Next year (1912) its name was changed to the ‘BOY SCOUT GAZETTE OF INDIA’. To coordinate the work of Scouting in India, the Imperial Headquarters appointed Brig. General F.G. Bond as the Chief Commissioner, Major P. Walsh as the Asstt. Chief Commissioner and Capt. Baker as the General Secretary.

By the end of 1916 Scout Troops were set up in Assam, Baluchistan, Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Hyderabad, NWFP, Punjab, Bombay, C.P. Madras, Mysore, Rajputana, Sind and U.P. The census figures were as follows: Years

1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916

Members 502,

1154, 2038, 2277, 2699

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19

It may be relevant to mention here, as stated earlier, that the Government of India was very much apprehensive to introduce Scouting in schools.

There were different reasons for it. One view was that the introduction of Scouting would harm the cadet corps, prevalent in schools at that time. It was also thought that Scouting would adversely affect the academic schedule of the students. When the Government sought suggestions in this regard, the response of various known schools was a mixed one.

Even Mr. Milsted, Head Master, Boys’ High School, Allahabad,, who was one of the vocal supporters of the Scout movement, opposed its introduction in India. The Government valued his advice. It was also feared that the movement might ‘Fall into the hands of the revolutionary party and become the nucleus of seditious Samitis’. *5 In short, the attitude of the Government was that of misgiving, mistrust and suspicion. Lord Baden Powell, at one time, bore sympathetic attitude with the cautious approach of the Government. He said, in a letter dated 20th September, 1915, addressed to Sir J. S. Meston, Lieutenant Governor of United Provinces, ‘I see that reasonable objections to it at present as there is some danger in adopting European movements on to such virgin soil unless their higher meaning is thoroughly grasped and aimed for by competent instructors.’ *6 There is no gainsaying the fact, however, that BP foresaw a big development in Scouting all the world over with the close of the World War in sight.

Afterwards the Government began to consider introducing Scouting ‘in the more loyal atmosphere of northern India’.

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GIRL GUIDING IN INDIA : EARLY PHASE Even before the formation of Girl Guide Companies in India, the American Mission School, Lal Bagh, Lucknow, had started the ‘GIRL MESSENGER SERVICE’ in 1910. Its methods of training and testing were similar to those of the Girl Guiding. Miss Davies, Head of this school admitted Indian girls along with others as ‘Messengers’ and published a handbook ‘The Girl Messenger Book’.

In 1911 Dr. Cullen opened the first company of Girl Guides at Jabalpur. ‘Primus in India’ words were displayed on the Colour of this Company. Within a short span of 2 years many more Companies were formed but not much is known about these units as they were under the direct control of the Imperial Headquarters, London. Only European and AngloIndian girls were allowed to join these Companies. In July 1913, a Guide Company was opened in Calcutta.

Within a year their number rose to 14 in Howrah and Calcutta, and after sometime, it touched 20. The Girl Guide Movement made a good start in other big cities like Bombay, Madras etc. Soon the total number of Girl Guide Companies reached 50 and total membership was 1250.

In 1915, Mrs. M. M. Bear was appointed the first Chief Commissioner (Guides) of Calcutta.

A need was felt to set up Indian Headquarter but the Executive Committee of the British Girl Guide Council (London) withheld its consent as they thought it would lead to dissensions among the workers and companies.

However, in 1916 Mrs. Bear was appointed Chief Commissioner (Guides) for India with her headquarters Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

21

in Calcutta. She was authorised to draft a Constitution for the Guide Association to suit local conditions. The draft was accepted by Lord Baden Powell with certain modifications. Thus the foundation was laid of an ‘All India Girl Guide Association’.

In 1918 a handbook on Girl Guiding was published in England. This publication was suitably modified to suit and adapt to Indian conditions and was brought out in the same year under the title ‘Steps to Girl Guiding in India’. A fuller edition was later on published as ‘ Girl Guiding in India’.

The first Company of Indian Girl Guides was formed in 1916 at Pune. Soon, many Guide Companies with Indian girls were opened in different cities. In 1919, a separate Commissioner for Indian Guides was appointed in Bengal. Mrs. Greeves was the first Commissioner in charge of Indian Guides.

Next year Lady Abala Bose, (wife of the famous scientist Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose) an eminent woman educationist and pioneering social worker of Calcutta, was appointed as the first Indian Guide Commissioner of India for Guides of India. The other ladies getting the rank of Commissioner were: Mrs. S. K. Mukherji and Mrs. S. C. Mukherji of Bengal and Mrs. Datta of Punjab.

INDIANISATION OF THE MOVEMENT (1913-1920) It has been stated earlier that racial discrimination and political apprehensions of the Government kept the Indian boys away from Scouting. This was strongly resented by the Indians. Development of western ideas and expansion of new educational system had motivated the society to do more for the 22

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

youth of the country. Rising national sensitivities and aspirations pressurised the authorities to open Scout/ Guide troops to Indian boys and girls. There was a great urge in the Indian youth to join Scouting. Indian leaders, social enthusiasts, Christian missionaries and broadminded Englishmen did the pioneering work.

Consequently, many independent organizations resembling Scouting were formed mostly in urban areas. The first troop including Indian Boys in Bengal was started in the Christian Mission School of Krishna Nagar, Distt. Nadia.*7 Dr. Annie Besant, the British born famous nationalist leader of the Indian Freedom Movement, had set up an organisation ‘The Sons and Daughters of India’ in 1914. Its motto was ‘I Serve’. *8 This organization was not exactly working on the lines of BP’s Scout Movement. Yet it was a part of the pioneering efforts to organize the Indian Boys and Girls. Scout troops were formed in the Theosophical Schools of Banaras and Kanpur by Dr. Tarapurawala and A. N. Sharma in 1913. *9 Scouting was started in Calcutta in 1910. Prior to 1914 it was only for European and Anglo-Indian boys controlled by British Army Officers. These Units were affiliated to the Imperial Headquarters London.

Some Christian missionaries took the initiative and formed Scout Troops, which worked independently.

Among those who took active part in this matter were professionals such as L. Sanderson, Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Sir Alfred Pickford, Major N. M. Ross, Rev. R.W. Bryan and Col. J. S. Wilson. In 1914 Lt. Col. Sarbadhicary, S. P. Sinha, Dr. S. K. Mullick, D. N. Bose Bar-at-law, Bupendra Nath Basu, Satish Mitra

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23

Bar-at-law etc., set up the Bengali Boys Scout Association. Among the first batch of trained Scouts were Shri Saroj Ghosh (former National Secretary Bharat Scouts & Guides), Mr. Satta Ghosh, Mr. Ranen Ghosh, Mr. J. M. Ghosh Bar-at-Law (who was the first Bengali warranted as a Scout Master). Later on its name was changed to Bengali Boy Scout League. Mr. S.C. Mitra collected 25 Boys in the Southern part of Calcutta and formed the first troop for Bengali boys on 27.4.1916. At the request of Mr. Mitra, Major Pickford persuaded his friend Major Norman Ross to give training to these Indian Boys. Because of the World War I Major Ross was ordered by the Government to disassociate himself from this group (Mr. J.M. Ghosh Bar-at-law took charge as its Scoutmaster in December 1917). The Second Troop was organised in the northern part of Calcutta on 22.06.1916 with Mr. D.N.Basu, Bar-at-law, as its Scoutmaster. The Provincial Scout Magazine ‘Jatri’ was published from Calcutta. The Association tried to get affiliated to the Imperial Headquarters (London), but failed.

Subsequently, it was called the Boy Scouts of Bengal and enjoyed official support. The Governor of Bengal Ronald Shay was its Patron and Maharaja Bijoy Chand Mahatab of Bardawan, its President, Mr. Alfred Pickford Vice-President and R. C. Banerjee the General Secretary. In 1918 the Governor exerted his influence to unite these two Associations into the Calcutta Boy Scout Association. As a solution to the racial problem it was divided into Group-I (meant for Europeans and Anglo-Indian Boys) and Group II (comprised of Bengali Boys). This was the first merger of Scout Organisations in India. The merger took place in 1918 but was recognized by the Imperial Headquarters, 24

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

London a year later. The recognition was celebrated in a tea party at the Government House Calcutta on March 13, 1920.

There were many other sporadic attempts to run organizations on the pattern of Scouting. In 1914 Mr. J.R. Isaac, M.B.E. of the YMCA, Madras started the ‘Boy Shikari Movement’. In 1915 Bishop Tarafdar started ‘Boys League for Social Service’ at Bhagalpur (Bihar).

In the same year the Parsee Community in Bombay formed a Troop by the name of the ‘Parsee Scouting Society’. Initially, this troop was formed under the banner of St. John Ambulance. Mr. Rustomji Sethna was its Scoutmaster and Commander K.B.Godrej was a member of the Troop. Another group ‘Day Vadnya Scout Association’ also came into being.

An I.C.S. Officer Mr. R. A. B. Chapman started ‘The Boys League of Honour’ in 1914 in the Central Provinces. This League was instituted by Mr. Chapman with Mr. Greur as Commissioner to rope in the Indian boys studying in schools. In 1921 it had some 5400 members and was functioning under the guidance of Mr. Dix officiating Principal, Training College, Jabalpur. In 1915 L.G. De Silva started a Scout Troop of Indian boys which was not affiliated with any organisation. He was an employee of the Government of Central Province and had to face hostile attitude of the departmental authorities. He also wrote a book to popularise his Association.

Mr. A. J. Langley Moon had set up the Sind Boys Scout Association in 1915. When Mr. Langley Moon was appointed as the full time Provincial Commissioner in U.P., many more Scout troops were formed in different areas in the United Provinces. These were known as Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

25

the Boy Scouts of Agra and Oudh.

Rev. H. R. Ferger formed a Scout Troop in A. P. Mission School at Dehradun U.P. Sardar Hardial Singh (who was later on appointed as the first Camp Chief in the Bharat Scouts and Guides) was associated with this troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Rev. J. E. Wallace of the American Presbyterian Mission started an organisation ‘the Sentris’ in Mainpuri, U. P. This group organized camps, hikes and other outdoor programmes at Saat Tal (District Nainital, U.P.).

In 1915 Dr. G. S. Arundale established a ‘Cadet Corps’ in the Central Hindu High School in Banaras.

Dr. G. S. Arundale came to India to join Dr. Annie Besant in her scheme of National Education under the auspices of the Theosophical Educational Trust. Dr. Arundale had seen the selfless service rendered by the Scouts in a war hospital in England.

The Boy Scout Association Madras was inaugurated in 1916 under the patronage of Pentland, the then Governor of Madras. These Scouts were popularly known as Pentland Scouts.

Mr. Vivian Bose (who later rose to be the National Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides), on his return from England in 1913, where he had gone to study law, tried to convince the authorities about Indians’ admission into Scouting. But every time his request was turned down. Vivian Bose started a Scout organization in 1918. Scout Masters Training classes were conducted at Nagpur. These Scoutmaster trainees included Englishmen as well as Indians belonging to different faiths. In 1920 children were included in his scheme and troops were started by trained 26

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Scoutmasters. Mr. S. C. Chobbs a local cricketer who had organised ‘Nagpur Pioneers’, had to leave the City.

He handed over his group to Vivian Bose who ran this group till 1929. In 1921 Bose met Lord Baden Powell during the latter’s visit to Raipur. An agreement was reached between the two. As a result, Bose joined the Boy Scout Association. Finally, he decided to start an independent organisation and conducted classes for training Scoutmasters. The Provincial Government requested Vivian Bose to work in the School Boys League of Honour but he flatly refused as it was a pale imitation of the Scouting, a racist organisation with a parochial approach. It was restricted to school boys ignoring a vast majority of non-school Indian youths.

The Government wrote to the Imperial Headquarters, London, asking for a trained Scout Leader. As a result, Mr. Ross came to India to organise the scout work systematically. Mr. Ross (a Scottish businessman who was a trained Scout leader) met Mr. Bose and Mr. De Silva and was in complete agreement with them. H. E. Frank Sly, the Governor of C.P., took keen interest in the Scout Movement. The arrival of Mr. Ross gave a new impetus to the Movement. He organised a provincial rally to greet Lord and Lady Baden Powell in 1921. It was attended by 220 Scouts (the number was restricted for want of space and accommodation). Mr. Vivian Bose brought 67 Scouts from Nagpur.

Dr. Annie Basent invited Mr. F. G. Pearce (an Englishman running a Scout Troop in Ceylon) to India and on 1.10.1916 an All India Organisation named ‘The Indian Boy Scout Association’ was formed. The big meeting was held under the historic ‘Banyan Tree’

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

27

at Adyar (Madras) in 1917. Dr. Besant was chosen as the Protector and Dr. Arundale the Dy. Chief Scout.

Provincial Commissioners were also appointed.

In December 1917 its Headquarter was shifted to Madras. Two All India Conferences were convened by this Association. The Indian Boy Scout Association with its Troops in Madras, Calcutta, Bombay, Kanpur, Karachi, Lahore, Hyderabad etc., was gaining popularity as a Nationalist Scout Organisation.

They had added the words ‘Loyalty to the Country’ in the Scout Promise. The Association had its own flag. However, the Government got alarmed with the growing popularity of this association. Lord Wellington, the then Governor of Madras used his influence to unite the two parallel organisations viz., ‘The Boy Scout Association of Madras’ popularly known as Pentland Scouts and Annie Besant’s ‘Indian Boy Scout Association’. These two merged into the ‘South India Boy Scout Association’ in 1920. Dr. Annie Besant’s Indian Boy Scout Association had 9000 Scouts in Madras and 5000 in other provinces (these figures were given in the report submitted by Lord Baden Powell to the Viceroy of India in 1921). Dr. Arundale, Sanjiwa Kamath, B. N. Sharma, M. V. Venkateswaran, F. G. Pearce etc., cooperated to give a concrete shape to the Organisation.

SEVA SAMITI BOY SCOUT ASSOCIATION Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai (a former teacher and an employee in the Railways) a resident of Shahjahanpur was keenly interested in the development of youths.

In his locality he saw children and youths indulged in fighting, singing bad songs and doing acts of

28

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indiscipline. He organised a ‘Vyayamshala’, a “Sangeet Club” and a ‘Sahitya Sabha’ in the area.

Later on he set up a Bal Sevak Dal. Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil (the famous revolutionary hero of the Kakori Dacoity Case) was a member of this group. Bajpai came to know of Scouting when he saw a paper in which some article purchased from the market was packed. This paper contained some information about Baden-Powell’s Movement. He contacted a British Military Officer who gave him more information and two books about Scouting. Bajpaiji was impressed by this scheme of training the youths and he adopted it for his Bal Sevak Dal. In 1913 Sh. S. R. Bajpai’s organization was changed into ‘The Bal Seva Dal’. These boys were invited by the Prayag - Seva Samiti to do social service and assist the Samiti in the management of the Kumbh Mela at Allahabad. (Prayag Seva Samiti was formed in 1915.

Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya was its President and Dr. Hirdaya Nath Kunzru its Secretary.) These Bal Sevak’s (100 in number) rendered excellent service at the Mela.

One day Pandit Madan Mohan Malviyaji, entered the Bal Sevaks Camp without telling the code word he was detained by the volunteers on duty. When Bajpaiji came there only then Malaviyaji, was allowed to go. Shri Ram Bajpai apologized to Malaviyaji for the inconvenience but Malaviyaji was impressed by the discipline and sense of duty of the boys. He and Dr. H. N. Kunzru prevailed upon Shri S.R.. Bajpai to stay at Allahabad to organize a Scout Movement for Indian Boys. Bajpaiji resigned his government job and devoted himself wholeheartedly to this work. Training

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29

of the first troop started at Allahabad on October 1, 1918 and the Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association was formally constituted in December 1918. A magazine was also started in 1921.

The Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association did not amalgamate with the Boy Scout Association when Lord Baden Powell came to India on his mission to unite all the Scout Associations in 1921. It continued to work on its own lines and soon expanded to other provinces and princely states. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya was its Chief Scout. Dr. Hriday Nath Kunzru and Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai were designated as the Chief Commissioner and Chief Organising Commissioner respectively. Other well-known figures associated with this organisation were Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta, Dr. D. L. Anand, Sh. Janki Sharan Verma. These Seva Samiti Scouts participated in the combined Scout Rally at Allahabad in 1921 to greet Lady and Lord Baden Powell.

Lord Baden Powell during his visint to Allahabad suggested that a Scout Leader be sent to Gilwell Park England for training. Hon’ble C. Y. Chintamani the then Education Minister of U.P. sanctioned a govt. grant for that purpose. Shri Ram Bajpaiji was selected for the training. He went to England completed the training at Gilwell but refused to take the oath of loyalty to the British King. As a result, he was not given the parchment. Bajpaiji visited many countries. Twice he went on foreign tours to acquaint himself with the latest developments in Scouting in other countries.

The distinct feature of the Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association was its nationalist outlook and 30

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

implementation of the idea of Indianisation. Main reason for its keeping out of the unity efforts guided

by Baden Powell in Madras in 1921 was the form of promise and Government’s control over the Provincial Scout Organisations. It wanted to delete the words ‘loyalty to the King’ from the Scout Promise and was opposed to the government’s control. The Samiti adapted scouting programme to suit Indian needs and conditions. It had sympathy for the ‘Idea of Swaraj’ and the freedom struggle. Its members were doing the work of harijan welfare, village uplift and promotion of swadeshi (Indian made goods).

After the end of World War I, political scene in India was fast changing. The War had intensified Indian nationalism. Bravery of Indian forces which laid down their lives for the empire and exhibited the spirit of comradeship at the field had softened the tone of the colonial die-hards. The British Government, which had fought the war to make world safe for democracy, had to save its face in the comity of Nations and pacify Indians too. The August Declaration of 1917 and Montford Reforms of 1919 were steps in that direction.

The principle of self-government was introduced in a limited scale at provincial level in the form of dyarchy. The inclusion of Indians in the government had its impact on Scouting and Guiding, too, and there was a change in the attitude of the government.

On March 21, 1917 Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and Mr. B. N. Sharma raised the issue in the Indian Legislative Council. Mr. Sankaran Nair’s speech on behalf of the Govt. on the issue of Scouting, raised

by Pandit Madan Mohan Malvia in the Legislative

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31

Council was elusive, not positive. He said, ‘The Boys Scout Movement’ had its origin in England.

It was introduced in India. It spread among Anglo Indian Boys under the auspicious of the Boy Scout Association which has its origin in England and is a private body. The Government has nothing to do with it. They did not encourage or discourage and they do not interfere in the activities of the Association and they do not propose to. Certain government officials, no doubt, have encouraged it, but as I said the Government has nothing to do with it. So far as this Boy Scout Movement is concerned the Government is prepared to encourage it in India. They would in is, however, on this that the Boy Scout Troops must be under the supervision and control of efficient Scout Masters. Such troops as are under the efficient Scout Masters will receive every encouragement and assistance from the Local Governments and there is no objection to the Government Officials taking any part and encouraging or assisting it in any way.’ *10 Even after 1917, Col. Wilson and Mr. A.D. Pickford had been struggling for the admission of Indian Boys in the Boy Scout Association as there was a Government Order against it in which it was bluntly stated that Scouting might turn them (the Indian Boys) into revolutionaries’. However, slowly the Government reaslised that it would not be possible to stop the formation of scout troops of Indian boys. So, it started making efforts to bring all Scout and Guide organisations in one fold headed by some government dignitary.

The Government was also greatly alarmed at the growth of the independent Scout Organisations,

32

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Lord Baden Powell

Lady Baden Powell

Dr. Annie Basent

Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

33

Dr. H.N. Kunjru

Justice Vivian Bose

34

Shri Mangal Dass Pakvasa

Pt. Shri Ram Bajpai

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especially those controlled by the nationalist leaders.

The popularity of Annie Besant’s Indian Boy Scout Association and Seva Samiti Scout Association was seen as a danger to the colonial Rule. State Governors were asked to become the Chief Scouts or Heads of the Provincial Scout Associations. Maharajas were involved and senior bureaucrats were appointed on the committees. But these moves failed to combat the growing influence and impact of Indianisation of the Movement or stem the sporadic growth of Scout Organisations controlled by Indians.

The Duke of Connaught came to India to inaugurate Legislative Council Constituted under the Constitutional Reforms in 1920. An attempt to forge unity was made by Mr. A.D. Pickford the Chief Commissioner for India. He convened an All India Conference in Calcutta on August 20-21, 1920 but failed to achieve the purpose. The Conference passed a resolution unanimously that Lord Baden Powell be invited to unify the Movement. It was attended by Dr. Annie Basent. Dr. Hirday Nath Kunzru (Chief Commissioner Seva Samiti Scout Association), Mr. F.G. Pearce (Chief Commissioner Indian Boy Scout Association), Dr. H. S. Mehta, Pt. Shri Ram Bajpai, Mr. V. G. Barpute, Mr. D. N. Basu, Mr. J. N. Ghosh and others.

It was against this background that Lord Chelmsford, the then Viceroy and Governor General of India, had to invite the Founder of the Movement, the Chief Scout of the World - Lord Baden Powell to come to India and bring all the Scout Organisations under the banner of the Boy Scout Association. The mission of Lord Baden Powell culminating in the

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

35

All India Conference at Madras in 1921 only met with partial success. The Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association, which refused to merge on principled and conscientious grounds, continued to remain independent of the colonial rulers. It grew in number and popularity in the years to come. Many other Scout organisations including Mrs. Annie Besant’s Indian Boy Scout Association and Vivian Bose’s Organisation merged into the Boy Scout Association.

After the departure of the Chief Scout in March 1921, there remained two main organisations in the field viz., The Boy Scout Association and The Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association. The Girl Guide Association, however, continued to function independently as the concept of a joint Scout and Guide Movement had not been properly planned and made acceptable by that time.

It is evident from the above discussion that the local leadership was very much convinced by the ideology of Scouting and Guiding and sporadic attempts were made in different parts of the country to start Scouting and Guiding. The statistics reveal that there was keenness and an upsurge in favour of the Movement.

It is also clear that the process of Indianisation, which meant that the Scout / Guide Movement ought to be open for the Indian boys and girls enabling them to be good and healthy citizens of the country, went unabated despite certain apprehensions of the Government. The distinctive features of the process of Indianisation, at that point of time, were: (i) Stress on patriotism and good citizenship; (ii) Inculcation of the traditional spirit of service; (iii) Flexibility and modification to suit local needs;(iv) Badges according

36

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to Indian conditions and needs; (v) Publication of original books in Urdu and Hindi; (vi) Invention and introduction of code signalling in Indian languages; (vii) Composition and introduction of suitable songs and yells; (viii) Introduction of Indian stories and folklores in the training; (ix) Regulation and extension of facilities to village scouts; (x) Suitable schemes for training cubs known as ‘Sher Bachchas’; (xi) Indian exercises and cheap apparatus as well as indigenous movements like folk group dances etc; (xii) Games suited to Indian children; and(xiii) Naming of the patrol after national heroes, human virtues etc.

REFERENCES *1.

Col. Todd claimed that his Group at Kirkee Pune was the first Scout Group but the Gazette of Boy Scout Association Nov. 1909 recognizes Capt. Baker’s Group as the first Scout Group.

*2.

Mazumdar, Smt. Lakshmi: A Dream Came True, New Delhi, Bharat Scouts & Guides, 1997, p.16

*3.

Virlley, A.S, : History o f Scouting Abroad and in India, op.cit., p.262

*4.

‘A Scheme for the introduction into India Baden Powell system of training for Boy Scouts’, Proceedings 98 of 1911, General Administration Department, Lucknow: U.P.State Archives.pp.1-38.

*5.

Wilson, J. S. : Scouting Round the World, London, Blandford Press, 1959, p.19

*6.

ibid. ,pp. 17-22

*7.

Bose, N.N: A Review of The Early History of The Scout Movement in Bengal, Calcutta; Harihar Press, 1965; pp.4-5.

*8.

Virlley, A.S: Scouting Movement in India, op cit; pp.4-5

*9.

Bose, N.N: A Review of the Early History of The Scout Movement in Benegal; op cit; pp.3-4.

*10. Proceeding o f the Indian Legislative Council, Vol. LV, March 1917.

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37

4 EFFORTS FOR UNIFICATION (1921-1949)

History of Scouting and Guiding during 19211949 is the history of continuous efforts for unifying the Movement. All the same, the Indian Scouts and Guides kept on participating in the regular activities of the Movement like training of the Scouts, social service, relief services during natural calamities and emergencies, development of skills etc. They also continued participating in international conferences and world jamborees.

The unification efforts on the Girl Guide front gained more strength by the visit of the Chief Guide Lady Olave Baden Powell in 1921. The organizations like ‘Girl Messenger Service’ and ‘Sister Scouts’ which were functioning separately merged with the All India Girl Guide Association. The result was that there was massive participation of Girl Guides in national and international events.

The Executive Committee of the Indian Headquarters of All India Girl Guides Association was reconstituted in 1922 and was named as the General Council. In 1923, the first All India Guide Camp was held at Ganesh Khind near Poona. In 1924, Girl Guides from India took part in the third International Conference at Foxlease, England.

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In 1929, the All India Girl Guide Association became a full member of WAGGGS. The Girl Guide Movement was confined to schools mostly managed by the missionary organisations. The first magazine of the Girl Guides Association called ‘The India Guide News Sheet’ was published in 1916. In 1936 its name was changed to ‘The Indian Guide’. Mrs. Julie Sen was the first Indian who represented Indian Guide Movement in a world Conference (VII Conference in Poland in 1932). Mrs. Quennie H.C. Captain was the first Indian to be appointed as Chief Commissioner (Guides) in 1947. She was the first Indian Guide elected to the World Committee at the XII Conference (U.S.A.) in 1948. Meanwhile, Sewa Samiti Girl Guides had also been active in the field with a membership of over 2500. Girl Guide Companies were formed in different cities of India.

Similarly efforts were made not only to strengthen the Scout activities but also to unify various Boy Scout Associations. The Boy Scout Association of India continued to receive greater official support. Lord Chelmsford, Dr. Annie Besant, Sir Alfred Pickford and other stalwarts contributed to the growth of Scouting in India. The introduction of Dyarchy in India strengthened the Scout/Guide Movement. The result was that the Membership of the Boy Scout Association rose from 15,202 in 1922 to 2,72,853 in 1935.

New dimensions were added to the Scouting and Guiding programmes in India. Industrial Scouting (formation of Scout troops in industrial units) was meant for the sons of the workers in the Express Mill at Nagpur. Initiative was taken by Mr. J. Aiman in 1921.

John L. Mott, Mr. S. C. Nasir of Y.M.C.A and Sir Bizonji

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39

Mehta the then Manager of the mill cooperated in this endeavour. The boys were nearly all from depressed classes. Mr. Aiman attended the World Jamboree in England in 1929, went to Gilwell and got the Wood Badge Training. A Scout Troop was set up at the Gun Carriage Factory, Jabalpur by Mr. Ross. Scout Troops were also started in Borstal Institute in 1930.

Extension Scouting, too, was started during this period. A troop was formed for blind boys in 1932. It was started by a blind Scout Master. This Scout Troop was a star of attraction in the local rallies. Scouting was also introduced in leper asylums at Chanderkhuri (C.P.) and soon it was extended to other asylums. Rev. J. H. Schultz of Chanderkhuri (C.P.)- Leper Asylum the second largest leper institute in India, took keen interest and effective steps to develop Scouting. He sent Mr. Falls, one of the House Fathers, for training at Pachmarhi. Then he started his own group with 80 leper Scouts. Guides were also working among girls. There was a change in the atmosphere of the asylum and this had a marked effect on the mental development, manners and happiness of the inmates.

In 1935 Rev. Schultz was made the District Scout Commissioner for this area.

The first All India Sea Scout Course was held at Karwar from February 10 to 1 March 1936. Air Scouting was started in 1945. The first camp of Air Scouts was conducted at I.A.F. Headquarters in Delhi. It was attended by 50 Scouts.

The first Wood Badge Course was conducted in Calcutta in 1922 and second Scout Masters Course in India at Tolleyganj in 1923. Similar course was conducted in Madras 1923. A ‘Scoutmasters’ 40

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training camp was conducted at Pachmarhi in May 1923. Mr. Vivian Bose had attended the first Wood Badge Camp held at Pachmarhi. When this venue was suggested he was hesitant as he had no idea of the place but after seeing it, he was charmed by the beauty of this hill resort. He along with his wife spent their vacations there. One of the pools is named after Mrs. Iris Bose.

In the same year ‘Scouting for Boys in India’ (authored by BP) was published. The book was written

by Lord Baden Powell as it was one of the terms of agreement signed in 1921. It was published by the Boy Scout Association, London. An Indian edition of the ‘Scouting for Indian Boys’ was published by the Boy Scout Association. Indian stories, features conforming to Indian traditions and Bande Matram song were included in it.

Indian Scouts participated in Empire Jamboree at Wembley England in 1924. Inspired by International events a jamboree was organised in Madras in 1926 under the guidance of Sir C. P. Rama Swamy Iyer, which was attended by 4000 scouts from different parts of India viz., Bombay, Baluchistan, Madras, Hyderabad, Central Province, Cochin, Coorg, Kashmir, Travancore, Mysore etc. Scouts from Srilanka, too, participated in this Jamboree. Dr. M. N. Natu and Mr. D. P. Joshi from Maharashtra participated in it. Scouts from Ceylon also participated in this first Meet. The first All India Scouters Conference was held in Delhi which was inaugurated by the Viceroy of India (Lord Irwin) in 1927. It was decided to set up the National Headquarters of the Boy Scout Association in New Delhi.

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41

In 1933 Col. Wilson (who after his retirement from India became the Chief of Gilwell) visited India and conducted Wood Badge Courses at Pachmarhi. He attended the Second All India Conference in Delhi from February 20- 23, 1934. It was opened by Lord Irwin. During his stay he visited many provinces and tried to unite Seva Samiti Scout with ‘Boy Scout Association’ but his efforts failed.

Scouts of Seva Samiti Scout Association and Boy Scout Association rendered valuable services to the earthquake victims in the relief camp organised in Bihar (January 1934) and Quetta (May-June 1936). Dr. Rajendra Prasad who was incharge of the relief work in Bihar was greatly impressed by the services rendered by the Scouts and Guides. Even after becoming the President of India he not only remembered it but also often referred to it in his speeches at the Scouts and Guides gatherings.

In 1935 Nawab Mohammad Ahmed Saeed Khan of Chhatari was nominated as the Chief Commissioner of the Boy Scout Association while Mr. H.W. Hogg was the Dy. Chief Commissioner and Mr. N.N. Bose became the General Secretary.

Nawab of Chhatari was the first Indian nominated to that coveted post. The first All India Triennial Conference of the Boy Scout Association was held in New Delhi at the Government House (now known as Rashtrapati Bhawan) on 16th and 17th November 1937. It was inaugurated by the Chief Scout for India (the Viceroy).

Installation of popular ministries in the provinces under the Government of India Act of 1935 (Provincial Autonomy) created an atmosphere for renewed 42

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efforts towards the unification of the Movement.

Most of the Education Ministers wanted one Scout organisation for the whole country. In the meantime another organisation called the ‘National Scout Association’ was formed in Bombay. Shri Bhulabhai Desai and Dr. B. H. Mehta with the co-operation of the Bombay Govt., founded this organisation.

Provincial Governments were finding it difficult to deal with so many organisations. The problems of giving grants, representation, control etc., created confusion. It necessitated unification of the Scout/ Guide Organisations.

The Sewa Samiti Scouts were keen to keep their separate identity as they were stressing more on patriotism, Indian tradition and social service. From 1922 to 1938, the Sewa Samiti Scout Association had organised Nine Scout Melas, and set up Social Service Camps in Kumbh Melas. The total membership of Scouts of this Association was 1,00,000 and Guides were nearly 2500. The number of Mohalla troops was 100. They had made a distinct mark as a separate organisation and were a force to reckon with.

It was, therefore, strongly felt that Lord and Lady Baden Powell be invited to use their influence once again in bringing all Scouts and Guides Associations of India under one banner. An invitation to the Chief Scout and Chief Guide was extended by Lord Linlithgow-the Viceroy of India. The Couple arrived in Bombay on 25th January, 1937 on their second visit as the World Chief Scout and Chief Guide.

The first formal Jamboree of Boy Scouts was held in Delhi on February 1-7, 1937. Lord Baden Powell’s presence inspired the Scouts and Scouters. Nawab of Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

43

Chhatari addressing the rally as ‘Brother Scouts’ and extending a hearty welcome said “A true Scout’s love for Service is not confined by geographic boundaries.

The Movement to which we belong is an international movement. Internationalism does not conflict with nationalism. We need not hate our neighbour, because we love our brother. Our greatest enemy is apathy and not opposition.”

Lord Baden Powell congratulated the Scouts and remarked that ‘Scouts are not mere silent doers, but do things letting themselves go with zest and full throat with vigour.’ The Chief Scout also visited a few other cities in India but could not achieve much in his efforts to unify the Scout Associations. In fact he got into an unfortunate controversy when in May 1937 at a luncheon to the Press Reporters, Baden-Powell narrated his experience about Scouting in India.

It appears that ‘Reuter’ (news agency) misquoted these observations which created a serious misunderstanding and strong reaction in India. BP wrote a letter to the Editor of Sunday Statesman, Calcutta saying ‘Nothing was farther from my intention than to cast aspersion on India and Indians.

The version of my interview shows lack of intelligence or willful distortion on the part of a reporter.’ The Chief Scout also wrote a letter to Nawab of Chhatari, Chief Commissioner, Boy Scout Association in India (dated 24.6.1937) in which he explained that he was misquoted by the press. *2 These clarifications helped in subsiding the unfortunate controversy.

Lord Baden Powell had left India with satisfaction of seeing the growth of Scouting and Guiding in the country, which he loved greatly.

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After Baden-Powell’s departure, on the initiative of the Sewa Samiti Boy Scout Association a Round Table Conference was convened on 28-29 November 1937 in its Headquarters at Allahabad. It was chaired by Nawab of Chhatari and attended by 50 representatives of Boy Scout Association and 31 of the Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association. A SubCommittee was formed to work out a formula for merger. Its report was placed in the second Round Table Conference held on 23rd and 24th April, 1938 at Allahabad. The Boy Scout Association headed

by Nawab of Chhatari did not agree to amalgamate because of the recommendations about the name, promise, badge, flag etc., made by the sub committee.

The main point of contention again was the clause regarding ‘Loyalty to the King’ in the Promise which the Boy Scout Association being patronised by the Government, did not agree to be deleted.

The Girl Guide Association in its meeting in Lucknow deleted the word ‘Emperor’ from its ‘Guide Promise’.

In 1946 the General Council of the Guide Association discussed the Guide’s Promise and the three promises retained were God, Country and Guide law.

THE HINDUSTAN SCOUT ASSOCIATION However, the Sewa Samiti Boys Scout Association, Indian National Scout Association, Bombay, and five other small organisations merged into a new organisation called the ‘Hindustan Scout Association’ with its headquarters at Allahabad. Seven Scout Organisations which merged into the Hindustan Scout Association were: - Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

45

-

National Scout Association of Bombay (Desai, Mehta Group) - The Bombay Boy Scout Association - The Bombay Municipal Corporation Scout Association - The Madras Presidency Scout Association (a group of the Boy Scout Association, BP) - Indian Nationalist Scout Association, Baroda It may be mentioned that Dr. Hirdaya Nath Kunzru was the National Commissioner of the Hindustan Scout Association. Gandhiji blessed this organisation at Wardha in 1938. It had a strength of 2,22,560 Scouts, 7,100 Guides and 100 ‘Mohalla Dals’.*3 A grand Scout Mela of the Hindustan Scout Association was held in Amritsar in 1939 which was attended by 7000 Scouts. Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlu was the Chairman of the Reception Committee. It was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru inspected the rally riding on a horse. Packets of sweets and dry fruits were served to the participants. The Mela was a big attraction for the public.

Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai trained Boy Scouts in ‘Air Raid Protection’ in 1940-41. He established an ARP Training School also at Allahabad. Air Scouting started in India during this period. In the same year Shri Bajpai organised a 42-day long Himalayan Wood Badge Training Course at Sheetla Khet. He also conducted a camp of 48 Scout organisers to popularise Scouting in the rural areas and wrote a book on Scouting in rural areas as well as trained scout leaders to organise the Scout Movement in the rural areas.*4 He visited many cities to give further impetus to the Movement.

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On 30th November 1938 the Boy Scout Association which till now was registered with the British Boy Scouts Association (London), got affiliation from the International Scout Bureau and became an independent organisation. In 1941 the Second Triennial Conference of the Boy Scout Association was held in Delhi under the Presidentship of Nawab of Chhattari.

Thereafter, Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru took over as the Chief Commissioner of the Boy Scouts Association, while Justice Vivian Bose was its Deputy Chief Commissioner. He tried to unify the Movement.

The third Triennial Conference of the Boy Scout Association held in 1945 was chaired by him. Due to his failing health, Sir Sapru could not preside over the fourth Triennial Conference and Justice Vivian Bose chaired it. Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru passed away on 21st January 1949 and Shri Bose succeeded him as the Chief Commissioner.

The Hindustan Scout Association, formed in 1938, continued to grow in popularity and organised a Grand Scout Mela in Karachi in December 1946, which was attended by Boy Scouts and Girl Guides from different parts of India. This was the last major Scout/Guide gathering in pre-partitioned India. It will be interesting to note that the present President of the Bharat Scouts & Guides Shri Rameshwar Thakur had attended this last Jamboree of pre-partitioned India. At that time he was the District Organiser at Bhagalpur, Bihar.

World War-II, which ended in 1945, wrote the epitaph of British Colonialism in India. Indian political scenario was fast changing. An Interim Government was formed at the Centre with Shri Jawaharlal Nehru

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47

as the first Prime Minister of India. On 15th August 1947 India became free.

Indian Scouts and Guides celebrated this ‘Historic Moment’ with great zeal. Rallies and meetings were organised all over the country. They participated in the processions, public meetings and functions organised by the government as well as the public.

India’s independence was also celebrated in the Sixth World Jamboree at Moisson, France. A strong contingent of 128 Boy Scouts and 17 scouters had attended the Jamboree from 9th to 21st August 1947.

Sh. Jasdev Singh, now a famous Radio Commentator, attended this Jamboree as a member of the Scout Group.*5 India’s first Independence Day was celebrated in the Jamboree on 15th August 1947. A tea party was arranged which was attended by almost all the contingent leaders. Indian dishes, all arranged by the Scouts, were served. Congratulatory speeches were given and greetings were exchanged. On the morning of 15th August, three flags (India, Pakistan and Scout) were flown on the flagpole. Though some of the Scouts hailing from areas, which became part of Pakistan, owed allegiance to their new country, yet the entire contingent remained one and lived together at the Jamboree Grounds in the true spirit of mutual harmony and brotherhood.

With India attaining independence, time had now come for unification of all the Scout and Guide organizations. Indian nationalist leaders had always evinced keen interest in Scouting and Guiding.

Even before Independence Indian leaders had partronised Scouting. Gurdev Shri Rabindra Nath 48

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Tagore, to whom Lord Baden Powell had written a letter asking him to popularize Scouting among his friends, had seen ‘Great possibilities in the Movement.’

He sent a teacher from Shanti Niketan to receive training in Scouting and started ‘Brati Balak’ Scheme for the village boys of Shanti Niketan. The Brati Balak Scheme was a modified version of Scouting. Tagore had accepted the aims and objects of Baden-Powell’s Movement. One teacher was sent from Shanti Niketan to Pachmarhi for training. These Barti Balaks used to put on dhoti, shirt and a red cloth in lieu of belt.

‘Barti Balaks of Shanti Niketan’ functioned as an independent body.

Mahatma Gandhi once said ‘I pray that every home in India may have children like Scouts and Guides.’ He visited the State Headquarters of the Scout Association of Madras on 4th September 1927 which gave a boost to the Scout Movement. He had addressed the Hindustan Scouts in a Rally at Wardha in 1938 and blessed all true Scouts as the harbingers of a peaceful revolution. In his message to the rally, he wrote, “This is quite right that in the Wardha Scheme Education Scouting has been included as a subject.

Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Dr. Rajendra Prasad had graced the Amritsar Scout Mela organised by the Hindustan Scout Association in 1939. Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlu was the Chairman of the Reception Committee.

Maulana Abulkalam Azad, one of the leading lights of the national freedom struggle and who became the first Minister for Education of free India, set the ball of unification of the Scout and Guide Organisations rolling. The process, he initiated, culminated in the Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

49

formation of the Bharat Scouts and Guides on 7th November 1950.

REFERENCES *1.

Dutta, Shrikrishan (sharma) and Suman, Krishan Kumar: Pandit Shriram Bajpai (Hindi), Jaipur, Maru Bharti Prakashan, Kherja, p.

19

*2.

Lord Baden Powell’s letter to Nawab Syd. Mohammad Chhatari dated 24-6-1937. Cf. Mazumdar, Smt. Lakshmi: A Dream Came True, op cit; pp.115-116

*3.

ibid.; p.18.

*4.

ibid.; p.19

*5.

XIII Jamboree Patrika (Barunei Vartha) January 5, 1998, p.7

*6.

Mishra, R. S.: Our Scouts & Guides, New Delhi, Director Publication Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India, Patiala House, 1993, p. 35

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5 EMERGENCE OF UNIFIED NATIONAL MOVEMENT (1948-1951) Attainment of freedom by India in 1947 had an expected impact on Scout/Guide Movement.

There was a general feeling that all Scout/Guide organisations must unite giving up their differences and work for a strong and prosperous India.

Duplication of such organisations was in no way, justified in the new political set up. The Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru was keen to develop one national organisation of Scouts and Guides. On May 29, 1948 Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Education Minister, Government of India, convened an informal meeting of the representatives of the two main Scout organisations to bring amalgamation. The meeting was chaired

by Maulana Azad and attended by Shri Mangaldas Pakvasa (Governor, Central Province and President of Hindustan Scouts Association), Dr. Hriday Nath Kunzru (National Commissioner, Hindustan Scouts Association) and Justice Vivian Bose (Chief Commissioner, Boy Scout Association). Those present in the meeting were informed by the Chairman that

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Lord Mountbatten (the Governor General of India and Chief Scout of the Boy Scout Association), was not only anxious for the merger but had offered his active cooperation for bringing it about.

After a long discussion, the merger was agreed upon subject to its ratification by the National Executive Committees of the Boy Scout Association and the Hindustan Scout Association. There was unanimity of views on the affiliation of new organisation to the International Scout Bureau. It was to be kept free from political or communal partisanship. This meeting further decided to set up a small committee to consider modalities of merger.

The Merger Committee met on June 2, 1948 in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Education, New Delhi under the chairmanship of Dr. Tarachand (the then Education Secretary, Government of India). Others who attended the meeting were Sh. Mangaldas Pakvasa, Justice Vivian Bose, Dr. Hriday Nath Kunzru, Mrs. Queenie HC Captain and G.H. Nicholas, Deputy Private Secretary to Lord Mountbatten.The meeting concluded with a proposal that the new organisation be named as ‘Hind Scouts’. It was also agreed that the new set up would consist of a ‘General Council’, an ‘Executive Committee’, President/honorary President of the Council, National Chief Commissioner, General Secretary with one or more Assistant Secretaries.

The aims, objects, Scout Law and Promise were also discussed and accepted.

A committee was formed consisting of Mr. G.T.J. Thadaeus, and Mr. P. K. Menon of Boy Scout 52

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Association and Dr. M. N. Natu headed by Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai of the Hindustan Scout Association.

The Committee met in the General Headquarters of the Boy Scout Association in Regal Building, New Delhi on 3rd June 1948 and prepared a draft regarding the functioning of the organization. The Drafting Committee was asked to prepare the Constitution in such a way as to keep the door open for Girl Guide Association to join the Movement at some later date.

Justice Bose also attended the meeting. The report was submitted to Dr. Tara Chand (Chairman of the Merger Committee) the same day . The guidelines given to the Drafting Committee were kept in view.

It was agreed that the new organisation be affiliated to the International Scout Bureau. Decisions about the formation of the Trust, training scheme, design of badge, staff etc., were also taken up. A time table was drawn up for the formation of the new organisation.

The two associations agreed to convene their supreme bodies in August 1948. Next day (June 4, 1948) the sub committee decided upon the first Headquarters Council which was to consist of Dr. Hriday Nath Kunzru, Mr. Vivian Bose, Mr. G.T. J. Thaddeus, Mrs. Queenie H.C. Captain and nine members to be elected each by the Hindustan Scout Association and nine members by the Boy Scout Association. Decisions were also taken about the formation of a trust to manage the properties of both the Associations. It was also felt that the drafting of the Memorandum and Articles of Association should be done in consultation with a solicitor. It was also resolved to confer the honorary rank of the Chief Commissioner (Emeritus) on Sir Tej

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53

Bahdur Sapru for life (unfortunately Sir Sapru expired on 21.1.1949).

The Hindustan Scout Association held an emergency meeting of its National Council on 22.8.1948 in New Delhi. The draft of agreement was placed before it. Some of the provisions about training, conditions of service of the staff etc., were discussed. Dr. H.N. Kunzru, Dr. M.N. Natu, Smt. Kusum Sayani, Sh. Madan Mohan and Shri R. K. Sidhwa were elected to represent the Association at the Merger Conference to be held at Nagpur in the last week of August 1948. The Council elected Smt. Gharpurey, Smt. Probha Banerjee, Sh. R. K. Sidhwa, Shri Madan Mohan, Shri M. V. Donde, Shri Vir Deva Vir, Sh. Kanayajee, Sh. Ramanand to serve on the Working Committee for the interim period.

The Council further authorised Dr. Kunzru, Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai, Lala Hansraj Gupta and Sh. Madan Mohan to sign application for registration of the ‘Hind Scouts’ (the merged organisation).

The Boy Scout Association held its 4th triennial conference on August 30, 1948 at Nagpur. Justice Vivian Bose guided the deliberations, dispelled fears and anxieties and asked the members to give a fair trial to the merger which was in the best interest of the Scouts and Guides.

Dr. H.N. Kunzru, Sh. S. R. Bajpai and a few other leaders of Hindustan Scout Association met the members of the conference at an informal meeting with Shri Mangaldas Pakvasa the then Governor of Central Provinces.

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A meeting of the Merger Committee took place at the Government House, Nagpur on 18-19 Dec. 1948.

Shri Pakvasa presided. Dr. Tarachand, Justice Vivian Bose, Dr. Kunzru and Mrs. Queenie Captain attended the meeting. Many decisions , as follows, were taken by the Committee.

1. Name of the merged body would be ‘Hind Scouts and Guides’.

2. Justice Vivian Bose was entrusted with the task to draft a suitable constitution for this new association.

3.

Dr. Tara Chand undertook to prepare a general scheme of merger with the help of merging associations.

4.

A general set up of the new organisation was planned.

5.

An interim council was to be established in January, 1949.

6. There would be Joint National Commissioners incharges of training of Scouts and Guides separately.

7.

The National Organising Commissioner would look after the training of both the sections.

A small merger committee was constituted with Dr. Tarachand, Dr. H.N. Kunzru, Justice Vivian Bose, (Mrs. Quennie HC Captain was to be invited if the Girl Guide Association so desired). This committee held its meeting on 9th May, 1949 in the Govt. House (now known as Rashtrapati Bhawan). Sh. Pakvasa provided draft articles of the Memorandum, rules and regulations. Wordings of Scout promise were also discussed. The following office bearers were

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chosen for three years. (1) National Commissioner Dr. H. N. Kunzru, (2) Chief Commissioners Justice Vivian Bose and Mrs. Queenie H. C. Captain, (3) National Organising Commissioner Shri S. R. Bajpai (4) Joint National Organising Commissioners-G.T.J. Thaddeus, Mrs. Asha and Mrs. C. Mohini. (5) National Secretary- Shri J. S. Verma (he expired before the merger was finalised) Appointment of provincial office bearers was left to the provincial associations. The design of the flag and badge with fleurdelis with Ashok Chakra in the centre was adopted. Decision was taken to transfer Rs. 1.05 lakhs to Pakistan Boy Scout Association being their share in the funds of the Association. The Boy Scout Association earmarked Rs. 1.80 lakhs to ensure the payments of the salaried staff for the interim period i.e., three years.

The Headquarters Council of the Boy Scouts Association met at Nagpur on July 30 and 31 1949 under the chairmanship of Justice Bose. It was in favour of retaining the institutions of the ‘Chief Scout’ and changing the designation of the National Organising Commissioners to the Deputy Chief Commissioners (one each for the Scout and Guide sections). It favoured to refer the conscience clause of the Scout Promise to the International Bureau and changed the designation of Honorary Secretary to National Secretary. It decided to have two National Camp Directors (one for the Scouts and other for the Guides). Suitable changes were made in the 2 and 8th Laws. The number of the Organising Commissioners was to be reduced from 3 to 2. This merger scheme

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was to be left to the Triennial Conference subject to further consideration by the Headquarters Council.

The Merger Committee held its meeting on 22 and 23 Oct. 1949 at Nagpur. Wordings of the Promise were finalised. It was recommended that an Interim Committee be constituted which would consist of six members from Boy Scout Association, six from Hindustan Scout Association and Six Guides to be jointly chosen by Dr. H. N. Kunzru and Mrs. Queenie HC Captain. These would include the eight office bearers adopted earlier for managing the merged organization for 3 years. rd

A Trust Committee comprising Dr. Kunzru, Justice Bose and Mrs. Queenie H.C.Captain was recommended to hold and manage properties belonging to the three Associations (viz., Boy Scouts Association, Hindustan Scouts Association and Girl Guide Association).

The third meeting of the Merger Committee took place on 26.12.1949. It decided that Guide Trust Fund be used only for Guide work. A decision about the training could be reached because the World Bureau and Camp Chief of Gilwell adopted a flexible attitude to facilitate the merger.

The Hindustan Scout Association’s National Council met on 3.12.1949 at Allahabad. It was suggested that the National Organising Commissioner would be responsible only to the National Commissioner. It was also recommended that the process of merger be expedited and the Chief Commissioner be authorised to take necessary steps. Justice Vivian Bose circulated a report on merger along with the final draft to the Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Provincial Associations on 11 November 1949 which were asked to send back their reports within one month’s time.

The General Headquarters Council of the Boy Scout Association held its meeting on February 12, 1950, which was chaired by Justice Vivian Bose. Mr. K. B. Godrej sent a circular suggesting some amendments.

He favoured simultaneous merger of the three Associations (Boy Scouts Association, Hindustan Scout Association and the Girl Guide Association) and not in piecemeal. He suggested that the name of the new organisation be changed from ‘Hind Scouts’ to ‘Bharat Scouts & Guides’. It was decided to hold the Triennial Conference on April 16, 1950. Mr. K. B. Godrej, Mr. A. S. Virlley, Sardar Hardial Singh, Mr. P. Shiv Shankar were elected to the Interim Council.

The fifth Triennial Conference held its meeting at Nagpur on 15-16th April 1950. Justice Bose moved the merger resolutions which were passed. He had the support of some prominent persons of the Boy Scout Association viz., Sardar Hardial Singh, Mr. Saroj Ghosh, Dr. M. N. Zutshi. Mr. Shyam Sunder, Mr. M. Hidayatullah etc. The decision was endorsed in the second meeting of the Council on May 21,1950.

Application for the transfer of Boy Scout Association’s Funds came up before the court on 6th October, 1950.

Both the Associations passed it in their meetings in New Delhi on 24.10.1950 and Dr. Kunzru unfurled the flag on 1st November, 1950.

Name of the new organisation was suggested as the Hind Scouts and Girl Guides to which some objections were raised. It was thought to change it to 58

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India Scouts and Guides. As the constitution of India has mentioned the name BHARAT for Indian Union, so the name finally agreed upon was the BHARAT SCOUTS AND GUIDES. National Secretary of the Bharat Scouts and Guides issued circular on 2.11.1950 declaring the merger. The merger came into effect on 7 November 1950.

The Girl Guide Association, however, was not fully satisfied with the negotiations and still opted to stay out for the time being. Negotiations, however, continued. Dr. Hriday Nath Kunzru, the National Commissioner of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, and the Chairman of the Merger Committee, made relentless efforts and gave certain assurances. The General Council of the Girl Guide Association in its meeting in Lucknow on February 23-25, 1950 unanimously agreed finally to merge with the Bharat Scouts and Guides. Their suggestions for separate training for girls under women trainers, a separate Woman organising Commissioner under a Woman Chief Commissioner for Guides were accepted. It was also agreed that a woman would be eligible for the office of the National Commissioner. The Girl Guide Association finally amalgamated with the Bharat Scouts & Guides on 15th August 1951. The first combined gathering was held in October 1952 in the Conference of Scouters and Guiders in Delhi.

Presently, the Bharat Scouts and Guides is the only National Scout/Guide organisation in India recognised by the Govt. of India and affiliated to both World Organisation of Scout Movement and World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

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For the first three years the new organisation was managed by an Interim Committee. During this period the Merger Committee appointed an expert committee to draft detailed rules. The constitution was framed.

The Interim Council had 5 meetings. The National Council of the Bharat Scouts and Guides met for the first time in New Delhi on 31st October and November 1, 1953. Shri Mangaldas Pakvasa was elected as the first President and Dr. H.N. Kunzru the first National Commissioner.

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Part-II A March Forward (1950-2010)

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6 A NATIONAL MOVEMENT ON THE MOVE (1950-1960)

VISION ACCOMPLISHED November 7, 1950 is a historic day for the Scouts and Guides in India as it heralded an era of a unified and joint movement in India. It was the fulfillment of a long cherished dream. Efforts for a united organisation started in 1920 which had failed to yield concrete results despite the renewed efforts in 1937-38. As has been seen earlier in the preceding chapter the dream of unification of the Scout/Guide Associations was finally realised on 7th Nov. 1950. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lord Mountbatten, Maulana Azad all helped in initiating the move and bringing it to fruition. The Government of India played a very important and positive role in bringing all the parallel organisations namely, the Hindustan Scout Association and the Boys Scout Association under one banner. The process, which started in 1948, culminated on 7th of November 1950 and the complete task was fully accomplished on 15th August, 1951 with the All India Girl Guide Association also formally merging with the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

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A 15-member Interim Governing Body was initially constituted which drew up the Constitution for National, States and Local Associations. Rules were drawn and many other administrative preliminaries were finalised. The Scout section of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was readily granted affiliation by the International Scout Bureau. The affairs were managed by the Interim Governing Body from Nov.7, 1950 to October 31, 1953.

GIRL GUIDE ASSOCIATION MERGES WITH B S & G, AFFILIATES TO WAGGGS All India Girl Guide Association had always maintained a separate identity. Even in 1950 it had some reservations and opted out of the merger since the very beginning. But due to the relentless efforts of the stalwarts of the Scout movement, especially those of Dr. Hriday Nath Kunzru, an agreement was finally reached and the Girl Guide Association merged in the Bharat Scouts and Guides on 15th August 1951.

Girl Guides section’s claim of full membership at the international level was discussed in the World Guide Conference at Dombass, Norway on Aug.12,1952. Mrs. Lakshmi Mazumdar, who attended the conference, successfully pleaded the case of India’s full membership in the world organisation. She extended an invitation to the World Director, Ms. Dame Leslie, to visit India. The World Committee asked the World Conference to delegate power to accept India’s membership provided: (I) important Constitutional matters in the APRO were transferred to the Constitution of the Bharat Scouts and Guides and Trefoil was incorporated in

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the official badge worn by Bharat Guides as their promise badge.

Ms. Dame Leslie Whateley, Director of the World Bureau of Girl Guides came to India in Nov. 1953 and toured the country extensively. Her visit synchronised with the visit of Col. J.S. Wilson Director of Boy Scout International Bureau. A meeting of Dame Leslie, Col. J. Wilson, Dr. H. N. Kunzru, Vivian Bose, Queenie Captain and Mrs. Lakshmi Mazumdar was held on 3.11.1953 and a complete agreement was reached. It was endorsed by the duly elected National Council on 28th March 1954. The World Committee of WAGGGS in its meeting in April 1954 affiliated India as its member and Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar attended the 15th World Guide Conference in Holland as the first representative of the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

ALL INDIA SCOUTERS AND GUIDERS CONFERENCE (1952) The Interim Council in its meeting dated 20th April 1952 resolved to convene an All India Conference of Scouters and Guiders. The Conference was held from October 27 to 31, 1952 at the Nizamuddin Camping Ground, Delhi. It was a memorable experience for 212 representatives (159 Scouters and 53 Guiders ) from 15 states and the National Headquarters. Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai chaired and Col. J. S. Wilson, World Director Boy Scout International Bureau and Dame Leslie Whateley, Director of the World Bureau of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts graced the Conference. This provided the Scouters and Guiders ample opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of BS and G and also to meet the members individually and collectively.

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Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the Indian Republic, inaugurated the Conference. Justice Vivian Bose extended a hearty welcome and Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar proposed vote of thanks. The President also drove round the camp in an open jeep. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, visited the Conference Venue and addressed the members who had assembled around the flag. Referring to the lesser number of Guides he humourously remarked, “Certainly, I hope there is no dearth of girls in our country”. The Prime Minister exhorted the Scouters and Guiders to spread the Movement. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Education Minister of India gave an at home at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The President of India graced the occasion with his presence. The Conference had a busy schedule. Talks were given on important subjects by eminent personalities of the Movement and discussions centered round the basic issues of Scouting and Guiding.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FORMED (1953) The First National Council consisting of the representatives drawn from the states, as per the rules laid down in APRO, met on 31.10.53. The fifth meeting of the Interim Council was held on the same day. Shri Mangaldas Pakvasa was chosen as the first President, Rani Phul Kunwari, Justice Hidyatullah, R. S. Naik and Sh. R. K. Sidhwa were elected as Vice Presidents. Dr. H.N. Kunzru was elected as the National Commissioner.

Mr. Vivian Bose and Mrs. Queenie H.C. Captain were appointed the Chief Commissioner of Scouts and Chief Commissioner of Guides respectively. Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai was appointed the National Organising

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Commissioner. Sh.V. Sahai was the National Treasurer and Sh. K. G. Vaidynathan the National Secretary. The Executive Committee comprised of 19 members while the Finance Committee had nine members only. The first regular meeting of National Council was held on 1.11.1953 in which the National Executive Committee was elected.

First meeting of the Executive Committee took place on 22-11-53. In its meeting on 1-11-53 the National Council recorded its appreciation of the services rendered by the Interim Council.

NATIONAL JAMBOREE, SECUNDERABAD (1953) The first National Scouts and Guides Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was held at Secunderabad (Hyderabad) from Dec. 29-1953 to Jan. 02-1954. 7340 participants demonstrated their Scout and Guide skills.

Representatives from Nepal, Burma, Pakistan, Ceylon and Australia joined the Jamboree. Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai, the National Organising Commissioner was its Director. The whole camp was divided into sections and each one of these was named after a national hero. The programme of the Jamboree, though very heavy, was very attractive. On 30th December 1953, a route march was arranged. Mayor of Hyderabad took the salute of the moving rally. On 2nd January 1954, Sh. Jawaharlal Nehru the Prime Minister of India, came and spent 40 minutes at the venue to witness the march past and display. In his speech the Prime Minister expressed the wish that every boy and girl in the country would join Scouting / Guiding .

A union of Wood Badge Holders was also arranged on this occasion. All the competitions were held in Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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high spirits and each state was awarded a Memento of the Jamboree.

THE NATIONAL TRAINNING CENTRE (1956) A landmark in the history of the Bharat Scouts and Guides is the materialising of the dream of a National Training Centre-the Gilwell Park of India. This Centre is located in Pachmarhi-the verdant jewel of Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. The Centre is a ‘Temple of Learning’ not only for the Scouts and Guides of India but also from abroad. The first training camp for the Scouters at Pachmarhi was held by Mr. Vivian Bose in 1923. Those who knew the place were able to convince him that it was an ideal place for the purpose. *1 From then onwards many training camps were held there and Col. J. S. Wilson himself conducted 3 training camps there in 1933.

After the creation of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, a need was felt to establish a National Training Centre.

The choice predictably fell upon Pachmarhi. This hill resort because of its geographic position, easy access, natural atmosphere of beauty and suitability for camping, rock climbing, hiking etc., was favoured by all the Scout/Guide leaders. A meeting of the District Organiser Commissioners was held at Pachmarhi from Dec. 26-31, 1954.

Dr. Hirday Nath Kunzru and Mr. Vivian Bose relentlessly worked to get a suitable plot for the training centre. Dr. Mangaldas Pakvasa gave his support to this move. The efforts bore fruits when the Madhya Pradesh State Government gifted a plot of 45.6 acres for this purpose. In 1961, the State Government allowed more land for the expansion of 68

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the Centre. Later on more area was added. At present total area under the Centre comes to be about 56 acres.

It may be of interest to learn that the Master Plan of the National Training Centre, Pachmarhi was prepared

by Mr. Polak (an American architect and friend of Mr. and Mrs. Bose). Detailed plan was given to M/s Sathe, Kothari & Sons. The Government agreed to pay 75% of the estimated cost, provided 25% money was raised by the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Seth Kirori Mal Trust donated Rs.45000/- for setting up the Administrative Block. The Girl Guide Association gave Rs.68000/- to build B. P. Memorial Bhawan.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India laid the foundation stone of B.P. Memorial Bhawan and ancillary structure on 10th Sept. 1956. To perpetuate the memory of his visit, a hill point has been named as ‘Rajendra Giri’. *2 The place has been developed as one of the most attractive picnic spots.

Lady Olave Baden Powell, before a gathering of distinguished members of Scout and Guide community, opened the B.P. Memorial Bhawan on 22 Feb 1961. This date being the birthday of Lord and Lady Baden Powell is celebrated as the Thinking Day. The area beyond Rajendra Giri was fenced and ready for use in 1978. On 9th May 1978 campsite entrance from B.P. Bhawan was named as ‘Dhiman Square’.

The National Training Centre is a well-equipped Training Centre with Administrative Block, BP. Memorial Guide Bhawan, Olave Scout Bhawan, Kunzru Hall, Ferris and Padolina Libraries and a ‘Coming of Age Hut’. Camping areas and Parks have been named after the most distinguished volunteers Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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and professionals of the Scouting and Guiding Movement in India. In 1992 the National Adventure Institute was also started in NTC at Pachmarhi.

INTERNATIONAL MEETING (1956)

COMMISSIONERS

(GUIDE)

For the first time International Commissioners (G) for the countries of Asian Region met in Delhi from 2210-56 to 29-10-1956. Representatives from 11 countries and 14 States from India assembled in the Bajpai Memorial Hall at the Nizamuddin Camping Ground.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India, opened the Conference and delivered an inspiring speech. The meeting dealt with problems relating to existing internal relations and future development of the Movement. One of the important decisions was to recommend the establishment of a ‘World Centre for Guides and their Leaders’ in this region. The social side of the gathering described as ‘Introduction of India to delegates’ was highly appreciated. A camp-fire by delegates and Rangers, Grand Rally of Cubs and Bubuls in the Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhawan and a reception hosted by the President of India at the Darbar Hall, were the other memorable events during the gathering. A beautiful souvenir was also published on the occasion. Various states acted as hosts for various meals. ‘Guides Own’ was observed as a solemn function with every one praying to God in their own way and in one’s own language. Dr. K. L. Shrimali Dy. Education Minister addressed the gathering at the closing ceremony. The ceremony, in which every participant had a lighted torch in hand, signifying goodwill, was a befitting finale to the meeting.

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II NATIONAL JAMBOREE, JAIPUR (1956) The Second National Jamboree of Bharat Scouts and Guides was held in Jaipur from Dec 26, 1956 to 1-11957. Eight thousand three hundred Scouts and two Thousand Guides took part. A group of Scouts from Ceylon, too, joined the Jamboree. Mr. G. R. Padolina (Travelling Commissioner for Far East, Boy Scout International Bureau) and Miss Joan Stevenson (The Australian Exchange Trainer) attended the Jamboree.

Sardar Gurmukh Nihal Singh, Governor of Rajasthan inaugurated the Jamboree on 27-1256 in a colourful ceremony. The craft exhibition was opened by Sh. M. L. Sukhadia, the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan on Dec. 28, 1956. Scouts and Guides received very warm response from the public during the route march in Jaipur. The Jaipur Municipal Council presented welcome address to the National Commissioner Dr. H. N. Kunzru. Sir Edwin Wijeyratna, High Commissioner for Ceylon in India hoisted the flag in the ‘Moving Rally’ on 29-1256. On 30th December, Scouters, Guiders and Patrol Leaders’ Conference was inaugurated by Dr. M. S. Mehta. Dr. K. N. Katju the then Defence Minister of India presided over the closing ceremony.

SCOUTING AND RAILWAYS (1957)

GUIDING

IN

THE

INDIAN

In 1926 Scouting was adopted by the authorities of the North Western Railway for the physical and moral development of the families of their employees. No formal permission was given to them to form a separate association. The Group Organising Committee of the NWR was given the status of a Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Division working under the Boy Scout Association of Delhi province. Sporadic groups formed were, by and large, associated with the Boy Scout Association.

There was hardly any activity of Girl Guiding. If any Railway school sponsored any Guiding Company or Blue Bird Flock it had to apply to the District Commissioner of the State Branch of the All India Girl Guides Association.

The administrative set up of Indian Railways was divided into seven zones in 1947-48, which later on rose to nine. Zonal Headquarters were established viz., Western Railway (1951), Southern Railway (1951), Central Railway (1951), Eastern Railway (1952), Northern Railway (1952), North Eastern Railway (1952), South Eastern Railway (1955), North East Frontier Railway (1958), South Central Railway (1966).

This regrouping necessitated a change in the old relationship pattern. A zone now covered many states.

The Zonal Railways wanted independent status as State Associations. In 1951-52 there was a move to authorise zones to set up their own branches directly affiliated to the National Headquarters of the Bharat Scouts and Guides. A formal representation was made to the Interim Council which in its meeting dated May 3, 1953, allowed Railways to form State Associations provided they adhered to the rules laid down in the APRO and worked in conformity with other associations.

The Northern Railway was the first zonal organisation, which got recognition as a State Association on 24.12.1953. Subsequently, other Railway zonal organisations applied for recognition.

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In the sixth meeting of the National Executive Committee on 5th and 6th May 1954, the view was that the formation of zonal railways as separate State Associations should not be encouraged. As a result, the applications of Central, Western, Southern and Eastern Railways were not decided favourably.

Representation was again brought before the 4th meeting of the National Council on 5.5.1956.

After a prolonged discussion, the National Council authorised the National Commissioner to negotiate with parties and place his recommendations before the Council. The new National Council was formed in 1957. Justice Vivian Bose became the National Commissioner. In the eleventh meeting of the National Executive Committee he took up the matter and after a long discussion, the National Executive Committee accepted the applications of the Zonal Railways as State Associations. It brought in a significant change in the complexion and framework of the National Council.

‘THE BHARAT SCOUTS & GUIDES’ - OFFICIAL JOURNAL REGISTERED IN 1958 ‘The Bharat Scouts & Guides’, official monthly magazine of the Bharat Scouts and Guides started its publication in January, 1955. The need for publishing a magazine at the national level had been felt for a long time. In the early years the demand was met by a newsletter, which was published from time to time, whenever required. More than a dozen magazines, news bulletins or journals were already being published by States and Local Associations.

As a result of the expansion of the Movement and

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ever-widening horizon of activities, a strong need was felt to bring out a journal at the national level, which could keep the members well informed about the latest developments. Consequently, the first issue named ‘The Bharat Scouts Guides journal’ was brought out in Jan 1955 under the editorship of the National Secretary Sh. K.G. Vaidyanathan. It was called the ‘Announcement Issue’.

After undergoing the process of registration of the journal, the first regular issue was published in January, 1958. There was a slight change in the title of the Magazine and the word ‘Journal’ was dropped.

It was named as ‘The Bharat Scouts and Guides’. The first issue contained twelve pages and its size was 8½ × 5½ inches. The price was 25 paise per single copy and Rs. 3 was fixed as the annual subscription.

Since then the Magazine has made tremendous progress both qualitatively and quantitatively. Its clientele has now gone up to over 5000. The printing, too, is of a high standard. It is printed on offset with coloured photographs on art paper (coloured photographs are being printed since Oct. 1994). Special numbers are also brought out on special occasions. It disseminates information about Scouting and Guiding, news of national and international importance, quiz, cartoons, photographs of activities, thought-provoking articles not only for the adult leaders but also for the youth. It makes the magazine informative, interesting and attractive. It is being published regularly for the last 47 years and has drawn appreciation from all the members of the Movement as well as the general readers.

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SEVENTEENTH WORLD SCOUT CONFERNECE DELHI (1959) The Bharat Scouts and Guides has the unique distinction and privilege of organising the XVII International Scout Conference in Delhi from July 29 toAug. 3, 1959. This was the first ever occasion that an International Scout Conference was held in any part of Asia. The venue of the Conference was Vigyan Bhawan.

As many as 105 delegates from 40 countries and 48 observers from 26 countries attended the Conference.

All the delegates were given accommodation in the Ashok Hotel. The theme of the Conference was ‘Building Tomorrow Today’.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, inaugurated the Conference on 29.7.59. The event opened with the slow marching of the Scouts and Guides carrying flags of the participating countries while the World Jamboree song was being sung with great enthusiasm. On this historic magnificent and colourful occasion, the auditorium was packed to the full and prominent leaders of the Scouting World were sitting on the dais. Sh. Humayun Kabir, Minister of Scientific Research, Govt. of India spoke on child welfare. The delegates watched a campfire and a colourful display by Cubs and Bulbuls from Delhi State Association of Bharat Scouts and Guides and the Children’s Little Theatre. A display of Cubs and Bulbuls was also arranged at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

A big reception was also held at the residence of Sh. Jagjivan Ram, Chairman of the Reception Committee of the Conference. A special postage stamp was issued by the Directorate of Posts & Telegraphs, Govt. of India.

The A.I.R. and the Film Division gave wide publicity Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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to the event and arranged delightful programmes.

Cyclostyled copies of the ‘Daily Flash’ were brought out on July 27, 28, 31 and Aug. 1’ 1959. Twenty four Scout Groups invited Delegates, Observers and Members of the Organising Committee in small groups to dinner on 30.7.59. During their outing to Agra the delegates were extended warm hospitality by the U.P. State Bharat Scouts & Guides. Every member was presented with a small marble artifact as souvenir.

A press conference was arranged on July 28 at Vigyan Bhawan presided over by Maj. Gen. D. C. Spry, Director World Scout Bureau. Member of the All India Rovers camp held at Nizamuddin Training Centre gave full assistance in the arrangements of the Conference. Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar, who was the Chairman of the Organising Committee was awarded Silver Elephant by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India.

THE FIRST STUDY CIRCLE OF SOCs (1960) The first Study Circle of the State Organising Commissioners was held in Poona from May 27 to June 4, 1960 which was attended by sixteen SOCs from all over India. Emphasis was laid on updating the SOCs towards their professional growth and also to prepare programmes which could be useful for the youth.

VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIA AS OUR PARTON - (1960) In the morning of Nov.12, 1960, Dr. S. Radhakrishanan Vice President of India, was invested with the emblem of the Patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides by Sh. Madan Mohan, National Commissioner.

Dr. Radhakrishnan had also laid the foundation stone 76

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of the National Headquarters Building in New Delhi on that occasion. This function was held under specially put up shamianas in the presence of representatives from different states and a big gathering of friends and supporters of the Movement. Dr. Radhakrishnan in his speech called upon the Scouts and Guides to serve ‘Bharat’. He said, “unless there is a proper orientation of the mind and heart, unless you have some definite purpose, to which you subordinate yourself, unless you feel that there is some kind of cause which ennobles you, you will suffer from boredom. Therefore, it is essential for yourself to have this ideal of serving your motherland and converting heterogeneous masses of people here into a single community and make them feel as such. In the Scout Movement you have an Organisation which helps you serve your country with discipline, with efficiency and with integrity”.

THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA AS THE CHIEF PATRON(1960) At a solemn simple ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, in the afternoon of 12th Nov. 1960, in the presence of a large number of representatives from the states, Shri Madan Mohan National Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides presented the emblem of the Patron-in-Chief to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of India. Earlier Dr. Mangaldas Pakvasa, President, Bharat Scouts and Guides welcomed Rashtrapatiji.

Rashtrapati appreciated the services rendered by Scouts and Guides, whenever they were called upon and said, “I have seen them working for relief of various kinds and under various kinds of difficulties”. He conveyed his good wishes to all the Scouts & Guides and said ‘I thank you for the honour which you have done to me because

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I appreciate it particularly as a symbol of the fact that you think that I am worthy of it from your standard’.

III NATIONAL JAMBOREE, BANGALORE, (1960) The III National Jamboree of Bharat Scouts and Guides was held at Bangalore from Dec.26 to 31,1960. The venue was Bapuji Nagar (the name was changed from Sadashiva Nagar). It was a plot of land comprising of nearly 300 acres studded with trees. Ten thousand Scouts and Guides from 22 States camped at separate enclaves. The organizers made successful efforts to make all the arrangements including water and electricity excellent. 200 Service Rovers helped the organisers. His highness the Maharaja of Mysore, Lady Olave Baden-Powell and Dr. H. N. Kunzru, the National Commissioner, were present at the opening ceremony. The Maharaja in his inaugural speech made an emphatic reference to the prophetic vision of the founder to help the younger generation to get together with a common purpose to revere God, serve the country and help others there by bringing in a better world to live in with peace and prosperity.

Lady Olave Baden Powell was pleased to be able to revisit India and be present at such a mammoth and delightful get-to-gether of Scouts and Guides not only of India but belonging to several other countries.

A Craft Exhibition attracted a large number of Scouts and Guides.

Smt. Ammu Swaminathan, President Bharat Scouts and Guides, Sh. B. D. Jatti Chief Minister Karnataka, Sh. C.P. Ramaswamy, Sh. Jai Prakash Narayan and other renowned national leaders visited Jamboree. A daily newspaper ‘The Jamboree’ was 78

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published to cover the Jamboree news. Contingents from Denmark, Nepal, Isreal, Austria, Uganda, Ghana and Ceylon participated in the Jamboree. Lady Olave Baden Powell was given reception by Lady Mayor of Bangalore during this period.

REFERENCES *1.

Mr. & Mrs. Vivian Bose were fascinated by the serene used atmosphere and used to come to this hill resort during summer.

One of the waterpools has been named after Mrs. Bose as ‘Iris Pool’.

Mazumdar, Smt. Lakshmi: A Dream Came True, 2nd edn, New Delhi: The Bharat Scouts and Guides, 1997, p. 63

*2.

Pachmarhi - Queen of Satpura, A Visitor’s Guide, Gwalior Regional Press, 1962, p. 23

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7 ERA OF EXPANSION 1961-1970 Activities of the Bharat Scouts and Guides began to expand rapidly after 1950. The organization was also associated with the illustrious leaders of the time. Many more momentous events took place during the decade 1961-1970 which led to the expansion of Scout/ Guide Movement in quantitative and qualitative terms.

B.P. MEMORIAL GUIDE BHAWAN OPENED (1961) At the invitation of the Bharat Scouts & Guides, Lady Olave Baden Powell, World Chief Guide came to India in December 1960. During her stay of seven weeks she visited all the states except Assam, Gujarat and Orissa. Her visit to Bihar was cancelled due to the demise of the Chief Minister of Bihar. The Chief Guide was amazed and thrilled at the general standard of Scouting and Guiding everywhere and also at the support the Movement received from the Indian educational authorities.

22nd February 1961 is a memorable day in the history of the Scout/Guide Movement in India. Lady Baden Powell dressed in Guide Blue Sari, cut the ribbon to declare the B.P. Memorial Guide Bhawan at NTC, Pachmarhi open. The function began with the Scout/ Guide prayer which is written by Shri Vir Dev ‘Vir’, one of the stalwarts of the Movement. The Bhawan 80

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was constructed from the donation raised by the Girl Guide Association of India to build a memorial to Lord Baden Powell. After the merger, the Girl Guide Association gave this amount to the Bharat Scouts and Guides. The opening ceremony was performed amidst prolonged cheers with the singing of the song ‘The Chief’.

Madam Olave Baden Powell expressing pleasure on her visit to Pachmarhi said, “Here you are having a building which is going to be a foundation of inspiration to all those leaders who would take the torch of inspiration through their training here and will go from this place to train Boys and Girls who would be men and women of character in their future lives. The place is so lovely, so romantic, so inspiring that I am proud to be able to open this building. This is a place where persons from all parts will live together as good friends and go away from this place as good brothers and good sisters.”

PRESIDENT’S SCOUTS AND PRESIDENT’S GUIDES RALLY (1961) 28th November 1961 is a memorable date as on this day the first President’s Scouts and President’s Guides Rally was held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of India, had given his consent to call the Scouts and Guides of highest calibre as President’s Scouts and President’s Guides to the Rally in Rashtrapati Bhawan and also allowed them to use Ashoka crest for their badges. The ceremony of awarding certificates was held in Ashoka Hall.

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (the officiating President) was received by Dr. H. N. Kunzru National Commissioner, Shri Madan Mohan Chief Commissioner (Scouts)

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and Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar, Chief Commissioner (Guides) among others.

Dr. H.N. Kunzru in his speech threw light on the background of the Rally. As many as 225 Scouts and 100 Guides had qualified for the badge. Dr. Kunzru asked the members of the Scouts and Guides community to repeat the promise. Dr. S. Radha- krishnan gave certificates to the President’s Scouts and President’s Guides.

He signed certificates also for those who could not attend the function. The Vice President in his inimitable way emphasized the values of discipline, national unity and character of the youth. Next day the President’s Scouts and President’s Guides had an occasion to meet Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who was accompanied by Mr. Yuri Gagarin (The first cosmonaut) and his wife.

After Dr. Kunzru’s welcome speech Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his inspiring address gave blessings to the children. Some of these Scouts and Guides also enjoyed the local home hospitality.

Since 1971, Rashtrapati Rovers/Rangers Annual Rally is also held alongwith the Rashtrapati Scouts/ Guides Rally in which outstanding Rovers and Rangers are given Rashtrapati Rover and Rashtrapati Ranger Certificates.

It may be mentioned that President’s Scout/ Guide Rally is an annual event in which the President’s Scouts, Guides, Rovers and Rangers qualified after strenuous tests during the testing camps, get the certificates duly signed by the President of India. It becomes a moment of pride in the lives of the President’s Scouts, Guides, Rovers and Rangers.

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Group Photo taken on the Occasion of Meeting of Interim Council at Government House, Nagpur. - 1950

Dr. Rajendra Prsad, Presidnet of India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Union Education Minister Meeting with Directors of World Scout Bureau and World Guide Bureau accompanied by Dr. H. N. Kunssru, Nationalk Commissioner, 1954

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Dr. Rajendra Prasad President of India Addressing the Scouters/ Guides Conference in Delhi - 1952

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Prime Minister of India Addressing 1st All India Jamboree at Hyderabad on 2nd January, 1954.

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Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru Prime Minister Of India Inaugurating The 17th International Scout Conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi - 1959

Scout Guide Leaders with Smt. Indira Gandhi During Scouter Guider Conference. - 1964

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Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar and Lady Baden Powell at the Proposed site of National Headquarters 1960 / Inauguration of National Headquarters Building by Dr. Zakir Hussain, Vice Presedent of India. - 1964

Sardar Lakshman Singh National Commissioner Receiving “UN Peace Messanger Award” on Behalf on Bharat Scouts and Guides, 1987.

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However, the President of India has been avoiding to hold the Rally since 2002 in view of the existence of more than one Scout/ Guide organization as recognized by the Govt. of India. But as stated in Chapter XI the other organization, known as the Hindustan Scout Association stands derecognised by the Govt. of India w.e.f. 2005. Hon’ble President of India has now agreed to inaugurate the XV National Jamboree, being held at Haridwar (Uttaranchal on 16th October 2005). The President Scouts/Guides/Rovers/Rangers/ Rally is likely to be revived as an annual feature now onwards.

FIRST ALL INDIA GUIDERS SEMINAR (1962) For the first time an All India Guiders’ Seminar was held at Pachmarhi from 9th to 31st May, 1962.

35 Guiders from different states participated in it.

The Seminar was opened by H.E. Pataskar, Governor Madhya Pradesh and Patron of the State Association.

A demonstration of rock climbing by Guides was cheered by all present. Shri Mandoloi Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh addressed the participants of the Seminar next day. Shri S.T. Sharma the State Minister for Education was the Chief Guest at the Camp Fire on the closing night.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS BUILDING (1964) At the time of merger in 1950, the two Associations (Hindustan Scout Association and Boy Scout Association) had separate headquarters.

The Hindustan Scout Association had its office in Balrampur House, Allahabad, while the Boy Scout Association’s Head Office operated from a three roomed flat above a shop in Regal Cinema Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Building Complex, Connaught Circus, New Delhi.

The unification brought in a change. The new body (Bharat Scouts and Guides) started functioning with its Headquarters at Regal Building, New Delhi.

Dr. Hirday Nath Kunzru who was the National Commissioner worked through the Head Office in Delhi while Mr. Shri Ram Bajpai, the National Organising Commissioner was specially allowed for sometime to operate from his old office in Allahabad and retain his old staff. The equipment department was shifted to New Delhi in March 1954 and was functioning from the verandah of the Regal building. Meanwhile, all out efforts were being made to have a new spacious building to house the National Headquarters. This matter came up before the National Council in April 1955 and it was resolved to get a suitable plot of land from the Government. Dr. H. N. Kunzru took up the matter with the Government and the Ministry of Works & Housing allotted a plot of land measuring 0.537 acre in the Indraprastha Estate. For want of funds possession could not be taken. The matter came up before the National Council again in its meeting in Madras in 1957. It was reported that the allotment letter would be withdrawn by the Government if the amount was not deposited within six months.

The National Executive Committee appointed two sub-committees for raising of funds and supervising the construction of the building. Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar was the Chairperson of both the committees. She was successful in getting the promised quota money from 17 states which enabled

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Bharat Scouts and Guides to purchase the plot of land. As a result of all these efforts, the big day arrived when Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India, laid the foundation stone of the National Headquarters Building on 12th November 1960.

With the generous help from the Government, cooperation of the State Associations and contribution from the general public in cash or kind, the vision of a National Headquarters building was accomplished.

Construction of the building was delayed due to rains and problems in procuring building material.

A steady start was possible only from October 1961 and construction was completed in a record time,

by November 1962. Rai Bahadur Durga Das was the honorary supervisor for the construction. After provisions of water, electricity and furniture, the National Headquarters Building was occupied by January 1963 and an All India Event was organised in February 1963.

Dr. Zakir Hussain, Vice-President of India and Patron of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, formally declared the building open to the Scouts and Guides of India on 31st of January, 1964. Referring to the raising of funds, the Patron said, “I am particularly happy to know something about the programme of small collections of 25 paise from the individual Scouts and Guides. This is an excellent example for voluntary organisations in India to follow. In our country we are four hundred millions of men, women & children. If we can organise this massive population of our dormant human resources our strength both internal and external will have no bounds”.

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SCOUTING IN REFUGEE CAMPS The armed conflict on our border in 1962 electrified the whole nation. Every Indian rose up to meet the emergency. Scouts and Guides being well trained were better prepared to serve the Nation. The National Commissioner’s call for pledge to serve the country was taken up enthusiastically in all parts of the country.

Services of Scouts were offered for civil defence and blood donation. Contributions and donations were also raised for National Defence Fund. Some of the Guide Leaders and Guides gave their gold ornaments.

Materials like biscuits, books, milk powder packets, blades, sweets etc., were collected for army jawans.

Rallies were organised, emergency committees were formed in order to arouse public to the realisation of national danger. Canteens were opened at railway stations. Some members of the Movement took training in rifle shooting. Postal authorities trained some of the Scouts and postal service squads were formed. Scouts and Guides worked zealously with devotion in the refugee camps also.

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON CULTURAL VALUES (1964) At the invitation of the Bharat Scouts & Guides, the WAGGGS decided to organise a seminar on ‘Mutual Appreciation of the Cultural Values of the East and the West.’ The purpose was to study the impact of the values of East and West on Modern Society. Every country was requested to send two delegates. But on the special request of the National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides the Planning Committee agreed to permit India to send two delegates and 18 observers 90

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as it would give experience of an international event to Guides and Rangers from India.

State Associations in India were asked to hold state level seminars on the above topic to select two suitable Rangers for the National Seminar.

Finally, a National Seminar was organised at the National Headquarters to select 2 delegates and 18 observers for the International Seminar. The following scholars delivered speeches on the topics mentioned below: 1. Cultural Values of the East

Swami Ranganathananda

2. Western Culture

Mr. R. E. Caveliero

3. Cultural values as reflected in family life in Urban/ rural areas

Prof. M. Mujib

4. Cultural values as reflected in Community life and social practices

Miss S. V. Mehta

5. Respo ern Society

Mrs. D. Deshmukh

6. Responsibilities of Boys in Modern Society

Mr. P. N. Nehru

7.

Mr. M. A. Ansari & Mr. S. Mohan Singh

Role of Rovers and Rangers in spreading literacy and adult education in slum area and rural area

The four-day National Seminar from September 27 to 30, 1964 of held at the National Headquarters Building was inaugurated by Shri R.K. Kapur, Joint Educational Adviser, Ministry of Education. The age Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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limit for the Rover/Ranger participants was from 18 years to 24 years. The discussions were of a high standard and a committee selected the delegates and observers from these participants.

The International Seminar was held at the India International Centre from 26th October to 6th November 1964. 38 Guides and Girl Scouts from 20 countries attended the conference. This East-West Conference explored the cultural influence as reflected in family and community life.

IV NATIONAL JAMBOREE ALLAHABAD-1964 On the holy ground of Sangam at Allahabad 11,329 Scouts and Guides assembled for the Fourth National Jamboree from December 27 to 31, 1964. Small contingents also came from New Zealand, Nepal, Ceylon, Uganda, UK and USA. Smt. Sucheta Kirplani, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh inaugurated the Jamboree. There was a busy schedule of programmes such as standard guiding tests, displays, songs, dances etc. Each contingent was giving its best with cheerful and enthusiastic presentation.

H. E. James Plimsoll, High Commissioner of Australia, Mr. & Mrs. P.B. Nevile, Vice President Boy Scout Association UK, Mr. Abdul Kadar Field Commissioner (Far East) Boy Scout World Bureau, and Smt. Vijay Lakshmi Pandit visited the Jamboree.

Sixteen hundred Scouts/Guides and Eleven Hundred Scouters and Guiders participated in Patrol Leaders and Scouters and Guiders Conference. Pt. H.N. Kunzru addressed the Conference of Former Scouts and Guides. A Re-union of Wood Badge Holders was also held on this occasion in which Mr. Nevile presided 92

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and Mr. Kader acted as advisor. It was attended by 250 Scouters. The National Commissioner participated in the route march which passed through the streets of Allahabad. The closing ceremony was presided over

by Shri B.N. Das, the then Governor of UP. SERVICES DURING EMERGENCY (1965) The attack on our borders in 1965 alerted the whole country. Scouts and Guides, Rovers and Rangers were ready to serve the Nation. As soon as the hostilities broke out, the National Commissioner offered services of the members of the Movement to the Prime Minister of India and also issued directive to all State Associations to set up an emergency committee under the State Chief Commissioner for co-ordinated action in Civil Defence.

The Headquarters offered services of their trained staff to give training in Air Raid Precautions and set up a first aid post, an emergency hospital by allotting one dormitory in National Headquarters, a warden post, fire fighting group and messenger service etc. A scheme was submitted to the Home Ministry for the effective utilisation of the services of the Scouts above 15 years. A Proficiency Badge in Civil Defence was introduced. Training in Signalling, Ambulance, path finding, driving, fire fighting, message relay etc., were taken up by Scouts/Guides and Rovers/Rangers.

SANGAM-WAGGGS ASIA CENTRE (1966) The 15th World Conference of WAGGGS was held in Holland in 1954. It was decided there that the International Commissioners’ Meetings be organised on regional basis. Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar extended Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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an invitation to the World Body to host the International Commissioners’ Meeting for Asian Region in India.

The World Committee accepted the invitation and the meeting took place in New Delhi on 22 October 1956.

In one of the resolutions, it was proposed to establish a ‘World Home’ in Asian Region. The proposal passed through various stages. In the Seventeenth World Guide Conference (Athens, Greece 1960) offers were extended by Pakistan and Philippines. Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar who was successful in procuring an offer of 7.5 acres of land in Pune and a grant of Rs. one lakh from Maharashtra Govt. extended the offer to have the Centre in India. The Government of India also promised to give Rupees one lakh as grant. The XVIII World Guide Conference (Nyborg, Denmark, 1963) accepted India’s offer and a Planning Committee was formed with Smt. Mazumdar as the Chairperson. A sub-committee headed by Smt. Mazumdar was also appointed for the Management of the Centre. The Centre was named as SANGAM and Miss Anu Karkar was appointed as its Guider-in-Charge. The Centre was formally opened by Lady Olave Baden Powell on 16th October 1966.

FIRST ROVER/RANGER CONFERENCE (1967) The first Conference of the Rover & Ranger leaders was held at the Western Railway Zonal Training School, Udaipur from 29th to 31st March 1967. It was inaugurated by His Highness Maharaja Bhagwat Singhji of Udaipur on 29th March. 74 Rover leaders and 20 Ranger leaders representing 16 states attended the Conference. Mr. G. R. Padolina, Executive Commissioner Far East Region, Boy Scout World

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Bureau and Mrs. C. Cameron, Chairman Constitution Sub-Committee of the WAGGGS participated in the Conference. Former National Organising Commissioner Shri D. P. Joshi acted as Secretary to the Conference.

V NATIONAL JAMBOREE, KALYANI (1967): The fifth National Jamboree was held at Kalyani (West Bengal) from 27 to 1st Jan 1968. Over 17000 Scouts and Guides from India and abroad participated.

The overseas contingents came from Australia, Japan, Ceylon, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Israel, Kenya, Nepal, Sikkim, Tanzania and Thailand. Dr. Laszlo NagySecretary General Designate, Boy Scout World Bureau, Abhai Chandimol, Chairman Far East Advisory Committee, World Bureau, Mr. G. R. Padolina, Executive Commissioner, Far East Region, Mr. Abdul Kader Field Commissioner etc., participated in the Jamboree.

Bidhan Nagar-the venue of the Jamboree was spread over 500 acres and divided into 12 sub camps each named after a hero such as Madhusudan, Chitranjan, Ram Mohan, Subhash, Vivekananda, Aurobindo etc. The Sub-Camps of Guides were named as Nivedita, Sarojini, Rashmoni, Sardahmoni. The administrative staff was housed in Satya Bose Camp.

The Roads dividing these camps were named after the stalwarts of Scouting and Guiding such as Pickford, Annie Besant, Baren Basu, Sachindranath.

The Jamboree was formally inaugurated on 27th December by Shri Morarji Desai, Dy. Prime Minister of India. Shri Desai was given a hearty welcome with a fanfare. He inspected the jamboree in a jeep. In his Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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speech he appreciated the discipline and spirit of service in the scouts. Unfurling of the flag, blowing of the conch shells, lighting of the lamp and a march past were some of the features of the opening ceremony.

Each day carried a different theme e.g., (27.12.1967) Ist day was ‘National Integration Day’, Second Day (28.12.) ‘Friendship Day, 3rd Day (29.12.) as ‘International Day’ fourth day (30.12) ‘National Productivity Day.’ Gilwell and HWB Union was held in the morning.

Scout and Guide Craft exhibition was opened by Swami Lokeshwarananda of Ram Krishna Mission at 10.00 a.m. In the afternoon the folk songs and folk dances competitions were organised. A Conference of Scouters and Guiders was held on the same day.

The Pageant show was heart captivating. Shri Dharam Vira Governor of West Bengal Presided over the function. The Commissioners’ Conference held on 30th December was chaired by C. M. Trivedi President of Bharat Scouts and Guides. Sh. Triguna Sen the Education Minister Govt. of India was the Chief Guest.

A grand camp fire was organised in the night. The last day of December was observed as the President’s Scouts/Guides Day. In the afternoon, the President of India arrived by helicopter. The Governor of Bengal welcomed the President. The programme was hurried through due to the uncontrollable enthusiasm of the public.

LADY BADEN POWELL’S VISIT (1968) Lady Olave Baden Powell had visited India with BP in 1921 and 1937. After BP’s demise she came to India on the invitation of Bharat Scouts & Guides in 1961 to perform the opening ceremony of B.P. Memorial 96

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Guide Bhawan, Pachmarhi and in 1966 to declare the ‘SANGAM’ Building open. The period, during 1967-68, marked the Diamond Jubilee of the Scouting Movement (1907). Lady BP arrived in Bombay on 20.2.1968 and was received by top executives from Maharashtra, Western Railway State Associations, Friends of Sangam and Former Scouts and Guides.

Lady BP drove to Raj Bhawan and stayed there as a guest of Mrs. Tara Cherian wife of the Governor.

She opened an exhibition at Birla Krida Kendra on 21.2.1968 and was given a reception by the Greater Bombay Municipal Corporation at Kamla Nehru Park.

Dr. J. Lean D’Souza Mayor of Bombay presided over the function. A lunch party was given by the Friends of Sangam. In the morning of 22nd February 1968 one Cub and one Bulbul went to Raj Bhawan to greet Lady BP on her Birthday. In the evening a Cub-Bulbul rally was organised and a service was arranged at the St. Xavier High School Bombay. Smt. Queenie H. C. Captain welcomed the Chief Guest. A campfire was arranged in the evening at Shivaji Park Scout and Guide Pavilion. On 23rd February the Lady reached Poona and stayed at Sangam. She addressed a meeting of the National Council and distributed awards. On 24th February, Madam Olave inaugurated a two day Conference of Commissioners and Secretaries at Sangam, Pune. She said there that she always loved to come India. On 25th February 1968, she gave the Valedictory address at the Conference. Next day Lady Baden Powell arrived in Bombay and performed the foundation laying ceremony of the proposed ‘Municipal Pawai Scouts and Guides Camp.’ The function was presided by the Mayor of Bombay. On 26th February, a get-together was arranged to felicitate Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Lady BP at the Convent of Jesus and Mary Colaba, Bombay by the Friends of Sangam and Fellowship of Former Scouts & Guides. An exhibition was organised by the Greater Bombay Fellowship of Former Scouts and Guides.

DR. H. N. KUNZRU BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS (1968) On 11th October 1968 the Bharat Scouts and Guides celebrated eightieth birthday of Dr. Hirday Nath Kunzru, one of the founders of Scouting in India and the first National Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides. Messages were received from dignitaries.

Sir Charles Macleans the Chief Scout of the Common Wealth opened the Hall at the National Training Centre which was named after Dr. Kunzru as ‘Kunzru Hall’. The money required to construct the hall was raised from 5 paise contribution from members of the Movement and the State Associations donated Rs.8000/-. The members of the National Council also donated money. Some persons gave help in form of free materials or supplies of material at concessional cost.

An impressive birthday ceremony was held.

Dr.Kunzru was presented with an album of ‘Service Cards’. In all 12000 Scouts and Guides worked under this scheme under the leadership of Shri D. P. Joshi.

Eighty one hundred hours of service was recorded.

A memorable volume called ‘A Dream Came True’ edited by Mrs. Lakshmi Mazumdar was presented to Dr. Kunzru. 2000 copies of the book were printed free of cost in the ‘Samaj Press’ through the good office of Shri Radha Nath, State Commissioner, Orissa.

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GANDHI CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS (1969) A Planning Committee to suggest the programme of the Gandhi Centenary was formed at the National Headquarters which included representatives of the National Committee of Gandhi’s Centenary Celebration of the Mass contact Committee and the Boy Scout World Bureau (Far East). Many events were organized to celebrate the Gandhi Centenary at various levels : (i)

At District and Local Levels : Competitions were organised for Cubs and Bulbuls. Each Cub pack or Bulbul flock was asked to prepare a scrap book on Gandhiji’s life. Each book was to contain 20 pages of standard size (13” X 10”). Competitors (35 flocks and 19 packs) from 15 states sent their scrap books of which the best three from each section were selected.

For Scouts and Guides an essay competition was organised and topics given were : ‘Gandhi as a Scout’, ‘Gandhi as a student’ and other topics related to Gandhiji’s life and thoughts selected by the local Committees. Eighty three essays were received in 9 different languages from 18 states.

A special Badge ‘Gandhi Centenary Badge’ was instituted. These were donated by the Mass Contact Committee of the National Centenary Celebration Committee. Many service projects were initiated.

Nearly 3,00,000 Scouts and Guides were involved in these projects. Each Scout/ Guide was given a service card on which the service rendered was recorded.

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(ii) At State Level : An essay competition was organised for Rovers and Rangers in different areas on the topics based on relevance of Gandhiji’s teachings. Rovers from 7 States and Rangers from 3 states participated.

Exhibitions and film shows were arranged. Publicity material supplied by the Mass Committee was properly displayed. During Rallies and Camps, films on the life of Mahatma Gandhi were shown to the Scouts & Guides. (iii) At National Level : Special projects of provision of Water supply, proper sanitation, cleanliness etc., were started in 100 selected villages. A camp for Patrol Leaders called ‘GANDHI CENTENARY’ ‘1969 ADVENTURE CAMP’ was organised at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from 1 to 8 October 1969.

It was attended by 227 Scouts and 37 Scouters, 198 Guides and 33 Guiders from 19 states. The programme of this camp, included talks on Gandhian ideas, service projects, hike and trekking, etc. A camp journal was also brought out at the occasion. Many projects were executed by Rovers and Rangers.

Gandhi Centenary Regional Rover/Ranger Samagam was held at National Training Centre Pachmarhi from December 29, 1969 to January 6, 1970.

It was recognised by WAGGGS and Boy Scout World Bureau. 289 Rovers and 63 Rangers from 17 State Associations attended the Samagam. The theme was ‘Peace through Friendship’. Prominent persons like Shri Jai Prakash Narain, Salvador Fernandes, Sheela Ghori, Narsimachari, S. Tripathi (Rajasthan) Field Marshall Manekshaw, Shri R. P. Kathuria and Smt. S. S. Sachdev visited the Samagam and addressed the Scout and Guide Leaders.

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SMT. LAKSHMI MAZUMDAR HONOURED Shrimati Lakshmi Mazumdar has always been in the forefront of several events pertaining to the expansion of the Scout and Guide Movement in India and abroad.

She was honoured with various awards in token of her immense involvement in the Movement. The 22nd Boy Scouts World Conference at Helsinki decided to award ‘Bronze ‘Wolf-the’ Highest Award of WOSM to Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar. Proposing the Award the Chairman of the World Committee announced,’ under her dynamic leadership the programme of the Association has been directed towards constructive nation-building work and has gained recognition as the leading youth welfare organisation in India. Mrs. Mazumdar was already bestowed with the honour of Padma Shree by the President of India on 20.5.1965.

She was presented Wood Badge by Mr. John Thurman, Camp Chief Gilwell Park in 1965 and became the first lady in Asia and second in the World (first recipient was Lady Olave Baden Powell) to earn the Wood Badge.

In 1975 she received Singapore Scout Association’s highest scouting Award ‘The Distinguished Service Award (Gold)’. She was given ‘Gold Wood Badge’ of the Boy Scouts of America. Highest Scouting Awards were also conferred by Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh Scout Associations.

RADIO SCOUTING ‘HAM Radio’ or amateur radio was started in 1908

by Albert S. Hyman, Bob Almy and Poogie Murray, Members of Harvard Radio Club. Their amateur Radio station was named as HYALMU. But due to a confusion created by a Mexican Ship named as Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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‘Hyalmu’ this name was changed in 1910 to ‘HAM’ signifying the initial letters of the names of the above mentioned three scientists.

The first reference to the use of Wireless in a Scout Camp, so far available, is found in the archives of the Documentation Centre, National Training Centre Pachmarhi. In 1926 Nagpur Scouts were allowed to establish communication with Nagpur Scout Headquarters from the Camp with the assistance of the Nagpur Rifles (permission was given by the Officer Commanding). One night the Scouts could listen into a broadcast concert from Ceylon. The set of the scouts were homemade (portable 3 volves sets) and temporary aerials were 15ft high slinging across 10 poles. Mr. Steele (Officer-in-charge of the Wireless at Fort Sitabuldi) built the first sets for the Scouts on which the first message was sent from Starkie point to Morris college at a distance of about 5 miles.

Mr. Cheshire of the Morris college extended his cooperation to the Scouts. Above all is Mr. Peterson of YMCA. He knew nothing of Wireless when he was roped in by the Scouts. He got hold of books and by continuous trial and retrial method achieved the distinction of being ‘a genius on the subject.’

H. E. Frank sly, Governor CP helped the Scouts in procuring wireless licenses and thus saved part of their money. Two sets were purchased from the saved amount. These sets were memorials to Khan Bahadur Byramjee and Lalit Mohan Bose.

JOTA Mr. Leslia Mitchell of UK used to contact and run amateur radio station during the Scout camps. In 102

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1957 a World Scout Jamboree was held in Sutton Coal field near Birmingham (which was attended by 25000 Scouts from 62 countries). For the first time a local radio was installed and operated by amateurs. Mr. Mitchell helped to run a radio station. The first Jota (Jamboree on the Air) was organised (with the help of Mr. Leslie Mitchell) by the Scout Bureau on May 1011, 1958. Now Jota is a popular annual event of Scouts and Guides Association.

JOTA IN INDIA The Bharat Scouts and Guides used to get information about the JOTA from the international organisation and pass it on to the State Associations.

Circulars were issued. State Associations (specially in big cities) sent their volunteers to a person or institution having a wireless set and license to operate it. The first JOTA was organised at the National Headquarters in 1968.*2 Mr. A.N. Bannerji brought his set and with the help of Amateur Radio Station communication contacts were made. *3 Mr. Karnek was very helpful in organising the JOTA at the National Headquarters.

With the help of the Amateur Radio Society of India and other interested ‘HAMS’ the Bharat Scouts and Guides successfully participated in the XII (World) Jamboree on the Air on October 18-19, 1969.

It had already got the License in 1967. In 1969 besides, the National Headquarters Station (V2BSG) from New Delhi. 4 more stations viz., Madras (VUØMU) Bangalore (VUØJOA), Bombay (VUØMAH) and Gwalior (VUØMPS) Calcutta were able to set up their own transmissions.

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During Gandhi Centenary Celebration year 1969 special permission was given by the Govt. of India to the amateurs to use the prefix DU instead of VU2 for their call sign.

The National Headquarters Station VU2BSG was jointly operated by Mr. A. N. Banerji (VU2, CZ Hony.

Wireless Adviser to NHQ) and Mrs. Jyotsna Banerji (VU2JD) Joint NOC (Guides). Miss V. J. Caleb, NTC (G) Mrs Jyotsna Banerji JNOC (G) qualified themselves for the issue of an amateur license and received their own call signs viz., VU2OV and VU2JD. Each year Scouts and Guides at all places join the JOTA in large number and exchange greetings. In addition to the contacts that are established in India, they are able to speak to the Scouts and Guides of other countries.

Radio ‘HAMS’ are the lobbyists who set up wireless transmitters to communicate with one another the world over on bands specified by the Govt. of India.

HAM Radio is used for exchange of views, good wishes singing songs or conducting quiz programmes.

Motto of the HAM Radio is ‘ONE WORLD ONE LANGUAGE’. On the days fixed for JOTA Scouts and Guides gather near the Amateur Radio Operator (HAM) to join the fun.

FIRST WIRELESS TRAINING COURSE (1970) The First Wireless Training Course was conducted at the National Headquarters from August 19 to September 2, 1970. Thirteen Scouters representing Himachal Pradesh, Mysore, N.E. Rly., Orissa, Rajasthan and Western Railway State Associations attended the Training Course. Grade I & II Examinations were 104

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conducted by the Ministry of Communication, Govt. of India. Eight out of the eleven candidates were declared successful.

FIRST ALL INDIA SCOUTERS’ AND GUIDERS’ SEMINAR (1970) The first All India Scouters’ and Guiders’ Seminar was held at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from May 29 to June 2, 1970. Fifty two Scouters and thirty six Guiders representing 20 State Associations attended. The theme was ‘Better Scouting and Guiding for more boys and girls.’ The seminar was inaugurated by Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar. Over a dozen topics were discussed which included group programme orientation, quality of leadership, Scouts and Guides in rural areas, their uniform and tests, attractive programmes, Scouting/Guiding among handicapped, Desert Scouting, Air and Sea Scouting etc. The closing ceremony was performed by Dr. M. N. Natu. Miss Homai Mehta presided.

VI

NATIONAL JAMBOREE BOMBAY, (1970)

The Sixth National Jamboree was held at Aarey Milk Colony, Bombay from 27-31 December,1970.

The total area was about 225 acres and the main dais (measuring 125 ft x 50 ft) was prepared by flattening the top of the hillock. 14 Sub Camps were laid and 2000 patrol tents were pitched for housing 9, 959 Scouts and 5156 Guides. 11 contingents came from foreign countries (USA, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa, Indonesia, West Germany, Iran, Israel, Sikkim and Nepal).On December 27, 1970 Dr. V.K. R.V. Rao, Education Minister, Govt. of India Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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inaugurated the Jamboree. Special features of the Jamboree were the Skill-O-Rama (consisting of 85 Stalls of 10’ X 10’) and wide games of the Adventure Award in which 70% of the Scouts and Guides participated. An archery base, miniature shooting base and boating facilities within easy reach were provided. These were included for the first time in an All India Jamboree. Star gazing and study of sky by children was supervised by an expert.

The Scouts and Guides of the Education Department of the Bombay Municipal Corporation arranged an exhibition of Scout models, pioneering projects, charts and handicrafts. The exhibition was arranged in a huge pandal measuring 250’ X 250’. A bazar of 99 stalls catered to the needs of the Scouts and Guides. A visit to the Central Dairy was arranged for Scouts and Guides. Awards were distributed on the closing day.

EXPANSION OF THE MOVEMENT NEPAL: At the request of the Government of Nepal a team of Scouters headed by Sardar Lakshman Singh and assisted by Shri V. P. Dhawan (of Punjab) conducted a training course in Nepal in 1952 which helped the Govt. to start scout activities in Nepal.

SIKKIM : The Movement came to Sikkim in the fifties through the initiative of Miss Paterson the then Headmistress of Payor Namgyal High School Gangtok and the first camp in the state was held in 1970. The National Headquarters, BS and G extended every help to Sikkim Govt. in promoting Scouting and Guiding. At the suggestion of the National

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Commissioner Bharat Scouts and Guides the State Govt. of Sikkim deputed J. B. Subba and Shri P. S. Targam for training in Scout Section and Miss Gayatri Gurung for Guide Section. They were on deputation from December 25, 1967 to March 20,1968.

They attended camps, conferences, jamboree and rallies as well as gathered on the spot experience by working a few days in the National Headquarters.

The National Commissioner at the invitation of the Sikkim Govt. visited Gangtok in the last week of March 1968. Services of Shri P. K. Das (Eastern Railway) were deputed for three months to promote Scout/Guide organisation there.

ANDAMAN and NICOBAR: Scouting was introduced with the help and co-operation of Shri Mahabir Singh, Chief Commissioner. A Committee was set up in 1967 under the Chairmanship of the Chief Commissioner, Shri Prem Lal Education Secretary, Shri R. Narayan Education Officer were the members and Shri M. Ghaffoor was the State Secretary. A representative contingent of the state participated in the V All India Jamboree at Kalyani (West Bengal) in 1967.

NEFA: The Movement was given a start with the first Scoutmasters’ Camp held at Passighat from 2.4. 1964 to 1.5.1964. As a result Scout troops were established at Passighat, Ziro, Along, Bomdila, Tezu, Chousa, Changlang and Jairampur. Guiders’ camp was organised at Passighat (April 16-27, 1965) and a Guide Group was started in the Govt. Higher Secondary School, Passighat.

TRIPURA: Training Camps (one for Scouters and one for Guiders) were held in September in 1965.

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24 Sevaks and 22 gram Sevikas were trained. Two training courses (one for Guide Captains and one for Scoutmasters) were held at Melaghar youth Hostel.

27 trainees from each section attended these camps.

All the trainees opened flocks and groups in their areas.

MANIPUR: First Preliminary Scoutmasters Training Camp was held at Kokching from June 7-18, 1965. Seventeen teachers attended it. Steps were taken to register local associations with National Headquarters till the State Association was formed.

NAGALAND: Twelve Scout groups were directly registered with the National Headquarters.

In April 1965 two lady teachers were deputed to join Preliminary ‘Guiders’ Camp conducted by the Camp Chief (Guides) in NEFA. A Scout Contingent from Nagaland had participated in the IV All India Jamboree at Allahabad in 1964.

MEGHALAYA: The State of Meghalaya came into existence on 23.1.1972. Scout Guide enthusiasts convened a meeting under the Chairmanship of Shri D.D. Pugh, Education Minister in August 1972 and an ad-hoc committee was formed. Shri N. K. Rustomji IAS Chief Secretary was selected to be State Chief Commissioner. Shri Mohd. Islam the DPI was chosen as the SC (S) and Mrs. Jone Adhikary to be the SC (G).

Shri L. K. Sailo was nominated as the Secretary of the State Association. The office started functioning on 7.11.1972. First Training Course for Scoutmasters and Guide Captains was conducted at STC Umtynagar (14 miles from Shillong) from March 12-23, 1973. Shri Hashmat Singh, NOC (S) conducted the course for the Scout Wing. He stayed there for one month and 108

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Mrs. Hashna Saha from West Bengal was in-charge of training in the Guide Wing.

27 Scouters and 24 Guiders were trained and they started troops and companies in their areas. The first Scout Troop was registered on 12.4.73 in Shillong. The first Company of Guides was formed on 03.06.1973 under Sehanara Begam. 18 Scouts and 18 Guides joined the National Integration Camp, at National Training Centre Pachmarhi in October 1973. For the first time 101 Scouts and Guides from Meghalaya attended a Jamboree (VII All India Jamboree held at Faridabad) in 1974.

SCOUTING GUIDING IN MIZORAM Scouting was introduced in South Mizoram (a district of undivided Assam Province) by Rev. F. J. Raper a Baptist Missionary stationed at Lunglei.

The first Scout Troop was the First South Lushai Troop inaugurated on 6.6.1932. The first issue of a scout magazine or newssheet called ‘THE SCOUT TLANGAU’ (meaning Scout Herald) came out in June 1933 and was revived with a new name SCOUT THLIRNA in 1945. In South Lushai Hills Boy Scout Association was formed in 1933. Mr. L. L. Peters S.D.O. Lunglei was the first President and Rev. F.I. Reaper the first District Commissioner. This Association was the first Boy Scout Association of the area registered at the Provincial Headquarters. Mizo students of the Government High School Shillong formed a Lushai Troop and by the year 1941 had 12 Kings Scout among them. They had participated in Delhi Jamboree in 1937 as part of the Assam Contingent and stood first in signalling competition. In the first Independence Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Parade in 1947 at Lunglei, 80 Scouts participated. By 1946 Scout Troops were formed in 78 villages and their census was 2936. The first Scoutmasters Training Camp was held in 1948.

The first Guide Company was formed in 1925 at the Mission’s Girls School Aizwal by Miss Hughes the Headmistress. In 1938 Girl Guide Company and Blue Bird Company were started in Saitul but discontinued after 2 years.

In 1941 Miss S. Swer enrolled 8 leaders. A Girl Guide and Blue Bird Company were properly formed at the Mission Girls School.

Mizoram became a Union Territory in 1972. Since then the Lt. Governor of Mizoram is the Patron and the Education Minister the President of the Council. Mr. J. Buana was the overall adviser. The Movement has been under the administrative guidance of the Education Department and the Youth Service and Sports Deptt. of Mizoram Government. Wing Commander J. Lalhmingliana the State Chief Commissioner was one of the Vice Presidents of Bharat Scouts and Guides. Sh. Zoliana Royte attended the XIII National Jamboree of Thailand in 1991 and World Jamboree in 1999. Now there is a permanent Training Camp at Tanhril (7Km from Aizwal). Mizoram Scouts and Guides have been attending National Jamborees since 1957.

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8 AUGMENTATION OF THE MOVEMENT (1971-1980) A movement like Scouting and Guiding cannot remain aloof from the community. Resources have to be augmented within and outside the organization so as to be of some utility for the community. That is why the community has always been the corner stone of Scouting and Guiding in this country. There have been many occasions when the Scouts and Guides rushed for service to the community in the hours of calamity and need. Such activities were carried in larger measure in the rural areas. Scout/Guide activities found a new meaning with a tremendous increase in quantum.

SCOUTING/GUIDING AMONG REFUGEES The outbreak of Sino-India war, (1962) and IndoPak wars (1965 and 1971) resulted in the influx of refugees. Refugees’ resettlement colonies were set up in different parts of India to accommodate the lakhs of uprooted people. Scouts and Guides offered their services for this noble cause of rehabilitation.

Relief services were started in NEFA area. Refugee camp was set up at Diplu village in the Mikir Hill District of Assam. Three transit camps were set up. A programme was chalked out which included games

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for children, cleanliness drives, distribution of supplies etc.

After having been convinced of a big task ahead, the Government was approached with a scheme of promoting Scouting and Guiding amongst the boys and girls living in these colonies. It was approved by the Ministry of Relief and Rehabilitation, Govt. of India on 1.4.1965 initially for a period of six months but later on it was extended. The Government sanctioned a nonrecurring ad-hoc grant of Rs. 48000/-for the purpose.

The organising staff for this department was recruited from amongst the Scouters and Guiders. They not only helped the authorities in management but created an atmosphere for the growth of Scouting and Guiding also. Scoutmasters and Guide Captains Training Camps were conducted in Mana, Matia, Rudrapur.

The response was very encouraging. Sixty-six school teachers and 12 Flock Leaders attended these camps.

As many as 28 Scout Troops and 6 Guide Companies were formed. Total number of boys and girls enrolled was 672 and 144 respectively. Due to the transfer of refugees to permanent settlements and rehabilitation villages some of these colonies were wound up and Scouting and Guiding was discontinued in Matia (Assam) and Rudrapur (UP).

Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 brought over 10 million refugees in India. The Govt. of India established refugee camps in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, West Bengal, UP, Bihar, MP and Maharashtra. Scouts and Guides offered their services to the Government.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides State Associations of West Bengal, Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway opened relief centres in places like Petrapole, 112

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Chandrapara, Tentulia, Bongaon, Basirh, Ganganagar, Peardoba, Salboni etc., and worked zealously.

SALT LAKE PROJECT Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar prepared a pilot project for this camp. About 1.5 lakh refugees were given shelter under this project. The scheme envisaged education and training of 5000 children. This project was submitted to the Government of India which after some time approved the project of the organization and the amount was sanctioned. Resultantly, 100 teachers were recruited from amongst the refugees and given training in Cub/Bulbul leadership. An Advisory Committee under the Chairmanship of Rt. Rev. R. W. Brayan (ASC) West Bengal was constituted which appointed sub-committees. Shri Samir Choudhary was deputed for serving as the Organising Commissioner for this Project. The Scouts and Guides had cordial relations with other organisations working for the Project. They helped in levelling the ground and did other developmental work also.

GAYA PROJECT The Pachanpur Camp (16 miles from Gaya) gave shelter to 26000 refugees in which 16000 were children.

A Women’s Relief Committee was set up under Smt. Priyalata Barooah (wife of Shri D. K. Barooah, Governor Bihar). The scheme provided facilities to 5000 children.

The scheme drawn by National Headquarters was implemented from 22.10.1971 onwards. A coordination committee was formed with Shri Nikunj Bihari Gain as the Organising Commissioner. One thousand five hundred children initially joined the Scout/ Guide Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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activities. This camp was disbanded on 8.1.72 due to the creation of Bangladesh and return of the refugees.

Services of Scouts and Guides were utilised by the Government in Mann, Bhata, Kendri Camps. Scout leaders and Guiders not only helped the authorities but promoted Scouting and Guiding as well amongst the refugees. Their services were appreciated by the authorities and they were mentioned as ‘ASSETS’ by the high ups at the Camps.

MANA, DERA PATHER, CHANDA Ministry of Relief and Rehabilitation of the Govt. of India, during the year 1969-70 sanctioned a scheme for promoting Scouting and Guiding in Derapathar Refugee Colony Nowagong Distt. Assam. It was implemented in 1970-71. Scouting and Guiding in Mana (Madhya Pradesh) and Chanda (Maharashtra) Centres flourished and the Scouts and Guides from these refugee centres attended camps, participated in Jamborees, earned President’s Medal and served the authorities as well as the public with devotion, sincerity and commitment.

DANDAKARANYA PROJECT Dandakarnya is a large area in Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. A project was formulated to introduce Scouting and Guiding in this area. The possibilities of promoting Scouting and Guiding were explored.

The National Commissioner and National Organising Commissioner visited Kondagaon in March 1967.

The Chief Administrator of the Project assured his co-operation in promoting Scouting and Guiding.

A District Association was formed. It was directly 114

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affiliated to the National Headquarters for efficient functioning. Shri S. S. Roy the Chief Administrator Dandakarnya Project evinced interest by agreeing to be the President of this District unit. The Movement was first introduced for the Cubs and Bulbuls. Two training camps for Cub Masters and Flock Leaders were conducted in May 1967. As a result 3 Cub Packs and one Bulbul Flock were registered in the beginning.

TIBETAN REFUGEES The first Camp for training Tibetan Scoutmasters and Guide Captains was held at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from 1-13 July 1965. It was attended by 8 Scoutmasters and 6 Guide Captains. Scouting and Guiding was introduced in the residential schools run by the Tibetan School Society at Darjeeling, Dalhousie, Simla, Mussorie, Mount Abu, etc. The Tibetan schools in India are now affiliated directly to the National Headquarters, Bharat Scouts and Guides. As per the decision of National Council ( Dated 26.11.2000) the Central Tibetan School Administration has been recognised as a District Association of the NHQ. SCOUTING / GUIDING AMONG THE RURAL YOUTH : (1971-72) To attract out of the school youths residing in rural areas a scheme was envisaged and a Headquarters Commissioner was appointed to look after its implementation. Shri D. P. Joshi, the Veteran Scout Leader, was entrusted with this responsibility.

The achievements of UP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh in this field are praiseworthy. Railways, too, have shown keen interest Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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in this field. The pilot projects of Ajmer and Lucknow deserve special mention.

DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF GUIDING IN INDIA (1971) An All India Guide Commissioners Training Camp was held at ‘Sangam’- World Centre from August 6 to 11, 1971 to celebrate the DiamondJubilee of Guiding in India. Forty five Commissioners from 18 states participated. A friendship trail was organised. Besides, a comprehensive syllabus some variety was provided by adding special sessions like flower arrangements, boutique painting, doll making, handicraft etc. Begum Ali Yavar Jang (wife of the Governor of Maharashtra) was the Chief Guest for the closing ceremony. The function started with the cutting of the Jubilee Cake by the Chief Guest.

Exhibits and handicrafts were displayed. Police band played musical tunes. The highlight of the function was the pageant on 60 years of Guiding.

TRAINERS’ DIAMOND JUBILEE MEET Another Diamond Jubilee event was held at Sangam (WAGGGS Centre) from August 12 to 19, 1971. 22 Trainers from 10 states participated. Old and new trainers met together at ‘Sangam’ to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and share their skills. Mrs. Z. R. Ranji, Chief Commissioner (G) inaugurated the meet. A comprehensive discussion relating to the development at the International level took place.

Modern techniques and methods of training were discussed. Syllabus of President’s Ranger was prepared. One day was set aside for handicrafts, 116

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outing and singsongs, which were included in the programme.

NATIONAL INTEGRATION CAMPS (1971) Regular National Integration Camps have been organized since 1971 in different parts of India to promote feeling of national integration in the minds of the youths. These camps were earlier held for 15 days. Later on the duration was cut short to 10 days and now it is 5 days. Guidelines for the organisation of camp were published in 1975. In these camps, each state contingent prepared a kit for its members.

It contained a map of the state, (relief map of the State showing prominent physical features, natural forests and wood lands), information about important ancient ruins and modern important public buildings, language(s), eminent writers, poets and leading artists in performing arts, renowned men in public life, major faith shrines and places of worship, costumes of the people, recipes of a few represented items of food etc. The programme largely consisted of exposition of participating states, demonstration of handicrafts, local sports, folk songs, musical instruments etc.

General public was also invited to various events during the National Integration Camps. ‘One Hundred Ideas for National Integration’ was published by the National Headquarters, Bharat Scouts and Guides.

FIRST PROFESSIONAL TRAINING COURSE (1971)

SCOUTERS

GUIDERS

The first training course was held at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from October 25 to November 6, 1971 to upgrade the management skills Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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of the Scouters and Guiders. In the early years of the Scouting/Guiding Movement nobody thought of the professional Scouters /Guiders. In 1960 a reorientation course was conducted for State Organising Commissioners at Patna. Shri D. P. Joshi, National Organising Commissioner was its Director. The second one was held at Pachmarhi in 1965. During the visit of Mr. Salvador Fernandez, Dy. Secretary General, Boy Scout World Bureau in 1969 the professional course introduced by the World Scout Bureau was discussed.

The training consisted of conference-cum-workshop.

As many as 42 Scouters and Guiders from 13 states participated. A total of 13 Scouters and Guiders from Afghanistan, Ceylon, Indonesia, Nepal and Sikkim also participated.

AJMER PROJECT The Rajasthan State, Bharat Scouts and Guides started an agricultural project in PISANGANJ, Ajmer.

Some financial assistance was received from the Govt. of India. A camp was organised at Hatoondi in November, 1971. 28 young farmers were trained for 10 days in both agricultural techniques and Grameen Rovering. Shri Ganeshi Ram SOC, Rajasthan Bharat Scouts and Guides was in-charge of this project.

FIRST NATIONAL COURSE (1972)

RURAL

YOUTH

TRAINERS

In 1969 the World Committee of the Boy Scout Bureau revised the Scheme of Training of the Trainers who would train the adult leaders. Under this scheme the First National Trainers’ Course was conducted at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from January 118

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17 to 22, 1972. Thirty two leaders from 11 states participated. The training dealt with the fundamentals of the Scout Movement, methods used in training in the three sections of Scout wing and such other topics which concerned the adult leaders.

LUCKNOW PROJECT(1972) A similar experiment like Rajasthan was carried out in Lucknow District in 1972 to popularisem Rangering in rural areas. Initially 50 villages were selected. 6 women were chosen from each village. They were given training in nutrition, personal hygiene, public health, family planning, agriculture, literacy, civil defence etc. Dr. (Miss) K. Sabharwal SC (G) was incharge of this Project. In all 10 Training Camps were arranged. The number of enrolled Rangers was 500.

AGRICULTURAL- CUM- DEMONSTRATION FARM (1972) A Farm Project was started at the National Training Centre in the vicinity of Pachmarhi to train young farmers, in modern methods and techniques of agriculture. An Agricultural Assistant, who was also an experienced Scouter, was appointed as incharge of the farm. The farmers who came for the training were also trained in Rovering. A tube well was sunk which gave 2500 gallons of water per hour. The Agricultural Assistant toured nearby villages to enthuse young farmers and to enroll them as Grameen Rovers. The first course of the Project was held at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from June 2 to 10, 1972. Seventeen young men participated. Shri R. S. Dhiman National Training Commissioner (Scouts) conducted the course.

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CELEBRATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE (1972)

SILVER

JUBILEE

OF

The National Headquarters chalked out a comprehensive programme and decided to observe the year 1972 as the year of awareness of freedom struggle with the help of the State Associations.

Celebration committees were formed at State, District and local levels.15th August, 1972 was celebrated by holding rallies, meetings, prabhat pheris and other public functions. Cub-Bulbul activities included maintenance of cards, preparation of CubBulbul flock of children belonging to scheduled caste and tribal families. Scouts and Guides participated in several campaign such as literacy drives, essay competitions, preparation of log books, looking after handicapped children etc. Rovers and Rangers worked on various projects and maintained service cards. Scouters/ Guiders and Commissioners were associated with the projects undertaken by different sections of the Movement. State Associations observed the anniversaries of national leaders like Subhash Bose, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Sardar Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and others.

A National Integration Camp was held at National Training Centre Pachmarhi from October 1 to 15, 1972 which highlighted various aspects of the freedom struggle. A programme of re-enacting the historic movements was also organised at a bigger scale at the fourth Samagam (December 26, 1972 to January 1st, 1973). These celebrations concluded with an All India Service Camp on August 15, 1973.

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CUB BULBUL YEAR (1972-73) The year 1972-73 was declared as Cub-Bulbul Year and the theme of the year was ‘Reaching the Child of 7-10 years.’ The purpose was to boost up the enrolment of and the programmes for Cubs and Bulbuls. Six Regional Training Camps for active Cub Masters and Flock Leaders were held at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi (May 3- 9, 1972) besides many such camps in different states.

Each of these camps was followed by a two-day seminar of the leaders actively associated with CubBulbul training. This was the first attempt to bring these leaders together to discuss problems concerning this section of the Movement. The issues mostly discussed related to expansion of Cub/Bulbul Section role of local units, projection of image before general public, health check ups, holiday camps, use of handicraft and hobbies in popularizing the Movement.

THE ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL SEMINAR FOR COMMISSIONERS and SECRETARIES (1973) For the first time a seminar was organised by WAGGGS for Commissioners and Secretaries of A.P.Region. It was held at Sangam-the World Centre at Pune from 3rd to 13th January 1973. Mrs. Sita Jaisuriya, Chairman APR Sub-Committee conducted the Seminar. The Seminar was inaugurated by Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar. Thirty-five delegates from 13 countries participated. The topic covered including general administration, Guide Administration, job responsibilities, duties of special committees, communication, news media, population awareness, development of a programme etc. The delegates who Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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represented India were Smt. Meera Shankarnarayana, Hony. Secretary Kerala, Smt. Lalita Krishnaswamy, Hony. Jt. Secretary Mysore, Smt. Mani Clubwala. Jt. State Secretary Tamil Nadu. Smt. Sneha Patwardhan, Jt. National Secretary acted as the Leader of the Delegation.

SEVENTH (1974)

NATIONAL

JAMBOREE,

FARIDABAD

On 7th November 1974 the Movement entered into the 25th year of the creation of Bharat Scouts and Guides. In the winter of 1972 the National Executive decided to celebrate Silver Jubilee of the merger.

Suitable sites for the Jamboree were seen in and around Delhi. Finally, Faridabad (Haryana) was selected as the venue for the Jamboree. The Jamboree site was named as Indira Nagar. It contained 19 Sub camps (12 for Scouts, 5 for Guides, 1 each for Rovers and Rangers) and the Jamboree arena was named as ‘Bansi Lal Arena’. 20,000 Scouts and Guides representing all the States participated in it. Contingents of Scouts and Guides from sixteen countries (Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Qatar and USA) attended the Jamboree. The Indian Fellowship of Former Scouts and Guides had a convention on November 6, 1974.

The topic was ‘Service to the Community’. Gen. Shah Nawaz Khan, Minister of State Food and Irrigation, Govt. of India presided. An All Faiths prayer meeting was held on 7th November, 1974 in the Jamboree arena which was attended by about 10,000 Scouts and Guides.

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Smt. Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, took the salute at the inaugural ceremony. 5,000 Scouts and Guides marched past. Shri Bansi Lal, Chief Minister of Haryana, welcomed the Prime Minister.

Smt. Indira Gandhi who lighted the Jamboree lamp gave an inspiring speech. A giant balloon was released.

Jamboree song was sung. Shri Dharam Vira, President, Bharat Scouts and Guides offered the vote of thanks.

The arena of the Jamboree was packed with programmes of displays, songs, dances etc., every day. On November 8th Skill-o-Rama and pioneering projects were opened by Mr. Irving Fiest, Vice Chairman of the World Scout Committee. Projects and handicrafts were displayed in 72 stalls. Festival of Dances was held in which foreign contingents also participated. November 9, was the day for ‘Good citizenship game’. Jamboree Adventure Award was given to a scout or guide who did 8 out of 15 projects. About 16000 Scouts and Guides participated. Badge for this activity had the insignia of a rocket. Wood Badge Holders’ Re-union was held in the Conference Hall, which was presided by Mr. Sow Teow Seng Chief Commissioner, Singapore.

300 HWBs participated. The first Adult Leaders’ Convention was organised on ‘Development and Growth of Scouting and Guiding as a major instrument for youth welfare during the Five Year Plan’. Shri Dharam Vira presided. Hussain Banai, Chief Commissioner Iranian Scouts was the Chief Guest. Shri B. D. Jatti, Vice President of India who visited the Jamboree was installed as Patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides. Second Convention of Adult Leaders met in the Convention Hall to discuss

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‘National problem of food and population.’ Mr. Fiest Past, President of Boy Scouts of America and Vice.

Chairman World Scout Committee presided. Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha, Minister, Home Affairs was the chief guest. About 4000 Scouts/Guides, Scouters/ Guiders participated in the Grand Pageant Show.

There were 34 items. Shri K.L. Poswal, Home Minister, Haryana was the Guest-in-Chief. In the evening Grand Campfire was held in the arena. Shri Harideo Joshi, Chief Minister Rajasthan, lit the fire and declared it open. Syed Nur-ul-Hasan, Education Minister Govt. of India, was the Guest of Honour for the Camp Fire.

Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, the President of India, reviewed the contingents on the concluding day.

Awards were given. Mr. Fiest gave Silver World Medal of Boy Scouts of America to Mrs. Lakshmi Mazumdar.

Shri Fakhuruddin Ali Ahmed, President of India, after an inspiring speech declared the Jamboree closed.

GRAMEEN RANGERING (1975) The year 1975 was declared as the ‘International Women’s year’ by the UNO. The National Headquarters of the Bharat Scouts and Guides chalked out a comprehensive plan for Grameen Rangering. A pilot project initiated 3 years ago in Lucknow District (UP) had yielded good results. It was decided to organise similar programmes in other parts of the country.

States were grouped into five zones viz., North, South, East, West, and Central. A Sub-Committee for each zone was set up which was assisted by an adviser.

A female professional from the National Headquarters was to act as an organiser. The State Commissioner (G) of the state in which the zonal office was located acted 124

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as Chairman and all the State Commissioners (G) of the States of that zone were the members of the Committee.

These Zonal Committees conducted camps of 40 adult women Rangers and Guides between 18-35 years. An equal number of women from the nearby rural areas was allowed to join the camp. Patrol system was strictly carried out. The programme of these camps was divided into two parts a) at the camp b) in the villages. The duration of each camp was 7 days. The daily programme included All-Faiths Prayer meeting, talks and discussions on various subjects of women’s interest, training in Rangering, visit to the nearby villages and doing social service there. A day was devoted to children’s rally (over thousand children were collected in each camp rally).

Different games were arranged and a packet of sweets and a small gift was given to each child. Each of these camps ended with a public meeting.

The programme of the International Year of Women ended with a seminar at Sangam from November 14 to 16, 1975 in which major problems facing the women and the role the Guide Movement could play, were discussed.At the request of the Central Social Welfare Board this programme was taken up by 17 states in 1976.

PRIME MINISTER SHIELD COMPETITION (1976) Smt. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, kindly consented to initiate an annual competition on an all India basis for the Scouts/Guides and Rovers/ Rangers all over the country and permitted the award of Prime Minister Shield to the winning unit. The purpose was to further motivate the Members of the Movement to render more service to the Nation.

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Preliminary information was sent to the States in early 1976. The competition was formally blessed and inaugurated by the then Prime Minister on 29.4.1976 in an All India Conference of Commissioners and Secretaries held in Delhi.

The first rally of the winners of Prime Minister Shield for the year 1976 was held at Netaji Subhash Sports Complex Delhi from March 27-31, 1978. As many as 277 Scouts, 162 Guides, 59 Rovers and 21 Rangers representing 26 State Associations participated in the Rally. One hundred and fourteen unit leaders also attended. Next day the Scouts and Guides assembled at the Prime Minister’ residence where Shri Morarji Desai, the Prime Minister of India, symbolically presented the Prime Minister’s Shield to the National Commissioner. Award Certificates were given to the Shield Winning units. On 1st April 1978 Dr. P. C. Chunder Education Minister gave the awards and shields to the winning units, and certificates to units as well as individual members.

FIRST NATIONAL CUB/BULBUL UTSAV, NEW DELHI (1977) The first National Cub/Bulbul Utsav was held from April 19 to 23, 1977 at the Delhi State Camping Site, Nizamuddin Delhi. The theme of the Utsav was ‘SING SING TOGETHER MERRILY MERRILY SING’.

‘The Utsav was first of its kind as no such gathering of Cubs and Bulbuls under the canvas and over night had been organised so far. The Utsav was inaugurated by Shri Radha Raman State Chief Commissioner, Delhi.

The programme of the Utsav included spot painting, Cub-Bulbul Greetings, puppet show, local sight 126

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seeing, open air demonstration, essay competition, folk songs, folk dance festival etc. An exhibition and demonstration of handicrafts was put up by the children. ‘Vidyarthi Ranjan’ a social organisation of Calcutta organised an exhibition on Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidya Sagar and a film show was arranged by them. Delhi Children’s Theatre put up ‘Devta ka Vardan’ and ‘Sagar Mani’. On 22nd April Shri Jagjivan Ram, President of Bharat Scouts and Guides presided over the valedictory function. Dr. P. C. Chunder, Education Minister, Government of India was the Chief Guest.The National Commissioner presented prizes to Cubs and Bulbuls on 23.4.1977.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP (1977)

SEMINAR-CUM-

A Seminar-cum-Workshop on Community Development was successfully organised in Delhi from August 12 to 23, 1977 by the Bharat Scouts and Guides in collaboration with the World Scout Bureau.

82 Senior Commissioners including 3 from Nepal, 1 from Indonesia and 3 from Sri Lanka participated.

The Seminar was inaugurated by Shri B. D. Jatti, Vice President of India and Patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides. Shri S. K. Dey, Former Union Minister, Community Development and Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India presided. The programme included talks by eminent speakers, from voluntary organizations, Government Departments, UNICEF, UNDP etc.

The Workshop mainly dealt with project designing, management implementation, scheduling, follow up, evaluation etc. Field trips to project areas were also arranged. Participants were encouraged to design

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their own projects and conduct own workshops at the lower level to reach the base.

Mr. Bruce Garnsey, Chairman World Scout Committee and Dr. Laszlo Nagy, Secretary General, Boy, Scouts World Bureau participated in the Seminar for a few days. Mr. Jay Hirama, Director, Community Development, World Scout Bureau acted as Director.

Shri J. S. Mehta International Commissioner was the Co-Director. Mr. J. P. Silvestre, Regional Executive Commissioner APR, Mr. John Jackson and Mr. Raul Tusamba of World Scout Bureau acted as consultants.

Shri Sushil K. Das, National Secretary, Bharat Scouts and Guides acted as the Chief Organiser and liaison officer for the seminar.

FIRST HOLIDAY CAMP FOR THE HANDICAPPED CHILDREN (1977) The first Holiday Camp for the handicapped children was held at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from 16 to 25 November 1977. 31 boys and 41 girls attended, of these 36 children were deaf, 19 blind 9 physically handicapped and 8 mentally retarded. Eighteen adult leaders who accompanied these children underwent a training course specially organised for this extension branch. Miss Joycee Busby from England was deputed by World Guide Bureau to conduct this Course. The camp programme included a normal work, hike and trek on cart. Even the heavy rain could not dampen the spirit of the children. The National Commissioner stayed in the camp for the entire period. The Camp was visited by Dr. V.E. Morey, Asstt. Education Adviser, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, and Mr. Rick Morelas

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Programme Executive of the World Scout Bureau, APR Region Manila.

VIII NATIONAL JAMBOREE, NAGAR TAMILNADU (1979)

MARAI

MALAI

The Jamboree was inaugurated on 18th January 1979

by Shri Morarji Desai, Prime Minister at Marai Malai Nagar (a new town 42 Kms Southwards to Madras).

20,000 Scouts and Guides with several overseas contingents participated in the Jamboree from 18 to 22 January 1979. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Shri M.G. Ramchandran welcomed the Prime Minister and the Governor of Tamil Nadu invoked the blessings of God. Prime Minister Shri Desai declared the event open amidst the sounding of conches and cheers from thousands of Scouts and Guides. The Jamboree coincided with Pongal Festival. Patrol-in-Council and Youth Forum were arranged. All Faiths Prayer Meeting, Skill-O-Rama, Adventure Award Activities (10,000 Scouts and Guides won the adventure awards) were the special features of the programme of 19th January. During the Jamboree Scouts and Guides laid a two mile long approach road. The craft exhibition was a big draw for the crowd. Sight-seeing was arranged shift wise. Folk Dance Festival, Pageant show and Grand campfire were arranged in the arena. ‘Village Fairs’ were arranged in the sub-camps.

A large number of Scouts and Guides participated in Jamboree Friendship Games. There was a grand demonstration of standard winning activities. Adult leaders participated in the ‘Reunion of Wood Badge Holders.’ Wood Badge Holders serving for more than 25 years were awarded ‘Golden Beads’ by the National

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Commissioner. Convention of Scouters and Guiders discussed the literacy campaign and Programme of the International year of the Child. Overseas Scouts/ Guides Contingents came from Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and USA. The dignitaries present in the Jamboree were Dr. Laszlo Nagy, Secretary General World Scout Bureau, Mr. C. M. P. Wanigatunga International Commissioner Sri Lanka Scout Association. J. P. Silvestre Regional Executive Director APR, Mrs. J. Ronson, (WAGGGS).

Shri M.G. Ramchandran, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was the Chief Guest during the closing ceremony.

REACHING THE CHILD PROJECT (1979) The Bharat Scouts and Guides chalked out a comprehensive programme to celebrate ‘The International Year of the Child-1979’. It was planned to develop human resources by catching children between 3-12 years of age and prepare them for good citizenship, enroll children (3 to 6 years) by opening a new wing known as Bunny Tamtolas, increase Cub and Bulbul strength by 50%, organise holiday camps, hobby centres, sports meets, rallies six regional holiday camps, and a Cub-Bulbul Utsav.

Four regional camps were held in which 124 Bunny Leaders, 22 Cub Masters, 97 Flock Leaders were trained. The International Year of the Child was inaugurated on 18.1.1979 by the Prime Minister at Marai Malai Nagar Jamboree.A special project was launched by adopting 25 villages in 17 States.

Many other programmes were also organized.

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Tamtolas, Cub-Packs, Bulbul Flocks, Scout Troops and Guide Companies were held. 250 Leaders were trained for Bunny Tamtolas, Wood Badge Courses for Cub Masters and Flock Leaders were held. State Associations trained 4025 Adult Leaders for Cubs/ Bulbuls during 1978-79 and about 2000 during 1979=80 thus producing 6000 more adult leaders.

Regional Holiday Camps were also arranged. Six Regional Holiday Camps, which were mini Utsavs, were organised for the benefit of Cubs and Bulbuls in which 1440 children participated. These camps were organised in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Orissa and UP. The Second Cub-Bulbul Utsav was held at Gandhi Darshan Grounds in Delhi from November 11 to 15, 1979 in which 5000 Cubs and Bulbuls came from 32 states. It was inaugurated by Lady Patience Baden Powell (daughter-in-law of the Founder). The utsav was closed on November 15, 1979 by Shri Radha Raman, the State Chief Commissioner of Delhi State.

A seminar on the ‘Rights of the Children and Their All Round Development’ was organised at Sangam from November 18 to 20, 1979. Guiders from Central Railway, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, KVS, Punjab, South Central Railway and Southern Railway joined.

It was attended by Smt. Shanti Sadiq Ali, Tara Ali Beg and Lady Patience Baden Powell among others.

TRAINERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (1979) The Bharat Scouts and Guides in collaboration with the World Scout Bureau conducted this programme on an experimental basis from Dec.16 to 22, 1979 at NTC Pachmarhi. The objective of the programme was to Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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make the training of the Leader Trainers a continuous process of staff development. Seventeen Leader Trainers from 11 State Associations participated in this programme.

ORGANISING COMMISSIONERS’ MEET (1980) This Meet was held from March 23 to27, 1980 at Gandhi Darshan Grounds, Rajghat, New Delhi.

Twenty two State Commissioners (S) and fifteen State Commissioners (G) participated. Over and above this, nine other representatives from States participated. In all 24 States were represented. Mr. J. P. Silvestre, Regional Executive Director APR of World Boys Scout Bureau, Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar National Commissioner Bharat Scouts and Guides, Sardar Lakshman Singh State Chief Commissioner of Maharashtra State and other national leaders addressed the participants.

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9 AN EPOCH OF GOLD HARVEST (1981-1990) It has been seen before that the Bharat Scouts and Guides has always been the forerunner in serving the needs and aspirations of the youth. It has never been found wanting in discharging its obligations in any sector of social activity.

FIRST NATIONAL AGNOREE (1981) The Bharat Scouts and Guides held its first National Agnooree (a gathering of disabled Scouts and Guides) at the Gandhi Darshan Grounds, New Delhi from November 24 to 30, 1981. Over 1000 Scouts and Guides coming from 18 states of India took part in this special joint Scouts and Guides camp intended mainly for the disabled Scouts and Guides. Dr. Laszlo Nagy, Secretary General, World Organisation of Scout Movement inaugurated the Agnooree. The young participants enjoyed their stay and took part in games, cultural activities, handicapped awareness trail, on-the-spot painting, mask-making, clay modeling, etc. Prayer Meeting, film shows, campfires were arranged daily. Miss Jo Caesor, Director of the WAGGGS presided over the closing ceremony. The programme was so inspiring Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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that other state associations, like Maharashtra and Orissa, followed: IX NATIONAL JAMBOREE, BODH GAYA (1982) The Ninth National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was held at Magadh University Campus Bodh Gaya (Bihar) from December 27 to 31, 1982.

It was attended by 25000 Scouts/Guides, Rovers/ Rangers and officials. About 250 Scouts and Guides representing Bangladesh, Nepal, Japan, Malaysia, UK, USA, West Germany, Denmark and Sri Lanka participated. The theme of the Jamboree was ‘Scouting/Guiding helps make a better world’. The Jamboree Area covered approximately 4 Sq. Kms. There were four main camps viz., Scouts, Guides, Rovers/Rangers and National Headquarters camp.

The sub camps for the Scout wing numbered 12 while for the Guide wing seven. More than 4000 tents were used. The Central Arena had the seating capacity of 20,000 people.

The Jamboree was inaugurated on December 27, 1982 by Shri Pranab Mukherji, the Union Finance Minister. After the formal opening, conches were blown and 75 balloons were released to mark the 75th year of Scouting in the world. Among those present at the ceremony were Education Ministers of M.P., Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Food Minister of Bihar, Lady Patience Baden Powell, (Chief Commissioner of the Guides Association of UK, grand daughter- in-law of the Founder), Dr. Laszlo Nagy, Secretary General WOSM, Mr. Manzoor-ul-Karim, Chairman Asia Pacific Scout Committee and J.P.A. Silvestre, Regional Executive Commissioner, AP Region.

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Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar was the Chief Guest in the Convention of Former Scouts and Guides which was attended by 50 members from India and six from Bangladesh Fellowship. All Faiths Prayer Meeting was held on December 29. Patrol leaders’ meeting took place in the noon. The issues concerning uniform, badge, giving impetus to the Movement and better ways of holding Jamboree were discussed. Skill-oRama was a special attraction for the visitors. All the state associations participated by displaying the handicrafts and other creative arts. About 500 Scout/ Guide leaders attended Wood-Badge Holders Reunion.

A Pageant Show was also organised. Seven states participated in the Folk Dance Festival on 30.12.82.

The Adventure Award was first introduced in the VI Jamboree. It was a popular event. Every Scout/ Guide was free to join any adventure activity. Friendship game was very popular as a badge was to be awarded to each successful competitor.

A ‘Village Fair’ was organised on 30th December and the Grand Camp was held in the evening. Dr. Jagannath Mishra, Chief Minister, Bihar addressed the large gathering during the closing ceremony.

FIFTY YEARS OF WOODBADGE TRAINING (1983) It was thought to erect a plaque to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Wood-Badge Training at Pachmarhi. The first Wood Badge Course was run here by Col. J. S. Wilson, Camp Chief of Gilwell Park in 1933. Major General R. P. Sharma, of the Army Education Centre, was approached since this area fell inside the campus of the Army. He immediately agreed and the construction of the plaque started.

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Thinking Day (125th Birthday of BP) was observed on 22nd February, 1983. A HWB RE-UNION was organised at the National Training Centre Pachmarhi from February 21-23, 1983. 150 HWBs attended the event.

Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar, National Commissioner unveiled the plaque on that day.

HIERARCHICAL CHANGES AT THE NHQ (1984) Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar, relinquished the post of the National Commissioner after serving the organisation for nearly two decades. Sardar Lakshman Singh was elected as the new National Commissioner of the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

To meet the new challenges some changes were introduced in the hierarchy at the National Headquarters. The Director replaced the post of National Secretary. The new set up got the designations of Joint Directors, Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors in place of the old equivalent designations.

COMMUNITY SINGING AS MASS MOVEMENT (1984-85) The Bharat Scouts and Guides decided to make community singing a mass movement. In a special workshop, suitable songs from each language were selected and a ‘Master Cassette’ of these songs prepared. Five Community Singing courses were conducted to train 342 adults so that 20,000 participants of the X Jamboree could sing these songs. A booklet and cassette ‘GEET BHARTI’ were in great demand.

Special Community Singing Courses were held in the States also. In addition, the National Headquarters had also brought out another Cassette ‘GEETANJALI’ 136

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consisting of prayer, flag songs, Pachmarhi Song, Allfaiths prayer etc.

X NATIONAL JAMBOREE, BANGALORE (1986) In the words of the Secretary General World Scout Bureau “The 10th National Jamboree was a new mark of the qualitative and quantitative improvement of Movement in India.” The Jamboree was held from January 3 to 9 at Palace Grounds, Bangalore. 20,000 Scouts and Guides from 39 Indian States and 211 participants from 9 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Denmark, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, UK and West Germany) attended it. The jamboree was a befitting finale to the ‘International year of the youth’ and welcome to the ‘International year of Peace’.

The Jamboree was inaugurated by Shri S. B. Chavan Union Home Minister and President of Bharat Scouts and Guides, on January 4, 1986. He lit the lamp to mark the beginning of the Jamboree. The impressive march past was followed by traditional dances. Dr. Jeev Raj Alva, Minister for State Information and Youth Affairs was the spirit behind the Jamboree.

Five Pushpak aircrafts showered flower petals on the gathering. Others who spoke at the opening ceremony included Dr. Laszlo Nagy, Secretary General World Scout Bureau, Miss Mary Hill, president of WAGGGS, Sardar Lakshman Singh, National Commissioner.

Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, arrived in the Jamboree venue in the afternoon of 6.1.86. Shri S.B. Chavan, Union Home Minister and President of Bharat Scouts and Guides in his speech welcomed the Prime Minister. Dr. R. K. Hegde, Chief Minister, Karnataka released ‘The Jamboree Souvenir.’

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Shri Rajiv Gandhi, announced a grant of Rupees one crore for promoting the spirit of national integration among the members of the Movement. This was the Prime Minister’s first public function in 1986. He stayed with the Scouts and Guides for over an hour.

It was the 75th year of Guiding in India. Mrs. Margret Alva Union Minister was the Chief Guest at the Guiding Celebration function.

‘Do it yourself activity’ was added in the X Jamboree.

The theme of the Pageant show was the Indian Freedom Struggle. Some of the State Contingents reenacted history. On 8th January Scouters and Guiders Conference was held. Dr. Nagy General Secretary, World Scout Bureau presided. An exhibition displayed the IYY activities and literature from 30 states and 3 overseas contingents. It was declared open by Shri B K H Gowda the Mayor of Bangalore. The Grand Show of folk songs and dances was arranged on 6th January.

37 States from India and some foreign contingents participated in it. Band display was an attractive item.

HWB RE-UNION was held on 4.1.86.

Sixth January was the day for holding the Youth Forum. Shri S. K. Shetty, Director Youth Services Karnataka presided. Shri Chiranjeev Singh, Secretary Department of Tourism, Information and Youth Services, Govt. of Karnataka in his speech stressed to adhere to the Law and Promise. Shri V. S. Shivaram of Southern Railway was the Chairman and Ms. Vanita Narayan of the South Eastern Railway acted as the Secretary. Thirty five representatives participated in the Forum. Representatives from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UK and Denmark also took part in the discussion. A spectacular route march wended its way

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through the main streets covering about 6 Kms. Thirty nine State Contingents as well as some contingents from abroad participated in this march. All Faiths Prayer Meeting took place on 7.1.86 in the morning.

Former Vice President Shri B. D. Jatti was the Chief Guest. Shri Raghupati Education Minister, Karnataka presided. The participants gathered in large number in spite of the chilly weather.

Shri A. N. Banerji, (A former Scout) the Governor of Karnataka gave the Valedictory address. To welcome the International year of the Peace doves were released.

Awards were presented to the eminent persons and veteran Scouters and Guiders.

THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE YOUTH PLAQUE (1986) A Committee of youth representatives was formed to chalk out the programmes for the celebration of the ‘International Year of the Youth.’

Its recommendations were approved by the National Council. The programmes included clean drinking water campaign, leprosy eradication awareness amongst youths, job- oriented crafts etc. Guiding Section, too, chalked out community development based programmes like ORT, clean environment and involvement of former guides in campaigns and programmes. January was the month of festivity.

A number of rallies, meeting, etc. were organized in various parts of India. The Scouts and Guides zealously participated in the year long programmes.

The World Bureaus of WOSM and WAGGGS as well as the Government of India praised the work of the Bharat Scouts and Guides which was felicitated with

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the first International Youth Year Plaque in March 1986.

The plaque reads as follows : ‘For an outstanding year long programme which included support materials for all units and introduction of child health techniques into the Proficiency Badge System.’

The award of IYY Plaque was the world level recognition by the World Conference and was the first world level recognition received by the Bharat Scouts and Guides in the history of the Movement.

An international Samagam was held at Mysore. The X National Jamboree was the culminating activity of the ‘International year of the Youth.’

THE FOURTEEN POINT PROGRAMME (1986) The National Executive Committee in response to the wishes of the National Commissioner (Sardar Lakshman Singh) identified the immediate need of the revision of Boy/Girl Programme at its meeting in Bombay during August 1986. A task force was appointed which included Sardar Lakshman Singh (National Commissioner) and many others. An action plan was formulated to evolve a need based programme for boys and girls. Educationists, experts from NCERT and Senior Members of the Movement were consulted.

All the recommendations were brought before the Sandhan at Pachmarhi for discussion. It was further processed at 4 regional conferences of unit leaders.

The revised programme was recommended by the National Executive Committee and finally approved by the National Council in its meeting on 25th November, 1985. The highlights of the new programme were : • Relevant to present, progressive and community development oriented; 140

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• • • • • • •

X

Educational aspects of Scouting/Guiding kept in mind; Age groups in consonance with the 10+2+3 pattern and their activities adjusted accordingly; Clearer concept to be identified and developed progressively in three sections; Stages indianised, rationalised and renamed; Flexibility brought into the programme; Sets of activities for the development of self and community within the framework of fundamentals; Adherence to the 4 pillars of scouting viz., 5 original basic ideas of BP, World Bureau’s thinking, 20 point programme and needs as well as latest educational trends; ASIA PACIFIC JAMBOREE, HYDERABAD 1987

India is one of the founding members of the FarEast Region (now APR) of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement. It was decided to celebrate the 30th year of Foundation of Asia Pacific Region during the X Asia Pacific Jamboree at Hyderabad from Jan. 3,1987 to Jan. 9,1987. Ten thousand Scouts and Guides from 11 countries attended the 7-day Jamboree which was packed with fun, thrill and joy. Its theme was ‘Towards Integration and Peace’. Venue of the Jamboree was opposite the Deer Park near Himayat Sagar (Hyderabad). About 9,000 members from 36 states attended. The overseas contingents came from Japan, Philippines, Korea, Kuwait, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal. Rovers from 21 states and Rangers from 8 states were available for service.

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The Jamboree was inaugurated by H. E. Giani Zail Singhji, President of India on January 4, 1987.

Others who spoke at the function included Shri S.B. Chavan Chief Minister Maharashtra and the President, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Shri N. T. Rama Rao, Chief Minister Andhra Pradesh, Shri G. Muddu Krishnama Naidu, Education Minister (AP).

First day cover was released on January, 05. Seven Rovers of Northern Railway Moradabad reached the Jamboree Site on a cycle hike covering a distance of 2700 Kms. Other features of the Jamboree were a film show on wild life, ‘Do it yourself’ activities, Youth Forum (on 6th and 7th), Amateur Radio, Jamboree Award Activities, All Faiths Prayer Meeting (7th January), Band Display (7.1.87) Pageant Show, International Arena Show, Exhibition, Scouters Guiders Meet, Camp Fire, Fireworks, sight seeing, release of the Jamboree Patrika etc.

The Closing Ceremony was performed on 9th January by Shri N.T. Rama Rao, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh who gifted 25 acres of the camp site for Scout and Guide activities.

FIRST NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF DISTRICT LEVEL OFFICERS (1987) This was a major attempt to activate District Level Organisations to make the Movement more effective at its grass roots. Venue of the Conference was Electra Vidyapeeth Meerut, UP. It was held in April - May, 1987. The content and outcome were very important for National Headquarters. This beginning led to various other events later on.

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U. N. PEACE MESSENGER AWARD (1987) The U.N. General Assembly at its 37th Session unanimously accepted the proposal of observing the year 1986 as the ‘International Year of Peace’. The Secretary General decided to designate and award ‘Peace Messenger Certificates’ to National and International Organisations on 15th September 1987.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides had the proud privilege of being identified and selected for receiving the award at the U. N. Headquarters. On 15th September 1987the International Day of Peace, there was a selective gathering around ‘The Peace Bell’ for the distribution of certificates. The traditional ‘Peace Bell Ceremony’ began at 09:50 hours with a performance of several musical selections by the U.N. Choir. The President of Security Council H. E. James Gbelio of Ghana delivered a message on behalf of the Council followed by the Dy. Secretary General Mr. Virendra Dayal opening the ‘Common Hope For Peace’ Exhibition in the General Assembly Lobby.

At the pre-award ceremony meeting held on 14th September at the U. N. Secretariat the National Commissioner gave details of the year-round involvement of over 1.5 million youth faces of Scouts and Guides in spreading the message of peace and national integration to the farthest corner of India.

Pamphlets, posters and handouts issued during the year were also displayed.

The National Commissioner threw light on the programme in phased manner viz., workshop, seminar on peace and integration, language appreciation camps, patriotic songs competition, mass community singing course, youth forum, peace marches, regional Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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integration camps, one act plays, inter state cultural exchanges, motor cycle hike, canoe trips, RoverRangers’ expeditions, essay writing, poster designing, declamation contest etc. All these activities were organised with the theme of unity, national integration and peace in view. The Award was given to Sardar Lakshman Singh National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides. The President of the General Assembly Mr. Peter Florin welcomed the recipients at a special function held at the Peace Studies Unit of the U. N. Secretariat. Recipients of this Award attended the open session of the General Assembly.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATE FROM WOSM AND U.N. CENTRE FOR CONTRIBUTION TO IYSH (1988, 1990) A pleasant surprise at the Melbourne Conference (January 1988) was the announcement that Bharat Scouts and Guides had been awarded a special certificate by the World Scout Bureau for outstanding efforts during the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. India and Kenya were the only two National Organisations which were given this special certificate. The housing project in the name of the Bharat Scouts and Guides colony was taken up by Sh. S. R. K. Sharma, ASOC, Andhra Pradesh State, Bharat Scouts and Guides on 12th Feb. 1988.

Over 400 Scouts/Guides/Rovers/Rangers, besides the local people were involved in this project. The United Nation’s Centre for ‘Human Settlements (Habitat)’, too, awarded the Certificate of Merit to the Bharat Scouts and Guides (runner up in the World Scout Habitat Competition) for its successful efforts towards an integrated community development

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programme. Mr. David Jenkins, Deputy Resident Representative UN Development programme presented the Certificate of Merit to Shri Murasoli Maran, Union Minister for Urban Development who in turn presented it to Sardar Lakshman Singh in the National Conference of Housing Ministers in Ashoka Hotel on 9.10.1990. A programme to celebrate the award was held in NHQ in the noon the same day.

SARDAR LAKSHMAN SINGH AWARDED BRONZE WOLF (1988) Sardar Lakshman Singh was given the World highest and most prestigious award ‘BRONZE WOLF’ at the World Scout Conference and World Jamboree held in Sydney (Australia) in January 1988. He was also awarded Padma Bhushan by the President of India on 25.3.1989 in recognition of his services to the society specially the rising generation.

INDIRA GANDHI AWARD INTEGRATION (1988)

FOR

NATIONAL

Another feather was added to the cap of the Scouting and Guiding Movement in India when Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi gave the coveted, ‘Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for the year 1987’ to the Bharat Scouts and Guides on 31st October 1988 at Vigyan Bhawan. Over 800 Scouts and Guides representing every state attended the function.

The award citation was read by Shri P. V. Narsimha Rao the then Minister for the External Affairs in his capacity as Chairman of the Indira Gandhi Award Committee and a sum of Rupees One Lakh was given to the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

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Elite of the town and leaders of the Bharat Scouts and Guides besides several central government ministers and officials graced the occasion. The Citation mentioned enormous efforts made by the Bharat Scouts and Guides all over the country in promoting peace understanding and integration.

Sardar Lakshman Singh National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides in his acceptance speech referred to encouragement given to the Movement

by Smt. Indira Gandhi by allowing her august office’s name at all India level i.e., the Prime Minister Shield.

He gave the assurance to uphold the values dear to Indiraji and active carrier of the message of unity, love and goodwill in the true Scout/Guide spirit.

NATIONAL YOUTH COMPLEX, GADPURI (1989) On February 23, 1989 a plot of 9 acres was purchased near Palwal (Haryana) for developing a national youth complex. Shri L.M. Jain, the International Commissioner (S) and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports helped in the procurement and development of the plot. A special committee was formed to look after the development of the complex.

The Complex, at present, has camping facilities for over a thousand children. It has cemented platforms for tents, with electric and water supply arrangements. There are staff quarters, living place and a lounge. It is still being developed and more and more amenities and facilities are gradually added to make it an ideal camping complex. After obtaining a massive grant from the Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters the Centre has become a Training-cum-Production Centre with developed infrastructure.

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XI

NATIONAL JAMBOREE, BHOPAL (1990)

The Eleventh National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was held at BHEL Complex, Raisen Road, Bhopal (MP) from January 3 to 9, 1990.

It was a large gathering of about 16, 800 Scouts and Guides, 334 Rovers and Rangers from 41 states and 179 participants from 9 foreign countries. There were 15 sub-camps in the Scout Wing and 10 in Guide wing named after the rivers of India. Each participant was given a Jamboree gift. The opening ceremony was performed by Shri S.C. Shukla, on 3rd January.

Shri Arjun Singh President, Madhya Pradesh Bharat Scouts and Guides took the salute of the March Past.

Nine Bands displayed their skill. Community songs were sung by the participants. It was followed by a cultural programme presented by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh contingents.

‘First Day Cover Cancellation’ function was arranged on 4th January. Next day Shri R. K. Goel, Mayor of Bhopal presided over the ‘Do-It- Yourself’ function.

Shri A. B. Singh, Secretary, Tribal Welfare, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh chaired Jamboree Award Activities Inaugural Function on 5th January. Mr. Mateo Javer Representative of the Secretary World Scout Bureau was the Chief Guest. The Adventure Award had 5 types viz., modern technology, national integration, songs and games, guide skills experiencing etc.

An exhibition was organised by the Bharat Scouts and Guides in co-ordination with other voluntary agencies. It was declared open by Mrs. Gruner Chief Person AHM West Germany on 6th January. One of the creative programme was the ‘ASHA GEET’ (Song on Leprosy awareness was an appeal to the medical Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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men and public for co-operation in the eradication of Leprosy).

Quiz competition was added in the youth forum programme. Each state contingent sent two competitors. The Chief Guest at this function was Mr. Dodwel Roderigo from Sri Lanka.

On 6th January Shri N. M. Prasad, Chairman Railway Board addressed the Apex Body of the State Chief Commissioners of all the 9 railway states. The folk dance and song shows captivated the heart of the audience. A meeting of the National Council of IFOFSAG was held in the Conference Hall of the Jamboree Grounds. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, presided. The IFOFSAG set up a stall ‘A to Z’ in the Jamboree.

Bands display was organised on 7th January. In the afternoon a grand Pageant Show was organized in which 35 contingents including 4 from overseas (Japan, Nepal, Malaysia and Sri Lanka) participated and made the show very impressive.

A seminar was organized on the youth and the environment. All Faiths Prayer was held on 8th January. Chaudhury Devi Lal, Dy. Prime Minister visited the Jamboree the same evening.

Mrs. Sarla Grewal, Hon’ble Governor of M.P. took the salute at a march past in the valedictory function.

In her speech she narrated her experiences as a Girl Guide. Jamboree Patrika was brought out every day.

Sight seeing was arranged for participants. They were taken to Sanchi and Bhopal. Battery bus was available for a trip of the Jamboree campus. The Jamboree’s specialties were the inclusion of HAM

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Radio and Computer Awareness Programmes in the adventure activities. Daman and Diu, Navodaya Vidyalaya State Associations and contingent from Maldive participated for the first time in the Jamboree. Similarly Solar Water heater was installed for the first time in a Jamboree.

VII APR GATHERING OF IFOFSG (1990) The Seventh APR Gathering hosted by the Indian Fellowship of Former Scouts and Guides was held successfully in New Delhi from November 5 to 9, 1990. It was inaugurated by H. E. Shankar Dayal Sharma, Vice President of India on November 5. The Gathering was preceded by a ‘Development Seminar under the auspices of the International Fellowship from November 2-4, 1990. Miss Irene Kerry, Member International Council led the Seminar by giving the Keynote address. In another Seminar on ‘Service to community for better quality of life’ many eminent dignitaries and intellectuals like Dr. L. M. Singhvi, Smt. Najma Hepatullah, Sh. Romesh Bhandari, Prof. Gangerade (Pro. Vice Chancellor, Delhi University) expressed their views. The week long programme included discussions on various topics of development of human resources. Experts on these topics. Prof. A. N. Saffaya of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Shri Narendra Chaddha (Vice President of Indian Fellowship), Shri Veera Raghavan (former Secretary Deptt. of Education, Govt. of India) led the discussion. One of the sessions also included discussions on ‘The Role of Former Scouts and Guides in strengthening national and international understanding’. The report of these seminars were

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adopted unanimously in the valedictory session held on November 9, 1990 which was addressed by Shri Rabi Roy, Speaker Lok Sabha, A Cultural Programme was followed by a farewell dinner which was hosted by the Hon’ble Speaker.

PROJECT OWN A TREE 1990 A novel idea of Project Own A Tree was floated by National Headquarters to achieve many purposes. The idea was anyone who wants to plant a sapling in memory of any event in his/her family, birthday, wedding anniversary and in remembrance of their parents, etc. can donate a sum to National Headquarters and NHQ will arrange to plant a sapling in the campsites and a label will be pinned mentioning the name of donor, date etc. to the sapling and take care of it to grow into a tree. The idea is to develop greenery in the campsite coordinating with our members.

The idea spread all over the country. Members, old and new, participants of the events accepted and joined this project. With the help of our own members, greenery spread in the campsites to give shade and spread air to the environment. Donors who had a chance to visit the campsite felt elated to see the tree with their names. Thus this Scheme POT project i.e. Project Own a Tree attracted the minds and hearts of our members.

ADULTS IN SCOUTING (1992) On the line of Asia Pacific Region, WOSM the idea of Adults in Scouting has been accepted by the Bharat Scouts and Guides. Plans to Indianise developed and 150

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a booklet on Adults in Scouting printed in English and Hindi by the National Headquarters.

This book was introduced to the Trainers and Officials of the Organisation which felt the need of it and accepted the idea Regional Level Seminars were planned so that the idea will reach all corners of the country. In order to spread this theme to all states, the book was translated into Regional languages Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil etc.

The idea spread all nocks and corners of the country.

The Officials, Commissioners, Trainers, Unit Leaders accepted and assimilated this idea to put forth in action. Reports and reactions of their experience poured into National Headquarters. The view of the States published with National Headquarters magazine caught sight of the Regional Officials also who appreciated the follow-up work of AIS in India.

REGIONS OF THE BHARAT SCOUTS AND GUIDES FORMED (1987-88) It is always the desire of the Bharat Scouts and Guides that the idea of Scouting/Guiding should reach upto the grass root level, even in the remote areas to benefit the villages of our country. In order to disseminate this idea, the decentralisation of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, Regions has been formed.

Start with Regions- viz North, South, East and Central Region formed with their functioning at NHQ-New Delhi, Bangalaore-Karnataka, Patna-Bihar and NTC, Pachmarhi-Madhya Pradesh respectively.

Later on, the centres got changed. Central Region changed to Western Region. As the States in NorthEast area are far away, the need to start a Regional Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Office was felt and in Guwahati the North-East Regional Office was started in May 1989. In the beginning, there were 2 officials ROC (S) and ROC (G). Later to coordinate with them and with National Headquarters and to look after the Administration etc, one Assistant Director was appointed for each Region in 1989. The functions of the Regional Offices of National Headquarters were also finalised. In 1996 all the Regional Offices were roll down and all were kept at National Headquarters. On demand of N.E. Region, N.E. Region was shifted in 1997. Southern Region was shifted in 2003. Northern Region was shifted in 2006 to NCTC, New Ashok Nagar, and Eastern Region was shifted to NYC, Gadpuri in 2008 and lateron to Kolkatta, West Bengal. The Western Region was shifted to NYC, Gadpuri, Palwal in 2014.

National Scout/Guide Volunteer Scheme- SGVs Recruited and Trained National Scouts Volunteers selected from various states were called for intensive training in the Administration, Organisation and training aspects for 15 days. The first course started in April 1989. This idea of National Scout/Guide Volunteers drawn from various states, being trained by National Headquarters is to go back to their respective districts/states to help them to become stronger thus making states active and help National Headquarters.

During the courses they were given training in all practical aspects and to help them, a set of literature was given to each. Almost all states took benefit of this scheme and the reports received from SGVs revealed the success of this scheme.

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Every year new members got trained and started working in their area Districts or States and helped the states in their Organisational working, training, community Development Projects and also acted as in charge of camps and campsites.

The Scout Guide Volunteers got trained in a series of Basic and Advanced courses in batches in a phased manner. The First Advanced Course for SGV was organised at N.T.C. Pachmarhi in 1990 and in the year 1991, the first Himalaya Wood Badge Course was organised at National Youth Complex, Gadpuri for both the sections in which SGVs actively participated and got qualified. They are eligible to go higher to become trainers in their respective sections i.e. Rover or Ranger as the case may be.

2014 Amendments of the 64th National Council Meeting held in November, 2014 The National Council approved the following changes: National Commissioner will be designated as Chief National Commissioner.

Chief Commissioner Commissioner (Scouts)

(Scouts)

as

National

Chief Commissioner (Guides) Commissioner (Guides)

as

National

Deputy Chief Commissioner (Scouts) as Deputy National Commissioner (Scouts) Deputy Chief Commissioner (Guides) as Deputy National Commissioner (Guides)

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Duration of the National Council changed from 3 years to 5 years.

Similarly, State Council and District Council duration is also changed to 5 years.

2015 Indian Railway States increased from 9 to 16. Seven New Zones of the Indian Railways were recognized and and total no. of Railway States reached to 16 from 9.

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10 NEW DIMENSIONS OF SCOUTING and GUIDING (1991-1999) A close study of the preceding pages makes it conspicuous that the conduct of the Bharat Scouts and Guides like a flowing stream retaining the old fundamental values and adding new ones in tune with the growing needs and aspirations of the youth.

An ongoing journey of the organization after the year 1991 served as a litmus test. In fact, new dimensions to the Movement were added during the period 19912000, mainly in regard to the activities of the youth.

The succeeding pages explain and interpret the new vistas of vital activities in the service of mankind, especially the youth.

COURSE ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT (1991) At the Global Level it is well thought that disasters or calamities should not only be managed but also could be prevented and attempt for preparedness would possibly avoid damages. For the first time the Course of Disaster Management was organised by Bharat Scouts and Guides from March 8 to 17, 1991. 36 candidates from 12 states participated. Both theoretical knowledge and practical demonstration were parts of the training. Important subjects like rescue, first aid, emergencies etc., were discussed. The Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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HAM was handled by Smt. Bharati Prasad (NIAR), technical topics were handled by Shri N. K. Jain, Convenor and S. Krishnamurthy.

FIRST HAM CONVENTION (1991) First HAM convention was held at the National Headquarters from October 11 to 14, 1991. Eighteen candidates from 9 states attended. Shri Ramesh and Shri Balmurlikrishna from National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad conducted the Course.

LEPROSY ERADICATION PROJECTS To serve the sick has been a part of the Scout/ Guide programme from the very beginning. Leprosy, regarded as incurable and contagious disease, was looked at as a curse and the patients were kept away.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides has always been alive to the need of eradicating leprosy, creating awareness in the public and serving the patients. Scouting and Guiding started in leper asylums in the third decade of the last century. Leprosy eradication has all along been included in the Annual Schedule of Programmes of the Scouts and Guides. Leprosy awareness marches, seminars, talks by experts, exhibitions, visit to leprosy homes etc., are organised every year. The Committee which was formed in 1984 to chalk out the programme for the ‘International year of the youth’ (1985-86) suggested that leprosy eradication be taken up as a separate activity in the International Year of the Youth. This recommendation was approved by the National Council.

The Scouts and Guides made a commitment to take up the work of eradication of leprosy. The programme was taken up in 25 to 30 different methods 156

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such as ‘Spread the Word’, awareness walk, holding competitions (viz., slogan writing, poster making, singing a song etc.). Leprosy eradication was included in the Revised Programme in 1989. Two national seminars were held and a special exhibition was organised in 1990.

It was decided to exhibit these activities at the international level too. The procedure and efforts started in 1989. AHM (a leprosy eradication organisation of Munich, Germany) helped the Bharat Scouts and Guides in this endeavour. An exhibition was arranged at the World Scout Conference and WOSM requested every key executive as well as selected countries to observe what the Bharat Scouts and Guides was doing. AHM, World Scout Bureau and GMLF took up the Indian example to the World.

As a result, an International Seminar was organised in January 1992 at Madras. The event was attended by the Community Development Programme Executives of the 3 out of the 5 Regional Offices of WOSM (Bangladesh, Pakistan, Tojo, Phillippines, Kenya, Egypt and Cameroon) participated in it. Twelve National Associations decided to follow the Bharat Scouts and Guides model.

LEPROSY FREE SCHOOLS PROJECT As a test case Changalpattu District Project was taken up on 22.10.91. All the students of schools in the area were screened and suspected cases referred to for confirmation and treatment. The project was divided into two phases. In the first phase 7,86,553 students (4,49,382 boys 3,37,171 girls) of 2819 schools were screened. 7,381 suspected cases were sent for Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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confirmation to clinics or hospitals. In the II phase confirmed cases were treated. In one year these cases were brought down to zero. Tamil Nadu State Associations and Railway State Associations in the South made this project a success. Results of the Changapattu Project enthused NHQ, AHM and GMLF. It was decided to expand the work to other areas. ‘Leprosy Free Village Project’ was the out-come.

DASTAK This project was started in Gwalior on 23.8.1994.

The City of Gwalior was divided into 60 wards. Ten training camps of 1135 Scouts and Guides from 18 schools were organised. 26,108 doors of 1,70,000 families were knocked. 188 suspected cases were detected of which 13 were confirmed and treated.

The project was closed on 25.11.96. 50 Scouts and Guides were given the special honour as ‘Kushta Mukti Doot’.

The Leprosy Eradication work was picking up fast.

In April 1993 ‘Leprosy Control Proficiency Badge’ was introduced and 1994 it was included in the list of activities for Prime Minister Shield Competition.

PROJECTS IN STATES The National Headquarters allotted ‘Leprosy Eradication Projects’ to different states. These projects were divided into three categories: (i) Leprosy free schools : The project was allotted generally for one year. The pioneer project was taken up in Changelpattu (Tamil Nadu) followed

by Nabagong (Assam), Purnea, Katihar (Bihar), Chanchipur (Manipur), Chandan Nagar (Howrah) 158

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and North 24 Parganas (West Bengal), Dakshin Kanada and Blegaum (Karnataka), Haldwani (District UP) Gorakhpur, Samastipur (North Eastern Railway) Kota, Bundi (Rajasthan) etc. (ii) Door to door survey : The Scouts and Guides knocked every door in the area to spread the message and screened the children. ‘Dastak’ programme in Gwalior was the pioneer project. Later on Maharashtra, Manipur, Eastern Railway and Kerala State Associations were allotted projects. (iii) Exhibition : ‘Five Day Exhibitions’ were organised by different states to spread leprosy awareness.

Thousands of visitors saw these exhibitions. Children visiting these exhibitions were screened. These Projects were undertaken in Kasargod, Mallapuram (Kerala), Bhilvadi and Ichalkaranj (Maharashtra) Gandhi Nagar (Jammu) and Lilua (Eastern Railway).

SCOUTING INTRODUCED IN LEPER ASYLUM In the third decade of the last century Scout/ Guide groups were opened in leper asylums. It was introduced in the leper asylum at Chandkhuri (Madhya Pradesh) second largest leper asylum in India by Rev. J. H. Schultz. Mr. Falls, one of the House Fathers, was sent to Pachmarhi for a training course. In 1930 membership of these Groups numbered 80. Schultz Report says that the atmosphere of the institution was changed and it had a marked effect on the mental development, manners and happiness of the leprosy patients. As a result this was extended to asylums at Champa, Dhamatri, Dhanilari.

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Besides these, other programmes are also undertaken later on. Anti-leprosy day is observed in every state every year. Scouts and Guides visit leper homes to serve the leprosy patients. Record relating to the functioning of the projects in different parts of India for various periods is being maintained at the National Headquarters.

THE INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON SCOUT INVOLVEMENT IN LEPROSY AWARENESS-CUMFIELD TRIP The Seminar was organised by the Bharat Scouts and Guides in two phases. The first phase was given a practical shape in Madras. It was exclusively on leprosy awareness and the connected activities. Phase II was conducted in Bangalore, Vishakhapatnam, Bhopal, Agra, Ajmer, Sonepat and New Delhi. It covered some special aspects of Scout Guide activities.

The Managing Director of AHM Mrs. M. Gruner and the delegates drawn from Egypt, Cameroon, Togo, Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan and the officials from the Arab, African and APR Offices attended the Seminar. The integration session and the inaugural functions were organised at Avvai Home Adyar on sixth January, 1992.

The input session consisted of two components (1) experts; and (2) the Scouts and Guides active in the field. The exposition of the Scouts and Guides was in 3 parts on the 30 types of various activities on leprosy awareness. Group discussions were held on 6th, 8th and 9th January and the open session was conducted on 10th January 1992.

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On 6th January 1992 in the morning there was a leprosy awareness march of nearly 3000 Scouts and Guides from KVS, Tamil Nadu State Association and Southern Railway in Chennai. An exhibition was also organised. The delegates visited the GREMALTES Refersal Hospital at Shenoy Nagar. A visit to Chengalpattu was also arranged where the sign board of the first ‘Leprosy Free School’ was unveiled by Mrs. M. Gruner. Shri R. M. Veerappan, Minister for Education Tamil Nadu, was the Chief Guest at the concluding session.

The delegates were taken to Chikkathorepalya to see the ‘Lab to Land Community Development Project’ (rearing of goats and sheep in a village).

From there they moved to Doddaballapur to witness programme of the Cubs/Bulbuls at a badge work (of home craft and handicraft). The visitors saw HWB (S)’s programme in Andhra Pradesh. This programme was conducted on 2 days (Jan. 13 and 14), 1992. At Vishakhapatnam (Tribal Scout Rally) and a visit to Harijan Village Jaggayyapalem was also arranged. On 15th January 1992 delegates were taken to a National Integration Camp at Gandhi Nagar, Bhopal. A leprosy free project exhibition was arranged there. Delegates reached Agra and saw a handicraft exhibition set up by the Scouts and Guides of UP. In Delhi there was a demonstration of rock climbing at the sports complex of the Ramjas Foundation, West Patel Nagar.

At Sonepat, Haryana, Shri L. M. Jain, International Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides and Vice President of Haryana State Association received the visitors. Local village folk gave a traditional welcome Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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to the visitors. Community singing by 1000 Girl Guides, exhibition at the Adult Literacy Centre and Craft Centre impressed the delegates. The Northern Railway State Association organised a function at the Kishan Ganj Adult Literacy Centre, Delhi. Scouts and Guides from 12 districts of Northern Railway and North Eastern Railway (125 in number) set up stalls for the display of vocational activities. The valedictory function was organised on 18th January 1992.

THE BHARAT SCOUTS FOUNDATION (1992)

AND

GUIDES

On the lines of the World Scout Foundation, ‘THE BHARAT SCOUTS AND GUIDES FOUNDATION’ was established in 1992. The need was felt to set up a foundation as the then existing Scouts/Guides Trust served limited purpose of supporting certain events, staff, deputation etc. It was felt that the BSandG Foundation should have a sound financial guarantee.

The Bharat Scout/Guide Fellowship is given to any Indian who has attained 18 years of age or an institution who wants to support the Movement as well as donates Rs.50,000/-. A ‘Fellowship Medal’ is awarded by the Rashtrapati.

The first institutional ‘Bharat Scouts and Guides Fellow’ is the Indian Bank, Madras. Smt. Shanti Bhan of Sonepat (Haryana) is the first Guide Fellow. RTN Dr. K. S. Pattabhiram HWB(S) also the Asstt. State Commissioner (S) of Tamil Nadu is the first Scout to become the Fellow. (He had met BP along with Dr. Annie Besant in Adyar Madras in 1921). The First State Chief Commissioner to be enrolled as a BSG Fellow was Anna Saheb V. T. Randhir, State Chief Commissioner, Maharashtra.

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The first industrialist to join the fellowship is Sukhraj B. Nahar Bombay. Shri Kanti Sen C. Shroff, Bombay is the First District Commissioner to become a Bharat Scouts and Guides Fellow. Dr. H. C. Jain is the first Leader Trainer to become a Bharat Scouts and Guides Fellow (1994).

PEACE POST CARD MOVEMENT (1992) To promote national integration and international understanding and peace, a novel idea of writing peace post cards was put to practice in September 1992.

These post cards had a message/slogan on ‘Peace’ written by a Scout/Guide in his/her language along with some sketches depicting peace. These messages and sketches reflected the ideas and thoughts of the children. The cards motivated thinking on peace not only in the mind of the child who received the card, actually her whole family became a part of the bigger process. The target of one lakh cards was reached in a short time. Out of the total cards received, 10,000 were laminated and displayed on notice boards in the Indira Gandhi Stadium in February 1993.

APR ONCE AGAIN RECOGNIZES BSandG’s SERVICE ACTIVITIES (1992) In recognition of its exemplary efforts made towards the successful implementation of community development projects on health care, leprosy and literacy and for the significant growth of the Scouting Movement in India, the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, Asia Pacific Region presented a plaque of appreciation to the Bharat Scouts and Guides on 14.11.1992 at the 17th APR Conference held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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CHAIRMAN’S AWARD The Chairman’s Award (APR) is given in recognition of dedicated and invaluable services to the Regional Scout Committee, which serves as an inspiration for other national associations. The recipients of these awards are Sardar Lakshman Singh and Dr. S. N. Bharali (14.11.1992), Shri V. P. Deendayalu Naidu (31.7.98) and Dr. A. N. Daw, (September 1999).

BRONZE WOLF AWARD Shri G. Ranga Rao, Director, Bharat Scouts and Guides, was awarded the World’s highest and coveted Award ‘BRONZE WOLF’ for outstanding services to the Scout Movement by WOSM at Marrakech Moraco in November 1994. Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar and Sardar Lakshman Singh had received this most prestigious award in 1969 and 1988 respectively. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, BSG received this prestigious award in 2008.

NATIONAL ADVENTURE INSTITUTE Adventure is not a new idea to Scouting. Quite a big portion of the BP’s book ‘Scouting for Boys’ contains activities leading to adventure and preparing young people for adventure. Thus adventure is inseparable from Scouting and Guiding. The Bharat Scouts and Guides thought of highlighting adventure as a prestigious activity in 1992. The idea of establishing an ‘Adventure Institute’ came up in a meeting of the Performance Review Committee in June 1992. The natural surroundings of National Training Centre, Pachmarhi and the facilities available there made it a

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natural choice. The area was surveyed to explore the possibilities of introducing Adventure in Pachmarhi under the banner of the National Adventure Institute, Bharat Scouts and Guides. The programme was started with the issuance of the first circular on 25th August 1992. It was an announcement of 6 courses of 10 days each to promote low cost adventure at a mass scale. The National Adventure Institute was set up in the first week of November 1992 with Shri L. N. Suthar as the first National Adventure Programme Officer.

The first 10-day Adventure Programme was organised from January 1 to 10, 1993. Six persons from Madhya Pradesh attended it. After noting the success, 5 experimental camps were conducted from January to March 1993. Area No. III of the National Training Centre (known as Dr. Annie Besant Park) was used for the activities of the Adventure Institute. The Institute was formally inaugurated by the National Commissioner. Shri V. P. Deen Dayalu Naidu, on 9-51994. A staff quarter was converted into a temporary office. In the year 1996 - 97 two more campsites were used for the adventure activities. During the last 15 years i.e., January 1993 to June 2008, 213. ‘National and 10 International Adventure Programmes and many special programmes (including the Adventure Leader Courses and one SAARC Programme) have been conducted. The total number of participants so far is over 1800.

I NATIONAL RALLY OF OPEN UNITS (1993) The First National Rally of Open units was held at the National Camping Complex, New Ashok Nagar, Delhi from February 21to 25, 1993. 558 members from Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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18 states participated in it. The units had put up a nice exhibition of the photographs and paper cuttings of their activities. It was considered to be one of the successful programmes.

XXXVII ASIA COURSE (1993)

PACIFIC

BASIC

MANAGEMENT

Keeping abreast with the growing need for management skills among the Scouts and Guides professionals the Bharat Scouts and Guides during the last two decades (since 1972) had conducted 6 Model Courses. In the year 1993 XXXVII APR course for Professional Scout/Guide Executives was conducted. It was a 15-day course which started on April 27. Shri S. N. Andley, the National Treasurer presided over the inaugural function. There were 38 participants including three from Thailand, 3 from Bangladesh, 1 from Singapore and 31 from India.

The distinguished professionals from different countries, including India, served as the course counsellors. Mr. Kim Kyu Young Regional Executive Commissioner APR who had planned the Course also joined. The participants listened to the experts on financial management and budgeting viz., Mr. Raja Raman (Hony. Treasurer, Indian Fellowship of former Scouts and Guides) and Mr. S. N. Andley (National Treasurer, Bharat Scouts and Guides) etc.

The 15-day Course offered a comprehensive package on management specially designed for Scout/Guide Executives. Valedictory function was held on 11th evening. Shri S. Y. Qureshi Joint Secretary, Youth Affairs was the Chief Guest.

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XII NATIONAL JAMBOREE, PALGHAT (1994) The XII National Jamboree was organised by the Bharat Scouts and Guides at Dr. Annie Besant Nagar, Palghat (Kerala) from January 3rd to 9th, 1994. About 20,000 Scouts and Guides from 37 Indian States and 125 participants from 5 overseas contingents congregated. 3000 Scouts and Guides, Rovers and Rangers assembled in the arena to celebrate new year in the mid-night of 31st December 1993. Songs were sung and prayer offered. Shri Ajay Kumar Agarwal the District Collector greeted all the participants with a Happy New Year.

The Jamboree Campus had 12 Scout sub-camps and 8 in the Guide Wing. Scout Sub Camps were named after animals and Guides sub-camps after birds.

HAM Radio was inaugurated at the hill top on the New Year Day at 11:45 a.m. It was inaugurated by Shri Vijai Raghavan, MP of the area.

The inaugural function of the Jamboree was held on 3.1.94. Shri S. B. Chavan, the Union Home Minister and President of Bharat Scouts and Guides presided. Shri K. Karunakaran was the Chief Guest who inaugurated the Jamboree by lighting the Jamboree lamp. Shri P. M. Saeed State Minister of Home Affairs, Govt. of India and Shri M. Basheer, Education Minister Kerala addressed the gathering. A special cover was issued and cancelled. It had a sketch by BP which showed a Scout kicking ‘IM’ from impossible. A booklet published by Malayala Manorama was released. Skillo-Rama was inaugurated by Shri K. L. Verma, State Chief Commissioner of Madhya Pradesh. More than 5000 Scouts and Guides participated in this activity.

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Handicapped Scouts/Guides also demonstrated their skills. In the Conference Hall Group IV Skill Expo was arranged. There were 6 bases for handicrafts, drawing or poster painting, Radio-Scouting (five Ham stations were set up), slogan writing, making peace post cards and new year greeting cards. An exhibition of camp craft and Jamboree activities was arranged. Nepal and all other Indian states took part in the Pageant show, the most colourful feature of the Jamboree. Himalaya Wood Badge Reunion was held. In the painting competition 6000 Scouts and Guides participated. Over night hike was arranged in which 12,484 Scouts/ Guides took part. State days and get-togethers were organised.

Grand Camp fire was organised on 8th January in the evening. Shri Kunjali Kutty, Industrial, Social and Cultural Minister, Kerala was the Chief Guest. All faiths prayer meeting was held on January 9th, 1994. Shri P.V. Narsimha Rao the Prime Minister of India (a former Scout) was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function.

The theme of the Jamboree was ‘Save Nature, Pave Future’. This was a unique Jamboree in which many a celebrations coincided viz., it was the Silver Jubilee Year of the APR of the WAGGGS, Centenary of Dr. Annie Besant’s landing in India, Centenary of Swami Vivekanand’s Chicago Address, kicking off the ‘Year of Family’ and closing of the year long celebrations of the ‘National Year for Rovers and Rangers’.

UPA-RASHTRAPATI AWARD (1994) His Excellency the Vice President of India consented the proposal of the Bharat Scouts and Guides to institute Upa-Rashtrapati Award to be given to the Rover/Ranger units for community 168

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development oriented programmes for one year on the lines of the Prime Minister Shield Competition. Its launching took place at the Vice-President’s Residence (No. 6, Maulana Azad Road, New Delhi) on October 2, 1994. Thirty four campers from 14 states attended the camp which started on 28th September at the Delhi State Training Centre Nizamuddin. The VicePresident of India released guidelines and log-book of the scheme. Shri S. B. Chavan and Smt. Usha Narain graced the function with their presence. Mrs. Narain proudly informed the Rovers and Rangers that she was a ‘Bulbul’ during her school days and showed Girl Guide Sign which she had cherished throughout. On 3rd October All Faiths Prayer Meeting was conducted which was followed by a commitment ceremony.

Each Rover/Ranger took the pledge to introduce the Upa- Rashtrapati award in at least 5 Rover/Ranger Teams as early as possible. After the open session and evaluations, the flag was lowered and the Camp was declared closed.

ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY (ORT) PROGRAMME (1994) Infantile mortality rate is very high in India. One of the major killers is diarrhoea which takes away the lives of two children in every one and a half minute.

Nearly 7 lakh children under the age of 5 years died of diarrhoea every year. The UNESCO started a project to save these young ones. The Bharat Scouts and Guides in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India and UNESCO took up the ORT Project and worked on it from 27.10.1994 to 1998. The first seminar on ORT was attended by

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43 State Organising Commissioners. The target of training 50,000 unit leaders was achieved. 4 millions of handbills in 13 regional languages and 50,000 ORT packets were distributed by Scouts and Guides. It was estimated that each trained unit leader would train 20 Scouts and Guides and each Scout/Guide educate five families that means 5 million families were to be covered during 1994-97.

XXXIX APR BASIC MANAGEMENT COURSE (1994) 39th Asia Pacific Basic Management Course was hosted and led by the Bharat Scouts and Guides with the support of WOSM. The course was successfully conducted at the National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from December 3 to 17, 1994. Twenty eight participants from India, 12 from Nepal one each from Singapore, Bangladesh, Indonesia attended. Mr. Kim Kyu Young Regional Director APR inaugurated the course.

FIRST APR ADVANCED MANAGEMENT COURSE, BANGALORE (1995) The first Advanced Management Course was conducted at the Agricultural Cooperative Staff Training Institute of Apex Bank of Bangalore from December 8-16, 1995. The Course was inaugurated by H. E. Governor of Karnataka, Mr. Madhav Laxman Pendse. Mr. Manjunath, Hon’ble Minister for Education, Karnataka presided over the opening ceremony.

Besides 24 participants from India, 10 delegates represented Thailand, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal. These delegates were Scout and Guide senior executives. The faculty of this course was from the Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters Manila. These 170

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experienced professionals worked under the leadership of Mr. Kim Kyu Young, Regional Director, Mr. Ghulam Sattar (APR) and Prof. H. Eric Frank, Management Consultant from UK. A team from India headed by the Director of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, (comprising of Mr. G. Ranga Rao, Mr. G. C. Sharma and Dr. S. P. Kulshreshtha) were among the course faculties. Mr. S. Prassanna of APR and Mr. Audikesavalu Executive Director were the coordinators.

APR WAGGGS COMMITTEE MEETING (1997) The XXVI Asia Pacific Committee of WAGGGS met at the National Headquarters New Delhi from 7th March 1997. The Committee represents 27 countries in the region. The meeting was attended by nine members Dr. Amelita Dayrit Go (Chairman) (Philippines) Ms. Gunila Engva (World Board Member, London) (Sweden) Dr. Saroj Lalwani (India), Malveoa Hojesen (Tonga), Hajah Fatimah Mohammad (Malaysia) Tracy Peoples (New Zealand), Duranc Wenuchan (Thailand) Jan Macintyre (Australia), Leticia R. Arnilla, (Executive for Asia Pacific Region, WAGGGS).

The Committee concentrated on promoting WAGGGS goals and working for advancements of its mission. It planned programmes on advancement of girls and young women in the society, improve options for future as well enable them to face the challenges of the changing world. Several vital matters pertaining to communication, finance, public management of the region etc., were taken up for discussion. Members deliberated upon more and more utilisation of the potential of the SANGAM. Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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The Committee Members visited Jaipur Rajasthan on 3.3.97, Village Rai (Haryana) on 4th March. In the evening the Northern Railway State Association, Bharat Scouts and Guides organised a reception. On 6th a camp fire was arranged at the Green Field Public School by the Delhi State Bharat Scouts and Guides.

The delegates visited Her Excellency Mrs. Vimla Sharma at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.

GOLDEN JUBILEE OF INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATED (1997) The historic event of the Golden Jubilee of India’s Independence was celebrated by the Bharat Scouts and Guides at different levels. At the national level a ‘Special Rally’ and ‘Samman Samaroh’ were organised.

1051 Scouts and Guides from 28 State Associations participated in these celebrations.

Various competitions were held to bring out the innate talents of the youths. Shri P. K. Sinha Joint Secretary Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Human Resources Development inaugurated the exhibition on Scouting and Guiding in India. He also flagged off the Route March, which covered the busy roads of the City.

Samman Samaroh was the highlight of the event.

94 Adult leaders from 18 states were honoured at this function. These leaders had participated in the first Independence Day Celebrations in 1947. Some of them recalled their sweet memories of what they did fifty years ago. Shri Jasdev Singh the famous AIR Broadcaster was also present who had saluted the tricolour on 15th August, 1947 at the World Jamboree of Moison, France.

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JOTI ORGANISED (1997) JOTI or Jamboree on the Internet was held at the National Headquarters on 17th and 18th October 1997. Two hundred and fifty Scouts and Guides participated in groups. It is a part of the Information technological advancement. The wireless with its limited approach is gradually giving way to ‘Cyber Revolution’. Internet website, e-mail, give more exact information. One can exchange greetings, scan pictures and have a chat. Regular snap shots of the location can be sent. One can frame the rules of ‘Netiquette’ i.e. rules for participation, tips for the JOTI week -end and utilise other sources of information on JOTI. What is needed is a software, a web browser (Netscape on Internet), ‘Explorer’ or an e-mail programme (one can use the built in e-mail for a chat programme) IRC Client to meet and chat with other people. All the arrangements, to make a success of the programme, were made at the National Headquarters.

THIRD SAARC AND THIRTEENTH NATIONAL JAMBOREE, BARUNEI, KHURDA, ORISSA (1998) The last Jamboree of the 20th Century i.e., the XIII All India and III SAARC Jamboree with the theme ‘Marching together’ was organised by the Bharat Scouts and Guides at Barunei, Khurda (Orissa) from January 4 to 9, 1998. 25000 Scouts and Guides from 40 State Associations and 550 participants from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Muscat attended.

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on 31.12.1997 at midnight. Prayers were offered and sweets were distributed.

All India Rover Moot and Rangers Meet was held from 30.12.97 to 3.01.98. 51 activities (34 individual participation and 17 group activities) were introduced in the Jamboree. Water activities and parasailing were the new features. Jamboree Award activities were divided into five groups viz., challenge valley, off-site, fun base, intellectual skill and friendship games. Patrol-in-Council, Youth Forum and HWB RE-UNION were held as usual.

Handicraft show, state days, Scout/Guide cultural programmes, camp fire and pageant show were other attractions.

The new calendar for the year 1998 brought out by the Bharat Scouts and Guides was released for the first time. ‘Barunie Vartha’-The Jamboree Patrika’s first day issue (the Patrika was brought on all the 6 days) and ‘Geet’ Cassette were released. Mr. Yoshida a stalwart of the Movement from Japan visited the Jamboree. Awards such as National Commissioner’s Flag, Chief Commissioner (S) and Chief Commissioner (G) Shields were introduced for the first time. National Commissioner’s Flag for overall best performance was presented to Rajasthan State. Chief Commissioner (S) Shield was awarded to KVS and Chief Commissioner (G) Shield went to Rajasthan (Guide Wing).

The opening ceremony was held on 4th Jan. 1998 which was presided over by Shri S.B. Chavan, President Bharat Scouts and Guides. Hon’ble Shri J.B. Patnaik Chief Minister Orissa inaugurated the Jamboree. Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner 174

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officiated to review the Parade and deliver the valedictory address in the absence of Shri B.K.Biswal, Dy. Chief Minister whose flight from Delhi was held up due to bad weather.

II APR ADULT SEMINAR (1998)

RESOURCE

MANAGEMENT

The Second Asia Pacific Regional Adult Resources Management Seminar was organised at the National Headquarters from January space after to 13th to 15th, 1998. Forty one participants and staff members participated from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Republic of China, Hongkong, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, World Scout Bureau from Geneva and Asia Pacific Region attended this seminar. Shri Bhaskar Barua, Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India was the guest of honour at the opening ceremony. Shri B. S. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Kota University, Rajasthan (India) delivered the keynote address. He spoke on human resource management in different organisations.

The three-day seminar provided ample opportunities of interaction to participants sharing the present Adult Resource Management situation in their respective National Scout Organisations and realising the changes to be brought in. The closing ceremony was graced by Shri Rameshwar Thakur, the Working President of the Fellowship of Scouts and Guides. Groups from Delhi, KVS and Haryana states presented cultural items in a colourful programme for the participants of the seminar.

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SCOUTING IN BHUTAN (1998) The Bharat Scouts and Guides played an important role in popularising Scouting and Guiding in the neighbouring country of Bhutan. At the request of the APR office to the Bharat Scouts and Guides to send a coordinator to Bhutan, Shri L. S. Varma, SOC Haryana was deputed in December 1998.

The Patron of the Bhutan Scout Association is Crown Prince Dasho Jigme Gesar Namgyel. The first Basic Scoutmasters’ Course was conducted in 1998

by Shri Prasanna (APR) and Shri Sukumara (Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Training Centre, Pachmarhi). The second Basic Masters Course was conducted by Shri B. Ramesh (South Eastern Railway) in July 1999. A training camp for Peer Scout Leaders was organised from December 24, 1998 to 2 January 1999 at Bajothang High School Wangude.

Scout and Guide Leaders of Bhutan were sent to Pachmarhi for Wood Badge Training. In September 1999, five persons were sent for ALT Training. The trainees were Mr. Thindley Wanguro, Ms. Pemdem, Mr. Tenzin Ragbay, Mr. Dorjisangay and Shri Ratan Lal. The Scouts and Guides from Bhutan have been participating in the National Jamborees of Bharat Scouts and Guides. They took part in Khurda Road XIII National III SAARC Jamboree 1998, Indian Railways Jamborette at Guwahati 1999 and the Bharat Scouts and Guides Golden Jubilee Jamboree Chennai in 2000.

A Basic Cub Masters Course was conducted from February 22 to 28, 2000. Shri L. S. Varma was again deputed by the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

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TWELFTH WORLD CONFERENCE OF INTERNATIONAL SCOUT and GUIDE FELLOWSHIP (1999) The International Fellowship Organisation was formed on 25.10.53 in a meeting at Luernce Switzerland. The World Conference 1953-54 accepted it as a part of the Movement. Many former Scouts and Guides in India felt the need to form such a forum.

In Bombay Former Scouts and Guides started an organisation called ‘The Past Scout Association’ in 1955 but later on they joined the Indian Scout and Guide Fellowship. In March 1959 a meeting was convened at the Headquarters of the Delhi State Association of Bharat Scouts and Guides under the chairmanship of Shri K. D. Malviya to give a positive shape to the idea.

An adhoc committee was formed. The first meeting was held on 27.7.1959 at Vigyan Bhawan on the eve of the XVII World Scout Conference.

Since the last 40 years or so, Members of the Indian Fellowship have been attending General Assemblies of the Fellowship which generally synchronise with the National Jamborees of the Bharat Scouts and Guides. The Fellowship organises ‘A to Z Service Centre’ in Jamborees to cater to the emergent needs of the participating Scouts and Guides, such as a needle and thread to stitch a button, ironing of uniform, polishing the shoes etc. They establish medical clinics also.

India has hosted two APR gatherings of the International Scouts and Guides Fellowship. The Bharat Scouts and Guides has amended its rules relating to the section of ‘Old Scouts’ and incorporated the membership of the fellowship. In states and districts, members of the fellowship work hand in Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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hand with the Scouts and Guides in offering service to the community.

‘The Fellow ship Day’ is celebrated on 25th October every year all over the World. A Six-day triennial conference is organised in a member country.

The 22nd Conference of International Scout and Guide Fellowship was inaugurated by H. E. Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, President of India on 21st February 1999 at Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi.

Representatives from 32 countries participated in this conference. The Scouts, Guides, Rovers and Rangers of the Bharat Scouts and Guides added colour to the ceremony. At the beat of the drums the flags of the Nations entered the ‘Convention Hall’. A standing ovation was accorded to the countries present at the opening ceremony. Sh. Rameshwar Thakur welcomed the delegates. Sh. L. M. Jain, National Commissioner addressed the august gathering. This was followed by a cultural programme and a dinner.

On 22nd February, The Thinking Day was observed. Next day, the guests were entertained in a grand camp fire at the camping ground (STC, Nizamuddin).

Apart from the business of the Conference, Dr. Karan Singh spoke on the cultural heritage of India.

Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Member of Delhi State hosted a dinner. The Directorate of Education and the Delhi Sahitya Kala Parishad presented an excellent cultural programme.

On 26th February the Lt. Governor of Delhi was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony. The impressive ceremony held to handover the International Scout

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and Guide Fellowship flag to Canada-the host of the next World Conference.

THE FIRST PROGRAMME

INTERNATIONAL

ADVENTURE

The National Adventure Institute, Pachmarhi added a new dimension to its programme of activities when it conducted the first International Adventure Programme from 16th - 25th May 1999 Sixty Five participants from five countries enjoyed the events.

On 22nd May the Director of Education, Madhya Pradesh gave a prize to the, 1st participants of the adventure programmes. This was the 100th Adventure Programme of the Institute. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, President of the Bharat Scouts and Guides inaugurated Lakshmi Mazumdar Park, 3rd area to National Adventure Institute.

THIRTIETH WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE-1999 Shri N.A. Khan, Chief Commissioner (S) led the Indian Delegation to XXX World Scout Conference held at Durban (South Africa), in July 1999. Bhutan Scout Association, which was assisted by the Bharat Scouts and Guides in its training programmes and other developmental activities of Scouting, was recognized as a full member of the WOSM. The day was celebrated by Sikkim and the Indian delegates.

RELIEF TO THE CYCLONE VICTIMS OF ORISSA (1999) Scouts and Guides collected money and materials to help cyclone victims of Orissa. The expenditure relating to the construction of a community hall as Jagatsinghpur village, was borne by the National Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Headquarters. Rovers of Andhra Pradesh and South Eastern Railway rushed to the affected areas with a huge collection of relief materials. Other State Associations too, raised money and collected relief materials. Truck loads of relief materials and wagons of rice and wheat were sent by the states. Haryana State Association sent wagons of wheat and rice, Northern Railway despatched materials of daily use.

Karnataka distributed six quintals of rice, 2000 Sarees, 3000 Shirts, 1500 pants and two bundles of children clothes. Andhra gave three kgs of rice and a bed sheet to each family. Total cash contributions from the states amounted to about Rs. Seven lakhs.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS CELL The Bharat Scouts and Guides was nominated to the Advisory Council (Disaster Preparedness) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. The Bharat Scouts and Guides opened its own disaster preparedness cell at the NHQ. Efforts over also made to set up such cells at the state level to combat any eventuality.

TREKKING PROGRAMMES The following trekking programmes were undertaken by the Scouts and Guides of Bharat Scouts and Guides for the first time in 1999-2000: (i) Himalayan Trekking to Hemkund : 116 Rovers and Rangers from 18 states started from Raiwala and went upto Hemkund, Valley of flowers (1500ft.above sea level). They enjoyed the natural scenic beauty, flora and fauna on the way. (ii) Coastal Trekking : 130 Scouts and Guides from 14 180

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States participated the six day trekking programme (from 10th-15th October, 1999) commencing from Southern Railway Training Centre, Mandapam. (iii) Desert Trekking : 59 Rovers and 19 Rangers with their leaders participated in this event. Starting from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, they hiked for about 15 kms. a day. On their way, they campaigned for community development projects such as literacy,

AIDS awareness etc. This programme was given good publicity by the local print media. (iv) Skating Tour : the National Adventure Training Institute organised a skating tour from the skating Hall of the National Training Centre upto Pandava Caves, Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh. The tour was organised in Sept. 1999 and Scouts and Guides from many states participated in it.

MODULAR SYSTEM OF TRAINING In the XVI Sandhan was held in 1999 at NTC Pachmarhi (in which 173 trainers and organizers from 26 states and NHQ participated) The theme was ‘Scouting and Guiding in the new millennium’. A paper on the theme was presented by Dr. S. Kumar, Director, Bharat Scouts and Guides. The participants discussed many issues relating to the introduction of the modular system, venture clubs etc.

The functions of the Unit Leaders of all the three sections of both wings and Commissioners had been studied and based on the competencies required training modules were developed. Each module has an autonomous entity. Credit is to be given for the experience and training acquired outside the Movement. Modules that are common for training Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Unit Leaders and Commissioners at the Basic Level have been identified. The candidates have to compete the common modules which have been divided into: (i) Self Learning Modules (SLM) and (ii) Modules requiring residential training (RM). On the completion of all required modules a certificate is given. Self assessment scales have been developed to enable a candidate to rate his/her performance.

WORLD GUIDE CONFERENCE The Chief Commissioner (Guide) and International Commissioner (Guide) along with five observers attended the World Guide Conference at Dublin Ireland from August 2 to 11,1999. The Bharat Scouts and Guides was awarded a plaque of appreciation for hosting XXXVI APR Regional Guide Meeting in Delhi.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides was also awarded a certificate for increase in the census of Guide Wing for the triennium (1995-98).

HONOURS Dr. A. N. Daw former Chief Commissioner (S) received the Chairman’s Award from the APR Scout Committee for his contribution and meritorious service to the Scout Movement (September 1999).

Dr. (Mrs.) Saroj Lalwani, former Chief Commissioner (G) and Mrs. P. Fernandes former International Commissioner (G) were presented with the Hony. Associateship of WAGGGS. Mr. Prasanna Srivastava of India, presently the

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Director of Adult Resource and Research APR office, was conferred ‘BRONZE USA AWARD’ by the Boy Scouts of Philippines.

MILLENNIUM PLEDGE TAKING CEREMONY This Ceremony was organised by the Deptt. of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt.of India at the midnight of 31st December 1999. 600 Scouts, Guides, Rovers, Rangers, Scouters, Guiders participated in it.

Youths from different parts of India assembled at the National Stadium New Delhi at 10 p.m.. The Scouts and Guides contingent was led by Dr. S. Kumar, Director, Bharat Scouts and Guides. The youth contingents proceeded to India Gate, New Delhi where Shri Ananth Kumar, Minister for Culture and Sports, Govt. of India administered the Millennium Pledge.

Shri Jagmohan Union Minister for Urban Development was the Chief Guest of the function.

It is evident from the above that the Bharat Scouts and Guides is always alive to the needs and aspirations of the youth and therefore new programmes and new activities are always on the anvil and agenda of the organisation. That the programmes and activities of the organization are preferred by the youth is manifest from its increasing membership in India and abroad.

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DAWN OF NEW MILLENNIUM The 20th Century, which had witnessed emergence of Scouting and Guiding as the world’s largest uniformed voluntary organisation, became a part of history. The dawn of the third millennium coincided with the Golden Jubilee year of the Foundation of the Bharat Scouts and Guides. As a result, this became one of the most momentous periods in the history of Scout/Guide Movement.

VENTURE CLUBS A large number of youth in the rural and urban areas are interested in undertaking adventure activities organised by the youth organisations. A need was felt to have such youth organisations at the grassroot level to promote adventure activities.

Venture clubs have been started in the year 2000 to expand the membership of the Bharat Scouts and Guides by retaining youth members to involve the youth in the rural and urban areas through adventure activities.

These clubs expand the membership of Bharat Scouts and Guides, retain outgoing youth in the organisation for a longer period and develop leadership competencies as well as physical efficiency in them, promote harmony with nature and engage youth in constructive activities in their spare time.

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The uniform for members of these clubs is cap in blue colour with Bharat Scouts and Guides logo. Grey T. Shirt of Bharat Scouts and Guides pattern, a scarf of group colour with group woggle, navy blue pants/ jeans a black pouch with belt worn around waist and black hunter shoe or sports shoe. For leaders the age limit is between 25 to 45 years and the desirable educational qualification is matriculation.

The proforma of the Club includes local games, martial arts, adventure games and adventure tours, wrestling, yoga, malkhamb, rock climbing, swimming, nature collection, photography etc. There is a long list of advanced activities such as mountaineering, water sports, rescue, fire fighting etc.

GOLDEN JUBILEE CHENNAI (2000)

JAMBOREE

THORAPAKKAM,

The Golden Jubilee Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was held at the sprawling grounds of MNM Engineering College, Thorapakkam (Chennai) from January 27 to February 1, 2000. 7139 Scouts and 3104 Guides along with their leaders numbering 760 from 28 States of India participated in this Jamboree.

There were 8 sub camps for Guides and 14 for Scouts.

Six Contingents (South Africa, Bangladesh 3, Bhutan 24, Maldive 70, Nepal 86, Srilanka 90) came from abroad. The A. P. Regional Headquarters, South Africa and Sangam (WAGGGS APR Centre, Pune) also participated. The theme of the Jamboree was, ‘Golden Past, Bright Future’. Jamboree Patrika ‘Swaranim Swari Lahiri’- ‘The Golden Clarion’ was brought out every day during the Jamboree.

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On 26th January 2000 the Golden Jamboree participants celebrated the Republic Day. Dr. S. Kumar, Director, Bharat Scouts and Guides hoisted the flag. Flag hoisting ceremonies were held in subcamps also. Martyrs day was observed on 30. 01. 2000.

Prof. Anbazhagan, Minister of Education Tamil Nadu inaugurated the Jamboree on 28. 1. 2000. He unfurled the flag and lighted up the Jamboree lamp.

The Scout and Guide prayer, the flag song and the Jamboree song were sung by all the participants in the arena. After the customary review of the contingents by the Chief Guest, colourful balloons were flown by the Scouts and Guides. It was followed by a march past. Shri Pongalur N. Palanisamy, Minister of Sports and Youth Services Tamilnadu was the Chief Guest.

Shri M. A. Gowrishankar, Special Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Schools welcomed the participants. Smt. Vatsala Raghu, PMG Tamil Nadu Circle released the postal special cover. Shri Rameshwar Thakur President Bharat Scouts and Guides presided over the function. The programme ended with a beautiful dance drama - Vandematram (song synchronised with dance) was presented.

The Patrol-in-Council was attended by 31 Scout Patrols and 23 Guide Patrols representing 25 states and 3 overseas contingents. On 29th January a display of physical skills was arranged in the arena in which 22 teams with 1500 Scouts and Guides participated.

The campus was flooded with Scoutsand Guides eagerly looking for some one in the friendship games.

Jamboree Award Activities were conducted from 29th January to 31st January 2000. These were divided into 3 groups viz., Adventure (seven activities i.e.,

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swinging planks, monkey crawl, commando crossing, tunnel crossing, tyre crossing, ladder crossing and plank walk). Fun activities (like skating, roll drums, stilts walking, fun riding, marksmanship and archery) Intellectual activities viz., HAM, drawing, cartoon making, poem and slogan composing, computer awareness and speakers’ corner were also organized.

The cultural pageant was flagged off by Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner. It was a wonderful programme, which lasted for nearly 1 1/2 hrs. Foreign contingents too participated in this show. Nine states participated in the band display competition. Folk dance festival was held on 29.1.2000. Twelve states participated in the continental development village programme. The stalls put up a good show depicting their various styles. ‘Trainers Meet’ was addressed by the National Commissioner, Shri L. M. Jain and Dr. S. Kumar, the Director, Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Honourable charges were given to the trainers. On 30th January over 2000 Scouts and Guides took part in ‘Skill-o-Rama.’ An exhibition put up by the NHQ and the State Associations was an attraction for the Scouts and Guides as well as the public.

A Scout from Tamil Nadu was selected as the Chairperson of the ‘Youth Forum’ and the participants were divided into groups. The topics selected for discussion were ‘National Integration’, development of Scouting/Guiding in India, bright future of Scouting and Guiding, development of Youth in the past and the present and mission in 2000.’ The Grand Camp Fire was organised on 31st January which was presided over by Shri Aruna, Hon’ble Law Minister Tamil Nadu.

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State days were celebrated by almost all the State Contingents. All Faiths Prayer meeting was conducted on 1st February, 2000. Dr. M. Karunanidhi Hon’ble Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu was the Chief Guest at the Valedictory function.

He lauded the role of the Scouts and Guides and declared that every school of Tamil Nadu would have one Scout/Guide group. The Rajasthan State Association won the National Commissioner’s Flag and Chief Commissioner (S) and (G) Shields on the basis of its best performance.

THE CENTRAL TIBETAN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION RECOGNISED FOR SCOUT/GUIDE ACTIVITIES Thousands of refugees had entered India in the midst of the twentieth century. The first camp for Training Scout Masters and Guide Captains was held at NTC, Pachmarhi from 1st to 13th July 1965 which was attended by 8 Scout Masters and 6 Guide Captains. Scouting and Guiding was introduced in the residential schools run by the Central Tibetan School Admn., at Darjeeling, Dalhousie, Shimla, Mussorie, Mount Abu etc. As per decision of the National Council of the Bharat Scouts and Guides Meeting Dated. 26.11.2000, The Central Tibetan Schools Administration has been affiliated with the Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Headquarters as District Association. They now participate in many of the local and national Scout/ Guide activities.

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GUIDES

It was considered during the Golden Jubilee year of the Bharat Scouts and Guides that the scope of the Bharat Scouts and Guides may be enlarged.

Subsequently, a meeting of the members of Parliament, who have been old Scouts/Guides during their younger days, was held on 16.8.2000 under the chairmanship of Shri S. B. Chavan, the former Union Minister of Home Affairs, Government of India and former President of the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal, M.P. from Chandigarh was its Secretary. It was decided to constitute a National Scout Parliamentary Union. A working committee was instituted and the Parliamentary Union was registered under the Registration of Societies Act 1860 on 11. 07.

2001. A circular was sent to all the M.Ps which earned an encouraging response. It was also resolved that the Union may be got affiliated with the W.S.P.U. (World Scout Parliamentary Union). The organisation, it is hoped, will focus the attention of Scouting and Guiding within a larger fold more effectively. The thinking behind the formation of this union that the MPs being people’s representatives are comparatively more capable of evoking in everybody at the grassroot level obedience, follow the principles of Scout Movement in the interest of humanity and mobilizing help from the Government for this noble cause.

TWINNING PROJECTS-2000 (i)

HEALTHY ADOLESCENT PROJECT OF INDIA (HAPI) : The Healthy Adolescent Project, India (HAPI) was launched by the Bharat Scouts and Guides in collaboration with WAGGGS and Family Health International (an international

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organisation for welfare and health in the population). The project was financed by the David and Lacile Packard Foundation.

The pilot project was spread over the Eastern Region comprising of Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway and West Bengal State Associations of Bharat Scouts and Guides. The main objective was to make the adolescent children aware of physical, mental and emotional changes that were part of growing old.

The emphasis was laid upon the correct information about the procreation in the early formative period to prevent irreparable damage at a later stage. The adolescent could share knowledge and information with their parents, friends and peer groups. Family Planning Association shared their expertise with our trainers. A survey was conducted to assess the quality of training imparted. The evaluation report spoke high of the implementation of the project and suggested to carry it to other parts of the country.

The project introduced a badge curriculum-similar to a proficiency badge. A project orientation course was held at Kurseong (Darjeeling) from 27th June to 5th July 2000. Country Coordinator, two SiteCoordinators and other National and State Officials were associated with the Project were oriented about the project. 12 trainers from 3 associated states and 15 ‘Health Providers’ were trained. These Trainers and Health Providers further trained 30 Group Leaders. These Leaders were in charge of training and supervising 900 Scouts/Guides.

Each of these 900 Scout/ Guides further educated at least 25 adolescents. Shri Jogendra Prasad and Dr. (Smt.) Shakuntala Dasgupta were appointed as

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two Site Coordinators. Dr. P. C. Sharma of National Headquarters was appointed, as the Country Coordinator Ms. Lindsay Gilbert was the Project and Programme Development Executive (WAGGGS) who was later on succeeded by Ms. Kate Turner in October 2001.

The Project concluded in July 2002 the first phase was successfully completed. It was extended up to August 2003. Kate Turner, project and programme officer along with Tita Oronoz and Eva Canoutas of FHI suggested a fresh orientation of Health Workers. The Training took place from 11 to 13 Sept. 2002 at Ganganagar campsite. Rajasthan Control groups were visited to identify the units who would participate in the extended phase. A training of new leaders was conducted in January 2003 at Ganganagar campsite. Badge Curriculum and Leader Handbooks were distributed. Most units were awarded HAPI Badge. The project has been successful and fruitful.

(ii) YOUTH TOWARDS GANDHI: Summer camps were successfully organised in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya, Goa and Orissa to motivate the youth towards Gandhi Philosophy.

This programme was conducted in collaboration with the Gandhi Smriti and Gandhi Darshan Samiti. (iii) TOWARDS YOUTH POLICY : The Bharat Scouts and Guides co-partnered with Urvi Vikram Trust in a seminar on ‘Towards A Youth Policy’. Rovers and Rangers of the BSG and Youths from other oganisations participated in it. (iv) CLEAN UP THE WORLD : This project was

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undertaken in collaboration with the Australian High Commission. About 450 Youths from Delhi attended the inaugural function. The project was later on implemented in other states also. (v) GROUND WATER AWARENESS PROJECT: The Bharat Scouts and Guides in collaboration with the Central Water Authority undertook this project in which 135 Scouters and Rovers actively worked to create awareness of the problem of the level of ground water. They visited 200 factories of Mayapuri in Delhi, distributed handbills and collected filled up forms. (vi) IODINE DEFICIENCY AWARENESS PROGRAMME : The programme was conducted in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences throughout India in the year. Later on, the encouraging results were published by the AIIMS. (vii) HERITAGE PROFICIENCY BADGE : India, it is well known, is a fascinating place with its historical monuments. Many people are either unaware of their historical surroundings or are not interested in knowing about them.. No wonder, the less known sites are merely in neglect. The Bharat Scouts and Guides took upon itself to serve in this important area. The organisation had several meetings with the Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage under the leadership of Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner before launching upon the training programmes for the professionals to prepare a band of Scouts/Guides and Rovers/Rangers to save the neglected sites. Shri S.K.Mishra, Vice Chairman INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage), and his technical team were very 192

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helpful.

GOLDEN JUBILEE GRAMEEN TRIBAL SCOUT/GUIDE MEET

ROVER/RANGER

and

This important event was held in Sept., 2000 at National Youth Complex, Gadpuri. As many as 209 Grameen Rovers/Rangers and Tribal Scouts/Guides took part in this Meet. Traditional tribal festivals, folk dances, presentation of customs coupled with modern social needs like ecological balance, environment protection etc., formed the main attraction for the participants. Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner, was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function.

NEW ACTIVITIES AT THE NATIONAL ADVENUTRE INSTITUTE The National Adventure Institute started training Taekwondo (Korean Karate) as a part of adventure activity. Coffee orchard was started in August 2000.

Second International Adventure Programme was conducted in October 2000 in which participants from many countries like Denmark and Qatar took keen interest.

FLAG DAY CELEBRATIONS A very special feature of the Golden Jubilee festivities was celebration of the Flag Day on the Foundation Day of the Bharat Scouts and Guides (7th Nov.) Shri Rameshwar Thakur, President of Bharat Scouts and Guides led a team of National Headquarters leaders to H.E. Krishan kant, Vice President of India, Shri Atal Bihari Bajpai, Prime Minister of India and his cabinet colleagues. Shri L.M. Jain, who had gone Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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to Melborune to attend the III APR Top Leaders Meet, celebrated the Flag Day there. All the Leaders of the Asia Pacific Scout Associations attended the celebration.

GOLDEN JUBILEE INTEGRATION RALLY

MILLENNIUM

NATIONAL

The Golden Jubilee Millennium National Integration Rally was held at the Delhi State Bharat Scouts and Guides, Training Centre, Nizamuddin from 14th Nov. to 19th Nov. 2000. More than 2000 Cubs/ Bulbuls, Scouts/Guides and Rovers/Rangers from 27 states took part. Sh. S.S. Dhindsa, Minister Govt. of India, was the Chief Guest at the Inaugural Ceremony which took place on Nov., 16th Prime Minister Shield and certificates were distributed by the Chief Guest.

A folk dance festival, an exhibition depicting history of Scouting and Guiding in India, grand campfire and a large number of competitions were arranged on the occasion.

BUNNY SCHEME INTRODUCED Bunny Scheme for the 3-5 year age group was approved and adopted by the National Council in its meeting dated 26th November 2000. The meeting of the Sub Committee was held and implementation of the scheme started soon after.

FORTY THIRD APR BASIC MANAGEMENT COURSE The 43rd Asia Pacific Regional Basic Management Course was held at the National Headquarters Delhi in December 2000, in which nine participants from India and many others from foreign countries took 194

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part. ‘Heritage Management’ was the new topic that was discussed during the course. Specialists from different fields were invited to act as Resource Persons.

It was reported as a very successful programme by the APR staff.

FIRST FORMER RASHTRAPTI ROVERS/RANGERS JAMBOREE

SCOUTS/GUIDES/

The West Bengal State of Bharat Scouts and Guides has the honour of organising the First Jamboree of Former Rashtrapti Scouts/Guides/Rovers/Rangers in Dec. 2000. Many States participated in the event. There was a demand to make it a regular annual feature so that the former Scouts also remain in the main stream of the Movement.

GUJARAT EARTHQUAKE This was an unprecedented natural calamity which devastated large areas of Gujarat. The Bharat Scouts and Guides were ready to meet the challenge.

A three pronged strategy was chalked out at the National level in co-operation with the Gujarat State Bharat Scouts and Guides. State Associations contributed in cash and kind in abundant measure.

Need was felt to supply family kitchen kits and non-perishable foodstuffs. It was also planned to construct schools in adopted villages. Contributions were pouring in from abroad also. Rs. 12 Lakhs in cash and many trucks loads of various relief items from the National Headquarters and State Associations reached Gujarat. The monitoring and supervision of the relief work and distribution of the materials was done by the Gujarat State Association Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

I NORTH EAST MINI JAMBOREE (2001) It has always been the endeavour of the National Scout/Guide Leaders to give special attention to the development of the Scout/ Guide Movement in all the States of the North East Region.

As a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations the first North East Mini Jamboree was organised at the North East Frontier Railway Complex Maligaon from Jan. 5 to10, 2001 in which 1400 Scouts and Guides from 13 States participated. H.E. S.K. Sinha, Governor of Assam inaugurated the programme. The Jamboree complex had traditional gates. The programmes were interesting and useful. Ekabana (for Rangers), Pageant show and Grand Campfire were arranged. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides was the Chief Guest at the Pageant Show and the valedictory function. The closing ceremony on the 10th Jan. 2001 was very impressive.

PARTICIPATION IN VII APR GUIDE CONFERENCE Brunei Darussalam hosted the VII APR Guide Conference from May 27 th to June 2 nd 2001. Eighty Nine delegates from 24 countries attended.

This was the Golden Jubilee year of Girl Guide Association of Brunei. Indian delegation comprised of the Chief Commissioner (Guide), International Commissioner (Guide) who were the delegates and five observers.

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ROVER/RANGER SAMAGAM Rover/Ranger Samagam of Bharat Scouts and Guides was held at Kendriya Vidyalaya Lansdowne (Uttranchal Pradesh) from 16-21, June 2001 in which 251 Rovers and Rangers from 19 States with staff members participated. The activities were divided into three groups viz., intellectual, learning and hiking. Each group was further divided into 3 sub groups. Campers enjoyed camping, adventure hike, local sight seeing,, ‘Estimation March’ etc. Shri L.M. Jain was the Chief Guest of the valedictory function on 20th June, 2001.

PARALLEL ORGANISATION It has been made manifest in the beginning that the untiring and incessant efforts of our leaders, who had a vision, made a successful attempt in unifying various Scout and Guide Associations in 1950-51. The Bharat Scouts and Guides was running the Scout/ Guide activities well with a membership of more than 3.6 million. Unfortunately, some of the disgruntled elements in the organization started a parallel organization and Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports granted recognition to them on 7th March 2001. This nasty act was challenged at the national and international level. After years of sagacious efforts of the leadership of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, the parallel organization was derecognized by the Government of India. More details of this historic saga are given in subsequent pages.

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SPECIAL SCOUT/GUIDE NATIONAL CAMP A special Scout/Guide camp during the AP Regional Conference was organised at the State Training Centre, Nizamuddin, New Delhi from 3rd to 12th Oct. 2001 in which more than 600 Scouts and Guides from all over India participated. It provided them an opportunity to learn about other states and interact with Scouts and Guides from other areas.

The participants presented folk and classical dances of India at Ashoka Hotel the venue of the APR Scout Conference, and also at Hotel Taj Palace, India Habitat Centre, as well as Surajkund Complex. An Exhibition depicting the culture and heritage, handicrafts of India was arranged at the State Training Centre, Nizamuddin, New Delhi.

APR COURSE FOR LEADER TRAINERS (2001) As a part of twentieth A.P. R. Scout Conference, the APR Course for Leader Trainers was conducted at the National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from 28th Sept. to 4th Oct. 2001. Thirty seven participants from 11 countries (representing Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, HongKong, Indonesia, India, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines and Singapore) actively took part in the course. The course was formally inaugurated by Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides and Shri D.S. Raghav, Chairman Host Committee presided over the function.

THIRD APR YOUTH FORUM (2001) For the first time in India, Asia Pacific Regional Scout Youth Forum, III in the series, was organised at

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Besant Park, Dodaballapur, State Training Centre of Karnataka State Bharat Scouts and Guides, from 2nd to 4th Oct. 2001. Seventy participants from 12 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Kenya, Korea, Newzealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tunisia, one each from Africa Region and Arab Region) took part in the Youth Forum. Delegates representing NCC and NSS also took part in the event. Shri T. S. Lucas, State Secretary of Karnataka, was the Director of the Forum. Wide range of issues, such as taking part in the decision making at all levels, environmental awareness, community development, information technology, family life education etc., were discussed.

For the first time documents in the form of C. Ds. were provided to the participants. The closing ceremony was held at V.P. Deen Dayalu Naidu Stadium.

XX APR SCOUT CONFERENCE (2001) The Bharat Scouts and Guides had a unique privilege to host the prestigious XX Asia Pacific Regional Scout Conference. Dr. Jacques Moreillon regarded it as ‘fantastic’ and remarked the organisation as ‘perfect,’ hospitality ‘unforgettable,’ food ‘exquisite’ and location ‘could not have been better’.

The Conference was held at Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi from 7 to11 Oct. 2001. About 400 delegates from India and abroad attended the conference. Shri L. M. Jain personally looked into every arrangement right from its initial stage.

The Conference was inaugurated by H.E. Krishan Kant, Vice President of India and the Patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides. He lighted the traditional lamp and gave a thought provoking speech.

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Post and Telegraph Deptt. released the first day special cover to mark the occasion. Hon’ble Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi hosted a welcome dinner.

During the Conference a new APR Committee was elected. Mr. Anthony Thung from Singapore was elected as the Chairman of this new committee.

Shri Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan hosted a friendship lunch. Shri A.K. Garg, State Chief Commissioner, Rajasthan Bharat Scouts and Guides and the International Commissioner (Scout) conveyed the greetings and best wishes on behalf of the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

A meeting of the Leader Trainers was organised at the International Youth Hostel New Delhi in which about 125 Leader Trainers exchanged greetings and shared ideas. Another gathering was arranged at Hotel Raj Hans, Suraj Kund, where the International Commissioners, Chief delegates and other distinguished guests interacted and discussed various issues.

All the overseas participants were later on taken on a tour to historical places. A grand lunch was hosted by the Indian Fellowship of Scouts and Guides at Nizamuddin campsite. District hospitality was offered to all the overseas participants by the seven districts of Delhi, two of Haryana and one each from Northern Railway, Uttar Pradesh and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.

Haryana State Association hosted a lunch at Ashoka Hotel. H.E. Babu Parmanand, the Governor of Haryana was the Chief Guest.

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A ‘Fund Raising Dinner’ was organised for the Asia Pacific Foundation at Hotel Taj Palace where the Scouts/Guides from the special camp at Nizamuddin, presented an excellent cultural programme.

‘Farewell Dinner’ hosted by the Chief Minister of Mizoram was arranged at India Habitat Centre where all the participants enjoyed the International night in an open and serene atmosphere. Mementoes were exchanged with other National Associations. Overseas participants also presented a fine cultural programme.

It provided them an opportunity to learn about other states and interact with Scouts and Guides from other areas. The participants presented folk and classical dance of India at Ashoka Hotel the venue of the APR Scout Conference, and also at Hotel Taj Palace, India Habitat Centre, as well as Surajkund Complex. An Exhibition depicting the culture and heritage, handicrafts of India was arranged at the State Training Centre, Nizamuddin, New Delhi.

MEMORABLE DAY FOR GUIDE LEADERS An invitation on behalf of the First Lady of Land Smt. Usha Narayanan was received on 25th November, 2001. A delegation of 54 leaders of the Guide Wing, Comprising of Chief Commissioner (Guide), International Commissioner (G), Dy. Chief Commissioner (G), Jt. Secretaries, Guides from different states visited Rashtrapati Bhawan at 5 p.m. on 26th Nov. 2001 to meet the First Lady who was once a unit leader and who remembered and spelled out the Guide Promise she made years back. Mrs. Narayanan was presented ‘Silver Elephant’ by the Chief Commissioner (G).

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XIV NATIONAL JAMBOREE, RAIPUR (2002) 14th National Jamboree was held at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Nagar, Wagon Workshop Rly. Colony Raipur (Chhattisgarh) from 4th to 10th January 2002.

Theme of the Jamboree was ‘Share Culture, Share Heritage’. 16000 Scouts and Guides from 43 States and 2 special District Associations participated in the Jamboree. State Govt. of Chhattisgarh, Municipal Corporation Raipur extended their full coporation and support in making the arrangements. Shri Tarun Chatterji, MLA, and Mayor of Raipur personally supervised the arrangements. He was also the Secretary General of the Jamboree.

The Jamboree was inaugurated by H.E. Krishan Kant, Vice-President of India on 5th January. 2002.

The Governor of Chattisgarh Hon’ble Dinesh Nandan Sahai, Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pramod Jogi alongwith his other cabinet colleagues, Members of the Raipur Municipal Corporation and other dignitaries were present at the function. Shri Ramesh Bains, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India graced the occasion by his presence. Scout Guide contingents also came from Nepal, Bangladesh, Srilanka and Malaysia.

Apart from the Jamboree Award Activities special events like Himalaya Woodbadge Reunion, fire fighting demonstration, special postal cover release, Trainers Meet, Skill-O-Rama, exhibition, Youth Forum, band display, physical display, folk dance and folk songs festival, Integration Route March, Global Development Village, Pageant Show, Pioneering Projects, tree plantation, quiz by INTACH, All Faiths Prayer Meeting, Grand Campfire, International Night, State days, adventure activities etc., were organised.

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Shri Rajiv Gandhi Prime Minister Of India Presenting Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration to Bharat Scouts and Guides. The Award is being received by Sardar Lakshman Singh, National Commissioner. - 1988

Dr. Shakar Dayal Sharma, President of India with Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner and other Scout/Guide Leaders during the Rastrapati Award Presentation Ceremony at Mugharl Garden, Rashtrapati Bhawan. - 1996

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Goldent Jubliee Jamboree at Chennai to Commemorate Golden Jubliee of Fundation of Bharat Scouts and Guides, 2000

Shri Krishan kant, Vice President of India inaugurating the 20th Asia Pacific Regional Scout Conference at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi - 2001

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NATIONAL SEMINAR ON ADULT RESOURCE POLICY This seminar was held at National Headquarters on 16th and 17th Feb.2002. Smt. Shobhatai Potdukhe, Chief Commissioner (Guide) inaugurated the seminar.

Topics like ‘Implementation of Adult Resources Policy’ and the ‘Life cycle of an Adult’ were explained. Group discussions were held on subjects like identifying problems and formulating possible solutions in the effective implementation of the policy. Utilisation of the Adult Resources Policy at the optimum, importance of key persons, role of the contact persons, job profile of the Headquarters Commissioners were discussed and recommendations compiled.

WORKSHOP ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT A national level seminar on Community Development was held at National Youth Camping Complex Gadpuri, Haryana from 16 to 20 Feb. 2002 in which 38 participants from Maharashtra, Eastern Railway, Southern Railway, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya and Punjab participated. Participants of the workshop discussed purpose of Scouting Guiding, community development activities in Boy/Girl Programme, relationship between community and Scouting Guiding planning of community development activities, Prime Minister Shield Competition, Upa-Rashtrapati Award etc.

The participants visited Gadpuri village and its neighbouring areas. Each participant prepared a plan for undertaking a community development activity in his/her own locality as per need of the community.

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FORMER RASHTRAPATI RANGER FORUM

SCOUT/GUIDE/ROVER/

The National level Rashtrapati Scout/Guide/ Rover/Ranger Forum was organised at National Youth Complex, Gadpuri from 22 to 26 Feb.2002 in which 72 participants from seven State Associations took part.

Object of the Forum was to create awareness amongst the Past Rashtrapati Awardees and open avenues before them to assist the Movement’s activities at different levels. Organisational structure, Boy/Girl Programme, community development activities etc., were discussed.

XXXI WORLD CONFERENCE OF WAGGGS ‘The Bharat Scouts and Guides’ was actively represented in the 31st World Conference of WAGGGS held at Manila, Philippines from 18 to 25 June 2002. A six member team was led by Smt. Shobhatai Potdukhe, Chief Commissioner (Guide). Over 400 delegates from 108 countries took part. Theme of the Conference was ‘our rights: our responsibilities’.

XXXVI WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE (2002) 36th World Scout Conference was held from 15th to 19th July 2002 at Thessaloniki, Greece. Compared to the World Conferences earlier, the participation of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was maximum in this Conference and it earned a lot of appreciation from the World Scout Bureau. Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner, BSandG, was the Chief delegate and others in the delegation were the State Chief Commissioner of Northern Railway, West Bengal,

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Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Shri M. A. Khalid, Chairman Bharat Scouts and Guides Foundation Task Force, Shri Nazeer Khan, State Headquarters Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh and Shri V. P. Sharama, Secretary Indian Schools Muscat and Oman. Shri Satbir Singh from Punjab who had participated in the Youth Forum later on joined the delegation. The Indian delegation interacted with delegations from other countries and created goodwill for Bharat Scouts and Guides. A photographic display was also arranged by the Indian Delegation which was appreciated by the participants of the Conference.

NATIONAL TRIBAL SCOUT/GUIDE MEET (2002) The National Tribal Scout/Guide Trible Meet was held at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Nagar, WRS, Railway Colony, Raipur from 26th Oct. to 2nd Nov.2002 in which 1249 participants from 14 States took part. Shri Dinesh Nandan Sahay, Governor of Chhattisgarh State, inaugurated the Meet. Shri Ajit Pramod Jogi, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, was the Chief Guest at the inaugural function. He visited the Meet thrice. Shri Tarun Chatterji, State Chief Commissioner Chhattisgarh welcomed the gathering. State Exhibitions were put up by all participating States which was inaugurated by the Director, BSandG. X INDIAN RAILWAY JAMBORETTE, HUBLI (2002) South Central Railway Bharat Scouts and Guides hosted the 10th Indian Railway Jamborette at Hubli from 11th to 16th Nov. 2002, in which about 2500 Scouts/ Guides/Rovers and Rangers from all the Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Railway Zones participated. It was inaugurated by Shri Agarwal OSD, South West Zone. During the Jamboree various competitions were organised. Trainers Meet was arranged on 13th November 2002 in which Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner was the Chief Guest.

Shri B. Dattatreya, Minister of State, for Railways Govt. of India, was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function on 16th Nov.2002.

XX WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE, THAILAND The XX World Scout Jamboree was organised at Sattahip in Chouburi Province of Thailand from Dec. 18th 2002 to 7th January 2003. All together 259 Scouts/ Guides, Unit Leaders and International Service Team Members from India representing 22 State Associations of BSG participated. The International Service Team Members successfully conducted Workshop on Hinduism, languages, traditional games, cuisine and health based community development programmes in India. An exhibition on Scouting in India was arranged at the World Scout Centre. On 31st Dec. Prof. Satpute of Karnataka played the role of a Hindu Monk and presented thought on philosophy and principles of Hinduism. On 1st Jan. 2003 New Year day was celebrated in a grand manner. Three days later i.e., 4th January ‘India Day’ was celebrated in Sub-Camp B-5. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, was the Chief Guest. On 7th January the closing ceremony was organised which was enjoyed by everyone. The World Association had organised a fund raising walk also. On 8th and 9th Jan. the Indian Contingent had sight seeing programme and visited historical places in Bangkok. The Indian Community in Bangkok was extremely helpful in hosting the stay of Indian Contingent in Thai Metropolis.

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II SAARC SCOUT/GUIDE MALDIVE (2003)

FRIENDSHIP

CAMP

Twenty Scouts and Guides from different States of India under the leadership of one Scouter and one Guider participated in the 2nd SAARC Scout/ Guide Friendship Camp sponsored by the South Asian Foundation in the beautiful Islands of Maldives from 16th to 22nd Feb.2003. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, accompanied the contingent to attend the meeting of the SAARC Chief Commissioners of the National Scout Organisations. Regional Director Mr. Abdullah Rasheed and two members of APR Committees were also present. The Scouts and Guides of India gave a very impressive performance in the Camp.

GOLDEN ARROW BADGE AWARD RALLY The first Golden Arrow Badge Rally was held at National Headquarters, BS&G on 10th and 11th March 2003. Shri Sharad Pawar, President BS&G awarded Golden Arrow Award Certificates to all the recipients present at the venue on 11th March , 2003. Of the 123 Cubs and 130 Bulbuls. 28 Cubs and 21 Bulbuls with their Cub Masters and Flock Leaders from Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu and Uttar Pradesh took part in the Rally.

In the year 2003-04 twenty two National Events were successfully conducted. This was the year of commendable achievements. The Bharat Scouts and Guides participated in almost all APR level events as well as events conducted by SANGAM- World Guide Centre Pune-India.

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STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP (2003) With the Collaboration of Asia Pacific Region, the NHQ of Bharat Scouts and Guides organised a National Level Workshop on Strategic Planning from 2nd to 6th April 2003, in which 62 participants from 14 States attended. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner BS&G inaugurated the Seminar. Mr. Abdullah Rasheed, Regional Director of the Asia Pacific Region Scouts was the Chief Guest.

WORKSHOPS ON HERITAGE BADGE Heritage Badge was introduced in the curriculum of the Bharat Scouts and Guides with an objective to inform the Scouts and Guides about their constitutional duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of India’s Composite Culture. First workshop of the Heritage Badge was held at Southern Railway State Training Centre, Mandapam from 11 to 13 June 2003 in which 24 members from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Southern Railway and Uttar Pradesh took part.

Another Heritage Badge Workshop was organised at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from 20 to 22 June 2003, in which 13 participants from Delhi, Eastern Railway, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Northern Railway and Uttar Pradesh participated.

Training in these workshops was conducted in a very enjoyable participatory manner with the help of audio-visual aids using slides pictures, objects etc.

Topics discussed included heritage awareness, role of trainers in sensitizing Scouts and Guides, Nature Craft, object study, organising activities, field visits,etc.

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DRAIG-Y-COED INTERNATIONAL CAMP The Girl Guide Association of United Kingdom organised their Draig -Y-Coed International Camp from 26th July to 22nd August 2003. It was attended by seven hundred Guides from all over the world. A group of 10 Guides from India took part in this Camp.

They participated in all the competitions, adventure and cultural programmes.

INTERNATIONAL PEACE CAMP Approximately 1000 Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 18 Countries participated in the International Peace Camp organised by the Girl Scouts of Korea from 5th to 9th August 2003. Mrs Usha Chunni, State Organising Commissioner (G) and Miss.Delight Sara William of Jammu and Kashmir State attended the Camp.

RAJAN JIM An event was held at Kandy, Sri Lanka from 14 to 20th August 2003. The motto of the camp was ‘A PEACEFUL WORLD’. 5,250 Members from five countries participated in the event. Shri Ajoy Mukherjee, a Rover from Eastern Railway attended the Camp. 35 adventure activities were arranged for different stages. th

ANGLIA-BRIDGE (2003) Thirteen Guides with three Leaders from India took part in this international event held in England from 22nd to 26th August, 2003. They participated in all the adventure activities and competitions, also presented

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a cultural programme.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT This Seminar first of its type, was conducted by the APR Headquarters with the help of the World Scout Bureau at Cibuber Scout Camp, Jakarta (Indonesia) from 2nd to 6th September 2003. It was attended by 32 participants from 10 countries. Shri K.B.C. Nair, and Dr. M. C. Mathur represented India.Topics like Development of Headquarters Buildings and campsites were discussed. The participants prepared an action plan. On the final day Mr. Abdullah Rasheed, Regional Director of APR addressed the gathering.

SEMINAR ON IMAGE OF GIRL GUIDING AND GIRL SCOUTS Mrs. Sabina Cordrey, a Guide Captain from Chennai actively participated in this Seminar. It was organized at Pax Lodge, U.K. from 5th to 14th September 2003.

ASIA PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP (GUIDE WING) SEPTEMBER 2003 Asia Pacific Development Workshop for member organizations was held from 22nd to 28th September 2003 in Korea. 55 representations from 17 counties took part in it. Dr. Manik Barsaley, State Chief Commissioner (G) Delhi State, Mrs. Sudha Prakash, State Commissioner(G) Uttar Pradesh and Ms. P. Saroja, Joint Director (G) from Bharat Scouts and Guides participated in this workshop. More emphasis was given on qualitative growth of membership, governance and management to make ‘Girl Guide 212

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Forum’ a strong body to speak.

APR WORKSHOP ON PR, ICT and MARKETING Shri S. C. Jain, State Commissioner (S) of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan attended this workshop which was organized in Seoul, Korea from 5th to 9th November 2003. It was hosted by the Boy Scouts of Korea.

Strategies in respect of Public Relations, Information and Communication Technology as well as Marketing were discussed keeping in mind the different levels of development. Forty seven participants from 14 countries took active part in the event.

TWINNING PROJECTS (2003) Besides the continuation of HAPI and Leprosy Eradication Programme, new twinning projects were undertaken. The leprosy eradication programme was taken up in collaboration with the BBC World Service Trust and a Shiksha yatra was arranged in collaboration with the ‘South Asian Coalition On Child Servitude’ to promote the fundamental rights of the child.

International Volunteer March was organised in Delhi and other parts of India in collaboration with the Nehru Yuvak Kendra. (i) IODINE AWARENESS

DEFICIENCY

DISORDER

AND

A training and reorientation programme was conducted for the Scout and Guide Unit Leaders of Delhi Area on 7th October 2003 at the National Headquarters, Bharat Scouts and Guides. About 75 Unit Leaders of Delhi, Northern Railway, Kendriya

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Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti attended the training. The programme was inaugurated by Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides. Shri Mohan Dharia, Chief Patron of the Council for Iodine Deficiency Awareness and former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India was the Chief Guest. Participants were given a practical assignment, reports of which were submitted on 20th October 2003. (ii) WORKSHOP ON LEPROSY AWARENESS A six day workshop on Leprosy Awareness was organized jointly by the Bharat Scouts and Guides and the Leprosy Mission from 8th to 13th September 2003 at the Diana Princess of Wales Health Education and Media Centre. This workshop was attended by 26 participants from nine states. They were given training in the signs and symptoms of Leprosy, identification of patients and diagnosis of patients. The participants were taken to the Leprosy Hospital, Nandnagri Shahadra to see the treatment of Leprosy.

APR BASIC MANAGEMENT COURSE, JAIPUR (2003) Forty-Fifth Asia Pacific Basic Management Course was conducted from 1st to 15th November 2003 at Harish Chand Mathur Institute of Public Administration, Jaipur. Fifteen persons from abroad and 29 from India participated in it. Sh. S. Prassanna, Mr. Golam Sattar, Dr. Effendy Bin Rajab and Mr. Adam formed the faculty from World Scout Bureau while Joint Director (S), Dy. Director (S) Ldr. Training and ROCs were the 214

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staff from the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Ms. Ravi Wesley, Leader Trainer (G) of Karnataka worked as facilitator. On 1st November, Shri Anil Dev Singh, Chief Justice, Rajasthan High Court, inaugurated the event. Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides presided over the function.

Subjects discussed in the course related to finance, budgeting, human relations, behavioural management, time management, stress management, management by objectives and results, planning of events and projects, information technology, environmental protection etc. An educational tour and visit to Local Scout Association Office as well as the State Training Centre were some of the other activities undertaken.

CHILDREN OF TODAY: CITIZENS OF TOMORROW This event was organized at Sangam, Pune from 8th to 17th November 2003. Smt. Saroj V. Naidu and Smt. S.K. Prabha from Karnataka took part in it. Discussions were focussed on WAGGGS terminal theme ‘Our Right: Our Responsibilities’ with emphasis on Indian culture.

ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON RISK AND SAFETY This workshop was conducted in Singapore from 19th to 23rd November 2003. Shri S. C. Jain, State Commissioner (S) KVS, Shri R. P. Sharma, Shri C.B.L. Vijai and Shri K. M. Dewra, Trainers from Rajasthan State, Mr. Kholie Dolf, Trainer from Nagaland represented Bharat Scouts and Guides. There were 45 Scout Leaders from 10 countries. Shri Abdullah Tarmughi, Speaker of the Parliament inaugurated the Workshop and the Regional Chairman Mr. Anthony Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Thung presided.

BIG SEVEN AND UNICEF WORKSHOP ON THE INVOLVEMENT OF YOUTH IN DECISION MAKING This workshop was held in ‘Le Cenacie’, Geneva, Switzerland from 24th to 27th November 2003. There was an equal number of youth delegates and experts (seven each) representing ‘the Seven Big Organisations’ viz., International Award Association, International Youth Federation, World Organisation of Scout Movement, World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Young Men Christian Association, Young Women Christian Association, International Federation of Red Cross. These organizations were invited by the UNICEF to prepare a document on the involvement of youth in decision making. Mr. T. V. Srinath,a Rover of karnataka represented WOSM. He was selected by the APR office.

GOLDEN JUBILEE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL (NOV 2003) The Golden Jubilee Meeting of the National Council was held at the National Headquarters, New Delhi on 29th November 2003. In the absence of Shri Sharad Pawar, President of Bharat Scouts and Guides Shri M. Jethabhai Chaudhary, Senior Vice- President, chaired the meeting. Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner extended a very special welcome to the members of the Council. Shri Jethabhai in his address highlighted the progress of the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

APR WORKSHOP ON PROMOTION OF ROVER SCOUTING

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This workshop was organized in Manila, Philippines from 1st to 5th December 2003. Mr. M. S. Qureshi, Assistant Director, Northern and Western Region, and Mr. Hemanth Raju Scout Rover of Southern Railway represented India. There were 52 participants from 12 countries. Besides other issues, a joint project on community service between India and Portugal was also discussed by the participants.

INDIAN SCHOOLS IN OTHER COUNTRIES AFFILIATED WITH BHARAT SCOUTS AND GUIDES: The Indian schools in Saudi Arabia and Qatar were affiliated with the BSG as the district units. The Indian Schools in Muscat were already affiliated.

Scouting and Guiding in the Indian schools of these countries is flourishing and the support of the BSG is in full measure.These Indian Schools Associations participate in most of the local and national events.

The leaders from India also visit these schools off and on to monitor the activities there and also to render appropriate counselling. The first Rashtrapati Scout Testing Camp of Boy Scouts of Muscat was held at the Indian School, Salaeah Oman. Sh. Aroop Sarkar, ROC, Northern Region conducted the camp from 26th to 28th December 2003.

IV SAARC AND VII BANGLADESH JAMBOREE, NEW DHAKA - 2004 This Jamboree was held at Morchak District Ghazipur, New Dhaka, Bangladesh. Twelve thousand Scouts/Guides from Bangladesh and 434 Scouts and Guides from Bharat Scouts and Guides participated in this Jamboree.

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The Jamboree was inaugurated by the President of Bangladesh on 6th January 2004. Many programmes like adventure and nutrition promotion were organized.

Youth Programmes, Youth Forum, Woodbadge Reunion, Trainers Meet were additional highlights of the Jamboree. ‘India Day’ was celebrated in the Jamboree. A letter of appreciation was given to Smt. Sandhya Chakraborty,STC(G) of West Bengal.

The closing ceremony was organized on 12th January 2004 where Begum Khalida Zia, Prime Minister of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest.

INTERNATIONAL GATHERING MENT,SHARJAH (2004)

ON

ENVIRON-

This gathering was arranged in Sharjah (UAE) from 25th January to 4th Feb. 2004 and was hosted by the Scout Association of United Arab Emirate. Shri Vijai Prasad, Shri Sawai Singh, Scout Rovers of West Bengal and Rajasthan respectively attended the event.

The programme included discussion on environmental awareness, field trips, outings, ceremonies, games etc.

The event was inaugurated by H. H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi. Members of the Supreme Council of UAE were also present. There were 67 participants who came from 48 countries.

FIRST COMMISSIONERS’ CONFERENCE OF NORTH EAST REGION The first Commissioners’ Conference of North East Region took place from 31st January to 4th February 2004 at the NER Railway Headquarters, Maligaon. Twenty nine top level executives of all the seven State Associations of the Region participated 218

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in the Conference. The Conference discussed state profiles, strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, organizational goals, adult resource policy, role of adults in Scouting, Regional level events and training courses, job responsibilities etc. Sh. L. M. Jain, National Commissioner was the chief guest at the valedictory function which was organized on 2nd February 2004.

HOLISTIC LIVING This programme was organized from 31st January to 9th February 2004 at Sangam Centre, Pune. The programme was aimed to discover thousand years of Indian culture and philosophy. Topics like vegetarianism, Indian massage, natural medicines etc. were discussed to the liking of the participants.

Mr. Madhu Gautam from KVS took part in this programme.

SAJ INVITATION PROGRAMME Scout Association of Japan organised an Invitation Programme in Japan from Feb. 29th to March 8th, 2004. There were 200 members from 12 countries.

India was represented by Shri S. K. Karak, State Org. Commissioner (S) Eastern Rly. and two Scouts Shri Tejas Pramod (Maharashtra) and Shri Varun Jitendra (Jammu and Kashmir). The objective of the event was to promote international understanding and friendship.

FIRST APR SEMINAR ON LEARNING ORGANISATION (SCOUT) The first APR Seminar on Learning Organisation Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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(Scout) was held at BP International House, Hong Kong from 9th to 13th April 2004. The team representing the Bharat Scouts and Guides comprised of Dr. Manmohan Singh IAS (Andhra Pradesh), Shri G. Parmeshwar (Andhra Pradesh), Shri Zoliana Royte (Mizoram) and Shri G.B.S. Sajwan, Director, Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Headquarters. This event was organized by the Asia Pacific Region with the aim to bring greater awareness about the importance of learning at organizational level, changing circumstances and keeping abreast of contemporary issues affecting the Movement viewed from the Scouting perspectives.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, was selected as the Chairman of the Recommendation Committee.

XIII

PAKISTAN NATIONAL JAMBOREE (2004)

A contingent of 121 Scouts and leaders of Bharat Scouts and Guides under the leadership of Shri Nazeer Ahmed Khan, Chief Commissioner (S), Shri Rakesh Sharma, Dy. Director (S) and Shri R. S. Shekhawat, State Commissioner (S), Rajasthan attended the XIII Pakistan Jamboree which was held from 16th to 23rd April 2004 in Islamabad. The contingent was welcomed by Pakistan International Airways in a befitting manner. Contingent was taken through motorway by AC busses and reached Sambal Park, the Jamboree Ground on 19th April. The Pakistan Boy Scout Association welcomed the Indian contingent in a traditional way with band and songs.

On 19th April all the contingents assembled in the Jamboree Arena in the morning. There were about 5000 Scouts and Senior leaders from Pakistan 121 Scouts from India, 8 from Sri Lanka, 8 from Afghanistan 220

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and one from Canada. National anthems of all the participating countries were sung. When Indian contingent sang its national anthem all the Pakistan Scouts joined and appreciated the song.

The programme of the Jamboree included adventure trails, quiz, Youth Forum, Skill-O-Rama, exhibition, campfire etc. Members of the Indian Contingent took part in all the activities and presented Punjabi Bhangra dance in the Grand Campfire. Mrs. Zubaida Jalal, Education Minister, Pakistan and Chief Commissioner of Pakistan Scouts Association was the Chief Guest in the Grand Campfire.

Indian contingent also participated in ‘PEACE MARCH’ with the theme ‘Education for All’ which was organized jointly by the Education Department, UNICEF and other educational institutions.

Minister of Religious Affairs, Pakistan was the Chief Guest in the closing ceremony. Mementos were presented to participants. Pakistan Boy Scout Association arranged a Grand dinner for all the overseas participants.

The Scouts from India visited Moori Hill Station, Panja Saheb, Islamabad, Faisal Masjid (world’s biggest mosque) in Lahore. A welcome was also arranged in Lahore.

VIII APR GUIDE CONFERENCE SPECIAL SAARC INTEGRATION CAMP, GULMARG (2004) A special SAARC Integration Camp was held in the beautiful surroundings of Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir from 1st to 5th July 2004. It was inaugurated

by Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat

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Scouts and Guides. 732 participants from 26 states including Railways, Central Tibetan School, KVS and NVS attended. International participants came from Bhutan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On the 2nd day a folk dance competition was arranged. The Minister for Tourism Jammu and Kashmir was the Chief Guest.

Adventure activities, such as horse riding, skating, hiking, visit to Gandola were the main attractions. The campers and local people enjoyed many programmes such as ‘Dances of India’, ‘Festivals of India’, ‘Tastes of India’, ‘Bharat Darshan’ etc. On the 3rd day, the Sports Minister of Jammu and Kashmir visited the camp. Quiz competition was arranged. Shri Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function. Mementos were given to every participant

by Gulmarg Development Authority. Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides and Mr. Kinley Dorji, Chief Commissioner of Bhutan stayed in the camp for all the days. Shri K. Sukumara, Jt. Director, Bharat Scouts and Guides was the leader of the camp. Ms. P. Saroja, Jt. Director (G), Shri R. S. Shekhawat, State Commissioner (S), Rajasthan, Shri B. Ramesh State Trg. Commissioner (S) S.E. Rly. and Shri D. K. Sinha, State Trg. Commissioner (S), N.E. Rly. worked on staff of the event.

‘ACTION IN THE COMMUNITY’ AT WAGGGS, SANGAM (PUNE) This programme was conducted at WAGGGS, Sangam, Pune from 5th to 14th July 2004 in which 10 participants from India and some other countries attended. The programme consisted of exploring

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children’s right and issues pertaining to women and community action projects. Experiencing Indian customs and life, appreciating traditional art and music, discovering Pune’s history and heritage and learning about Sangam and WAGGGS were some other programmes in which the participants took keen interest. During the programme the participants were divided into two groups and each group was asked to organize workshop for the Members of YMCA and local women to educate them about the issues pertaining to the Community Project. It was very educative and there was a very good response from the participants. The programme gave an opportunity to learn, share and interact with each other. This event concluded on 14th July 2004.

XII WORLD SCOUT MOOT, TAIWAN (2004) XII World Scout Moot was held in Taiwan from 30th July to 10th August 2004. Two Scouts from India Shri Vishal Sharma, from Northern Railway and Mr. Sanjay Ghosh from West Bengal attended it and actively participated in all the programme. ‘The Welcome Party’ at the Exhibition Centre was a fabulous show casting. Other programmes included the traditional Lion Dance, Taiwanese Dance and Music. The Moot’s programme was filled with various exciting events comprising of local sight seeing, hiking and other adventure events.

XXIV ASIA PACIFIC /XI KOREAN JAMBOREE Twenty Fourth Asia Pacific and Eleventh Korean Jamboree was held from 5th to 11th August 2004 in which 24 participants from Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Punjab and Rajasthan took part. Shri C. Iyandwai, from Tamilnadu was the leader of the Indian Contingent and Shri Sanjay Kumar Chug, from Punjab acted as the Deputy Leader. Sister Alphonsa from Tamilnadu was the incharge of the Guides.

The Jamboree was inaugurated on 5th August 2004.

Theme of the Jamboree was ‘ Six Smiles, Bright Future’.

‘Six Smiles’ implies six Scout Regions. Members of Indian Contingent participated in all the activities.

Indian Scouts and Guides gave a fine display of their skills. They performed folk dances during the closing ceremony on 10th August 2004. Mr. P. Rajarajan from Tamilnadu received first prize in Quiz Competition.

PRODUCTION-CUM-TRAINING GADPURI

CENTRE,

NYC,

A production-cum-training centre was opened at the National Youth Complex, Gadpuri Haryana by Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides. This Center is giving training in tailoring to 100 local ladies. The basic training is for 6 months for a batch of 30 trainees. The Training centre produces Scout/ Guide uniforms. The Centre has a big hall with 30 sewing machines.There is a trained instructor. The opening ceremony of the Center took place on 17th August 2004.

CHAIRMAN WORLD BOARD, WAGGGS CHAIRMAN APR COMMITTEE VISIT N.H.Q.

and

On 13th September 2004 Mrs. Kirsty Gray, Chairman, World Board, WAGGGS and Ms. Cristina Lim-Yuson, Chairman, APR Committee WAGGGS visited Delhi on an official visit to Bharat Scouts 224

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and Guides. National Headquarters. Smt. Shobhatai Potdukhe, Chief Commissioner (G), Smt. Sandhya Guha Roy, International Commissioner (G), Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Viswanathan, Dy. Chief Commissioner (G) and Ms. P. Saroja, Jt. Director (G) had a meeting with Mrs. Kirsty Gray and Ms. Yuson at Park Hotel and discussed about Girl Guiding in India. Later on they visited National Headquarters where the Guides of Delhi State welcomed them traditionally followed by Bulbul Greetings. The Guides and Rangers of Northern Railway extended the guard of honour. An exhibition on Scouting and Guiding was arranged at the National Headquarters on this occasion. A meeting was arranged with them in which the National Commissioner, Chief Commissioner (S), Chief Commissioner (G), International Commissioner (G), Jt. Director (G), Dy. Director (Accounts) and Dy. Director (Girl Programme) were present. Discussions took place on the IRF payable to WAGGGS, Guiding in India and involvement of young women in all committees and meetings etc. In the afternoon they visited Training cum Production Center, Gadpuri.

They also met the prospective Rashtrapati Rangers in the Testing Camp there. They attended a get-together at Green Field Public School. The same afternoon they visited the Leprosy Mission, Noida. On 16th September, they attended the National Executive Committee Meeting at National Headquarters and addressed the members. They conveyed their satisfaction over their visit to Bharat Scouts and Guides.

II APR UNIT LEADERS ROUND TABLE It was conducted in Bangladesh from 7th to 12th

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October 2004. The theme of the Round Table was ‘Back to the Troop’. Indian contingent consisted of 10 Adult Leaders and Shri Aroop Sarkar, ROC(S) was the leader.

41 participants from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Mongolia, Maldives, Fiji, Pappua New Guinea and Bhutan took part. Subjects like ‘Objectives of the Round Table’ ‘flash back of 1st APR Round Table’, ‘Troop today and tomorrow’, ‘Mission and Strategy of Scouting’ were discussed. Activities like educational tour, campsite visit, sight seeing, community development and health programmes were the other attractions.

APR WORKSHOP ON ICT-JAPAN Asia Pacific Region conducted a workshop on ‘Information Communication Technology’ in Japan from 14th to 18th October 2004. Shri Mohd. Yusuf Wani of Jammu and Kashmir and Ms. Ashwini M. Mohite of Maharashtra represented Bharat Scouts and Guides in this workshop. It was very informative and practical.

Experience based instruction was imparted on the latest techniques of communication, trainees were given plenty of opportunities of handling the latest equipment.

WORKSHOP ON HERITAGE PROFICIENCY BADGE (OCT. 2004) It was conducted at Wenlock Park, State Headquarters, Tamilnadu from 26th to 30th October 2004. As many as 23 Scouters and Guiders from Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Southern Railway and Tamilnadu attended it. The event was inaugurated 226

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by the State Secretary, Tamilnadu on 26th October 2004. Participants were given information about the World Culture and Heritage. Group discussions were also held. The participants were taken to Museum, Vivekananda Cultural and Heritage Centre as well as Mahabalipuram. Sushri M. N. Machamma, ROC(G) Southern Region was the leader of the Workshop.

NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING (2004) The 51st National Council Meeting of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was held at National Headquarters on 25th November 2004 under the Chairmanship of Smt. M. G. Bhopia, Vice President (senior by age). Agenda items were adequately discussed after which elections were held. Shri Rameshwar Thakur was unanimously elected as President. Shri L. M. Jain, was returned as National Commissioner for the consecutive term. Vice Presidents, Members of National Executive and Finance Committee were also elected. Elections were peaceful and orderly.

NATIONAL LEVEL ROVER MOOT, SRI LANKA A big contingent of 29 Rovers and Rangers from India under the leadership of Shri M. S. Qureshi, Assistant Director, NYC Gadpuri, participated in this Moot. This Moot was held from 25th to 29th November 2003 in which 319 participants took part. Adventure activities, community development service were the main attractions. Home hospitality was given to all participants.

XI ALL INDIA RAILWAY JAMBORETTE This event was organised at Leela Berry Training Centre, Raiwala. Shri V.K.Kaul, President Northern Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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railway BS&G was chief Guest. The Chief Guest on 1.12.2004. The theme was “One Culture, One Heritage”.

XXI APR REGIONAL SCOUT CONFERENCE, BRUNEI (2004) Twenty First Asia Pacific Regional Scout Conference was organized at Brunei Darussalam from 6th to 11th December 2004 in which the Bharat Scouts and Guides delegation consisting of Shri L. M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Shri N. A. Khan, State Chief Commissioner (S), Jammu and Kashmir State, Shri M. A. Khalid, Coordinator, Asia Pacific Regional Scout Relations, Shri G.B.S. Sajwan, Director, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Shri K. Jayaraman, District Commissioner, Tamilnadu, Shri Ritesh Kapoor, Hqrs. Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir and Shri T. V. Srinath, Youth Leader from Karnataka participated.

National Scout Organisation of Thailand honoured Sh. L. M. Jain with their ‘First Class Boy Scout Citation Medal’ for his long invaluable contributions to promote international Scouting and good understanding among Scout Associations in the Asia Pacific Region.

Shri M. A. Khalid from India was elected as a member of the Asia Pacific Regional Committee.

Next day the key note address was delivered on the Conference theme ‘Bridging the World’, by H. E. Pehin Orang, Minister of Education, Govt. of Brunei. Reports were presented by the Chairman, Director of the Asia Pacific Organisation, the Secretary General WOSM and Chairmen of various Forums. Chairman of the World Scout Committee Dr. Marie-Louise Correa addressed the participants. Resolutions concerning the burning issues and challenges, constitutional amendments etc., were discussed and passed. Gatherings of International

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Commissioners, Training Team Members were also organized.

On 8th Dec. 2004 issues concerning Public Relations, Marketing and Rovering were discussed. NGOs gave their presentation Fund Raising Dinner was also organized. Bharat Scouts and Guides contributed 100 US$.

Educational tour to Sultan’s Palace, Scout camp at Farm House and Jerudong Park was organized on 9th December. The Conference on 10th December had a very busy schedule. Report of the APR Scout Foundation was presented; information about Scouting in the newly affiliated countries was given. Awards were conferred. Shri L. M. Jain was honoured. The Bharat Scouts and Guides received awards for Fund Raising Campaign, Membership expansion and 2nd position in the poster competition.

Closing ceremony held on 11th December was attended by his Royal Crown Prince Pg. Muda Haji Al Muhatadee Billah.

WORLD YOUTH GATHERING, JAPAN ‘World Youth Gathering’ was organized by the Girl Scouts Association of Japan from 24th to 26th December 2004 at National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre (NYC), Tokyo in which 206 participants from 13 countries took part. The Indian contingent consisting of Shri Deborah Daphne Powar, Shri Prashant Malhotra (Haryana), Miss Neetu (NVS) was led by Ms. Rooma Sapra, SOC (G), Haryana.

Theme of the Seminar was ‘Our Rights : Our Responsibilities’. The whole programme was based on ‘Let us learn and grow together’. Mr. Prashant Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

229

Mishra, presented a project on water harvesting. On 26th December after the programme all the overseas participants were taken to ‘DISNEY SEA’ for sight seeing.

RELIEF SERVICE TO TSUNAMI AFFECTED FAMILIES The gruesome tragedy on 26th December 2004 due to Tsunami sea waves that killed thousands of people in the coastal areas besides causing injuries to many more and destroying property worth hundreds of crores had shocked the entire nation. Scouts and Guides did not lag behind in organizing the relief measures. Rovers and Rangers rushed to the affected areas. Contributions in the form of cash and kind were sent for the rehabilitation of the victims of the tragedy.

The National Headquarters sent initial contribution to the affected states as per details below.

Andaman and Nicobar

50,000

Tamilnadu 1,00,000 Pondicherry 50,000 Kerala 20,000 Andhra Pradesh

20,000

All the State Associations of Bharat Scouts and Guides sent relief materials directly to the affected states for distribution. Rovers of Hindustan Aeronautics Bangalore, Scouts and Guides of Pondicherry, Rovers of Mysore Divisions of Southern Railway, carried relief materials for the victims. A team of Scouters and Guiders of Tamilnadu state visited Vangiri, Perumthotan, Thiruvenkadu, Madathukuppam, Chavadikuppan, Mayiladuthurai of Nagapattianam and distributed bed sheets worth Rs. 1.25 lakhs. Shri 230

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Mahaveer Jain, International Mission, jointly with Bharat Scouts and Guides, donated 1000 lungees worth Rs. 50,000/-. Scouts and Rovers of Madurai District, Tamilnadu helped in the relief work. S. E. Railway sent a team of 18 Adult Leaders and Rovers to Triumullaivasal village. They set up a base camp at Trikali near Tiruvarur Railway Station and distributed many truckloads of materials to the affected people.

Dahod District of Western Railway undertook a Project ‘SAGAR KA KAHAR’ and had collected Rs. 2,25,000/-. This sum was sent to the P.M. Relief Fund.

Haryana State Association donated Rs. 2 lakhs. A number of persons associated with the Scout/Guide Movement contributed directly to the Relief Fund. The State Secretary of Haryana donated Rs. 10,000/-.

THE BHARAT SCOUTS AND GUIDES (BSandG)THE ONLY RECOGNISED SCOUT AND GUIDE ORGANISATION As has been stated in earlier pages, in a surprise move on 7th March 2001, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had issued an order giving recognition to a nonexistent parallel body calling itself Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association and sent circulars to States to give them recognition. Before giving recognition, the Bharat Scouts and Guides was asked to give its views on the proposed recognition which were sent by strongly opposing the proposed decision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It was clearly conveyed that the decision will be detrimental to the development of Scouting and Guiding, the largest youth movement in India. In spite of opposition by the Bharat Scouts and Guides, the Ministry of Youth

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Affairs and Sports took an arbitrary decision and granted recognition to the parallel body. The decision of the Govt. of India was strongly opposed by the World Organisation of Scout Movement. The Secretary General of WOSM maintained that “The Bharat Scouts and Guides is the only National Scout Organisation recognized by WOSM in India. It was recognized in 1950 after many years of negotiation which finally led to the amalgamation of various Scout Associations within one legal entity and therefore fulfilled the requirements of the WOSM....”

After almost four years, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India finally realized their mistake and accepted the position which the Bharat Scouts and Guides had been pressing from the beginning that the Bharat Scouts and Guides is the only Scout and Guide Organisation in the country which is recognized by WOSM and WAGGGS, the two World Bodies of Scouting and Guiding. The detailed order of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India dated 1.2.2005 de-recognizing the parallel organisation creditably undid the damage sought to be caused to the Bharat Scouts and Guides by the order of the previous Government dated 7th March 2001.

This order vindicated the stand of Bharat Scouts and Guides which was fully supported by WOSM and WAGGGs. To illustrate the wrong done by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in giving recognition to the parallel organization calling itself Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association a copy of the deed of merger by which both the existing Scout Associations had decided to merge together to form unified Organisation Bharat 232

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Scouts and Guides on 7th November 1950 is given as annexure ‘3’. The correspondence exchanged between Secretary General WOSM and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in which Secretary General made it crystal clear that only one National Scout Organization can be recognized in one country and no other youth organization except Bharat Scouts and Guide can use the name ‘Scout’ and ‘Guide’ as these are protected from misuse being the intellectual property of WOSM and WAGGGS is given as Annexure 4. The Government of India’s Order dated 1. 2.05 withdrawing the recognition to the parallel organisation and, thereby, setting right a historical wrong committed by the Government is given as Annexure 5.

A World Scout Seminar on Partnership A World Scout Seminar on Partnership was held in Bangalore, India, from 25 February to 1 March 2005. The seminar was organized by Bharat Scouts and Guides in cooperation with the World Scout Bureau, central office in Geneva, and its Asia-Pacific Regional Office. It was held ten years after a similar gathering in Marrakech, Morocco, which was called the Marrakech Charter and had resulted in many projects of cooperation and partnership amongst Scout Associations and with other National and International organizations.

It was attended by 85 participants from 24 coun-tries: Australia, Bangladesh, Burundi, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, France, Greece, India, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and the U.K. Shri M.A.Khalid, Member, Asia Pacific Regional Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Scout Committee was the coordinator of the Seminar.

Dr. Marie Lousise Correa, Chairman, World Scout Committee and Dr. Eduardo Missoni, Secretary General of WOSM also attended the World Seminar.

The document brought out in this conference is used as a guideline for establishing and developing partnerships between Scout Associations and other Local, National and International governmental or non-governmental organizations.

The opening ceremony and dinner were hosted by His Excellency Shri T.N.Chaturvedi, the Governor of Karnataka at the State Raj Bhawan.

During the seminar, an International Scout Peace March brought together hundreds of past and present Scouts for an impressive public display along Mahatma Gandhi Road. His Highness Sri Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, and Srhi K.Rehman Khan, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, flagged off the March. At the end of the march, Mr. Eduardo Missoni, Secretary General of WOSM, addressed the participants.

The valedictory function of the Seminar was also attended by Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner and the valedictory address was given by Shri H.Siddaramaiah, Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. To enable the Seminar participants to have a glimpse of Indian Scouting an Integration Camp of Scouts and Guides was arranged at Besant Park, Doddaballapur, Bangalore. Ms.P.Saroja, Joint Director (G) was incharge of the camp. Two hundred Scouts and forty two Guides with unit leaders from 13 states of the country attended this camp. The state exposition through exhibition, cultural programme 234

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and pioneering projects were the main highlights of the camp alongwith delicious Indian food of different states served to the delegates during the lunch.

After the Partnership Seminar, Dr. Missoni visited New Delhi on 1st March, 2005 where he had an opportunity to call on Mr. Sunil Dutt, Minister for Youth ffairs and Sports, Govt. of India. He was accompanied by Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner. After the meeting, Mr. Missoni visited the National Headquarters and saw a presentation on Scouting and Guiding in India including an exhibition on Scout and Guide activities.

He also addressed a gathering of senior leaders of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

In the afternoon, Dr. Missoni alongwith Shri L.M.Jain visited the National Youth Complex of Bharat Scouts and Guides at Gadpuri where he was warmly welcomed by Scouts, Guides and Scout/ Guide leaders. He saw demonstration of pioneering projects by participants of the Pioneering and Estimation course. He fully enjoyed the campfire and participated in cultural programmes presented by the Scouts and Guides on the occasion.

9th and 10th Upa Rashtrapati Rover Ranger Award Rally and Presentation Ceremony.

The Upa Rashtrapati Award distribution ceremony was held at the Uparashtrapati Bhawan on 16th June 2005. Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat , the Vice President of India and Patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides presented Awards for the years 2003 and 2004 to the winning units of Rovers and Rangers who were selected for the Uparashtrapati Award. Shri Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Rameshwar Thakur, President Bharat Scouts and Guides presided over the function and Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner welcomed the august gathering.

XV NATIONAL JAMBOREE, HARIDWAR (2005) The name Haridwar signifies the ‘Gateway to Dev Bhumi i,e, the Land of God. This Sacred city is one of the 4 places where ‘Kumbh Mela’ is held every four years. The XV National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was held here from October 16th to 22nd, 2005. The theme of the Jamboree was ‘Preserve the Nature: Save the Future’. Nearly 25000 Scouts and Guides from 42 State Associations of the Bharat Scouts and Guides and 54 participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka congregated. H. E. Shri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the President of India inaugurated the Jamboree. He visualized that at least a million trained Scouts and Guides with a mission can be injected into the society every year. Rashtrapati ji administered a five point pledge to all the Scouts and Guides present there. It related to the creation of a righteous home, a clean home and habitat, purity of thought, making ones life a message and celebrate the success of our country and fellow citizens. H. E. Shri Sudershan Agarwal, the Governor of Uttaranchal, H. E. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Governor of Orissa and President of Bharat Scouts and Guides, Shri N.D. Tiwari Chief Minister of Uttaranchal and Shri Narendra Singh Bhandari Education Minister of Uttaranchal addressed the participants. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner Bharat Scouts and Guides welcomed the dignitaries and Shri M. Ramchandran, Chief Secretary of Uttaranchal

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thanked all those who made the programme a success.

The President took the salute and went round the arena in a jeep along with Shri Rameshwar Thakur and Shri L. M. Jain amidst thunderous applause and standing ovation by the 25,000 Scouts and Guides in the arena.

Highlights of the Jamboree activities included 5 kilometers Integration March by 15000 Scouts and Guides, an impressive Folk dance festival, fun based adventure activities, Pageant show, Pioneering projects and on top of everything, a highly motivated and disciplined participation by Scouts and Guides.

H. E. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, the Governor of Orissa and President of Bharat Scouts and Guides released a book ‘Scouting and Guiding in IndiaMilestones’, written by Dr. Dharmendra Nath, National Headquarters Commissioner (Public Relations) and Chief Editor of the Jamboree patrika Named ‘Jamboree Darshan’.

H. E. Shri Sudershan Agarwal, Governor of Uttaranchal was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony on 21.10.2005 in which Shri N.S. Bhandari, Education Minister Uttaranchal presided.

WAGGGS ROUND TABLE, U.K This event was organized in UK from 21st to 23rd January 2005 to discuss the vital issue of revision in the formula for Registration fees. Dr (Mrs) Manik Barsaley, Chief Commissioner (Guides) and Smt. Pushpa Manas, International Commissioner (Guides) attended the Round Table carrying the brief given by the National Commissioner. A historic decision was taken by the World Committee of WAGGGS as a result of discussions and subsequent consultations with Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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National Organisations that the quota money being charged from Bharat Scouts and Guides would not take into account the increase in India’s GNI nor would take into account the impact of falling membership of other member organisations.

The National Commissioner had made it amply clear that it would not be possible for India to pay the membership fee based on the actual registration of Girl Guides as it would amount to contributing the largest amount after the USA whereas the children joining the Scout/ Guide Movement in India come largely from lower middle class. The per capita income was also not considered to be appropriate indicator for fixing IRF in respect of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

As a result of the intervention from Bharat Scouts and Guides, the actual membership as a criteria for fixing IRF was done away with by the 32nd World Guide Conference and it was informed by WAGGGS that Bharat Scouts and Guides, will no longer be required to pay quota money for membership in excess of 5,00,000 members. This decision resulted in substantial relief for future calculations of quota money also.

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAGGGS CELEBRATED National Headquarters of the Bharat Scouts and Guides organized 75th Anniversary Celebrations of WAGGGS at State Training Centre of Delhi State at Nizamuddin from 11th to 13th April 2005. It was attended by 483 participants from 29 State Associations. A ‘Peace March’ marked the beginning of the celebrations.

Saplings were planted by the participants after their return from the March. Quiz Competition, Campfire, Exhibition were the other activities. Ceremonial lamps 238

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were lighted. On this occasion a special postage cover was released by Mrs. Neera Handa, Post Master General, Delhi Circle. Dr. Lally George President of YWCA inaugurated the exhibition and unveiled the 75th year logo in the presence of Shri L.M.Jain National Commissioner and Dr.Manik Barsaley, Chief Commissioner (Guides).

XXX II WORLD CONFERENCE OF WAGGGS The 32nd World Conference of WAGGGS was held at Amman (Jordan) from 20th to 24th June 2005.

It was attended by 500 Guide leaders, delegates and observers from 106 countries. Mrs. Lida Jacob Vice President, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Dr. Manik Barsaley Chief Commissioner (Guides), Smt. Pushpa Manas International Commissioner (Guides) and Mrs. Chandrika Purushottaman from Kerala represented the Bharat Scouts and Guides in the conference. The theme of the conference was ‘New Challenges: New Potential’. The conference was addressed by HRH Princess Basma Bint Talol.

37TH WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE 2005, TUNISIA XXXVII World Scout conference was held from 5 to 9th September 2005 in Yasmine Hammamet, Tunisia. It was attended by 1200 participants from 122 Countries. Shri L.M. Jain National Commissioner Shri Jetha Bhai M. Choudhary Chief Commissioner( Scouts) and Shri M.A. Khalid, Chairman of Bharat Scouts and Guides Foundation Promotion Task Force and member, Asia- Pacific Regional Scout Committee represented Bharat Scouts and Guides. Three national scout organizations of Albania, Guinnea and th

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Malawi were accepted as new members, bringing the membership of WOSM to 155 countries. Scouts of Namibia who had earlier become full member were welcomed to the conference.

The conference was officially opened by Mohd Ghann Ouchi, the Prime Minister of Tunisia. Focus of the conference was on the ‘Strategy for Scouting’ and progress on the Seven Priorities was reported. Marie Louise Correa, Chairman World Scout Committee and Eduardo Missoni Secretary General WOSM delivered keynote addresses. Most of the countries declared their ‘Gift for Peace Projects’ for the centenary. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, presented a project relating to communal harmony. A report on the World seminar on partnership held in Banglore in February 2005, was presented by Mr. M.A Khalid and he was one of the 3 panelists presenting the update on partnership.

25th APR Scout Jamboree at Sattahip, Thailand 25th APR Scout Jamboree was held at Sattahip, Thailand from 28th December 2005 to 3rd January 2006, in which 84 Scouts, Guides, Adult Leaders and Contingent staff attended. 34 Adult Leaders also participated as International Service Team. 19 Cubs and Bulbuls of Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh also visited Jamboree as members of the special international Cub Programme to mark the 25th APR Jamboree and 50th Anniversary of Asia-Pacific Region of World Organisation of Scout Movement. National Commissioner Shri L.M. Jain attended the opening ceremony. India Day was celebrated on 30th December 2005 in which leaders of World Scout Bureau and 240

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Chief Commissioners of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal joined as special guests. National Commissioner welcomed the guests on the occasion and a cultural Programme was presented by Scouts and Guides.

Indian contingent actively participated in all Jamboree activities.

Activities of NIC and NAI A number of National level events were conducted as per the schedule of events among which the most important are the Rover Ranger Samagam, Himalayan Trekking Programme, Desert Trekking, Community Singing Course, National Integration Camps, Water Regatta, Adult leader Training Courses conducted at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi. National Adventure Programmes and One International Adventure Programme were conducted at National Adventure Institute, Pachmarhi.

PRIME MINISTER SHIELD COMPETITION AWARDS AND CUB/BULBUL GOLDEN ARROW AWARDS FUNCTION -2006 The P.M. Shield Competition Award Rally camp was held from 8th to 12th January 2006 at the Delhi State, Bharat Scouts and Guides Training Centre, Nizamuddin, New Delhi, in which 149 Scouts / Guides, Scouters/Guiders took part. Cub/Bulbul Golden Arrow Award Rally Camp was also held at the same place from 10th to 12th January 2006 in which 230 Cubs/ Bulbuls with their leaders participated. Award Distribution Function for both the above mentioned competitions was held on 11th January 2006 at STC Nizamuddin, New Delhi. Sh. Oscar Fernandes, Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India was the Chief Guest and Sh. S.Y. Qureshi, Secretary Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India was the Guest of Honour Shri L.M.Jain National Commissioner welcomed the Chief Guest and took him around a special exhibition on Scouting/Guiding activities organized for the occasion. Shields and certificates were given to the winners of 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 competitions.

SAF Scout Friendship Camp, Sri Lanka.

4th SAF Scout Friendship Camp was held at Nuwara Elyia Sri Lanka from 21st to 26th February 2006. 21 participants from India attended the SAF Friendship Camp.7th National Jamboree of Sri Lanka was also held during the same period at the venue in which 18 participants from India attended. Shri L.M.Jain National Commissioner attended the opening ceremony of the SAF Friendship Camp and Sri Lankan Jamboree.

The SAARC Chief Commissioners meet was organized at National Training Cente of Sri Lanka at Padro and our National Commissioner attended the meet.

V APR SCOUT LEADERS’ SUMMIT The V APR Scout Leaders’ Summit was held at Grand Villas Resort and Butterfly Centre, Laguna, Philippines from 18th to 21st May 2006. One Hundred and twenty participants from 21 member countries joined. Sh. L.M. Jain National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides took up the cause of National Scout Organization with lower GNI per capita in the context of the raising of Registration Fee and disagreed with 242

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the idea of having census figures and GNI as the basis of fixing Registration Fee. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD FOR SHRI L. M. JAIN Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner , Bharat Scouts and Guides was awarded the Distinguished Service Award of Asia Pacific Region of World Scout Movement on 20th May 2006 during the 5th APR Scout Leaders Summit. This is the highest Regional Award in World Scout Movement and has been given to the National Commissioner in recognition to his outstanding work and contribution to the Scouting Movement in India and at the International level.

Life Long Learning Project “3L” Life long Learning project from the friend of Asia Pacific WAGGGS was inaugurated on 24th May 2006 at National Youth Complex , Gadpuri ,Haryana with a view to promote vocational training for the women living near the National Youth Complex and make them self sufficient by taking up vocational jobs within their reach such as Food Processing, Knitting, Tailoring etc.

APR SPECIAL GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITY BADGE The launching ceremony of the Special Golden Anniversary Activity Badge of Asia Pacific Region of World Scouting was held at STC Nizamuddin, New Delhi, on 26th July 2006. Shri Mani Shankar Aiyer, Minster of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, was the chief guest.

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A special one day camp was organised for launching this special anniversary badge. 575 Scouts and Guides along with their leaders braving the inclement weather and rains whole heartedly participated in the programme.. Mr. B.K. Bahuguna, Joint Director (S) outlined the details of various projects being under taken by the APR with special reference to the requirement for obtaining special golden anniversary activity badge.

The Chief Guest Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar was given a ceremonial welcome and taken round the exhibition hall. He took keen interest in the exhibits and was impressed to see some of the rare photographs portraying prominent national leaders with Scouts and Guides.

Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, said that the launching of Special Anniversary activity badge was just a prelude to a number of activities that are proposed to be undertaken during Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Scouting in Asia Pacific Region and also the ensuing 100th year of World Scouting in 2007 .

The Chief Guest Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, appreciated the programme presented by the Scouts and Guides and also congratulated Scouts/Guides on the occasion of 50th year of Scouting in the Asia Pacific Region. Thereafter he formally launched the special anniversary badge by making a declaration and also by releasing the badge. .

Soft Launch Ceremony of the Lord Baden Powell Trek and Lord Baden Powell Peak organized by Nepal Scouts at Kathmandu, Nepal from 14th to 27th September 2006 244

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Government of Nepal made a special gesture by launching a new trekking route in the Ganesh Himal, area and naming a Virgin Peak having a height of 5825m at Langtang valley, after ‘Lord Baden Powell’ the founder of World Scout Movement. They were named as ‘ Lord Baden Powell Trek’ and ‘Lord Baden Powell Peak’ respectively to commemorate the Centenary of World Scouting in 2007 and Golden Anniversary of Asia Pacific Region WOSM in 2006.

The soft launch of this Peak involving trekking to the Base Camp of the Peak took place in Kathmandu on 14th September, 2006 in which senior scout leaders from the Asia Pacific Region joined the Chief Commissioner and other leaders of Nepal Scouts at a ceremonial function presided over by the Nepal Govt.’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Minister of Tourism and Culture. Next day, the Prime Minister of Nepal Shri Girija Prasad Koirala met all the senior scout leaders on 15th September 2006 and blessed all the participants from Nepal, neighbouring countries and Asia Pacific Region for the Baden Powell Peak Programme and the efforts made by Scouting Community towards promotion of peace. It was a very heart-warming experience to hear the Prime Minister say that seventy years ago, he was an active scout of Benaras (Varanasi) in India and has very fond memories of a National Scout Jamboree in India attended by him as a young scout.

Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides attended this memorable programme of naming one of the virgin peaks in the Himalayas and its launching as Baden Powell Peak on 14th September 2006. Shri Amar.B.Chettri,

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Assistant Director, Eastern Region, Bharat Scouts and Guides and Shri Anuj Kumar Rover from Delhi State participated in the launching of Baden Powell Trek and Baden Powell Peak and took part in trekking and also going to Baden Powell Peak base camp respectively as participants from India.

RELAYING OF ROVER PEACE BATON A number of programmes were organized to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of APR. One of such activities was the relaying of Rover Peace Baton all over the member countries in a marathon- ‘Run for Peace’. Four Peace Batons were relayed through APR Countries from August 2006 to December 2006. These ultimately merged at the Regional Headquarters of APR. One such Baton was relayed through Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal and onto Bangladesh again via India. In India, baton was received enthusiastically from Pakistan Scouts at Wagah Boarder on 15th September 2006

by Punjab Scouts and Scout/ Guide leaders from Punjab and National Headquarters. It was relayed through Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Nepal, Bihar, Bhutan, Assam and West Bengal. Another Baton was received at Chennai on 1st October 2006 from Srilanka. It was relayed through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal. Both these Batons were handed over to Bangladesh Scout Association on 20.11.2006, at Jassore Border where West Bengal Bharat Scouts and Guides and Bangladesh Scouts jointly held an impressive handing over ceremony.

Peace Baton Relay was a great show of solidarity between neighboring countries of Asia Pacific

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Region ADOLESCENT HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT A joint project on Adolescent health and Development was taken up during the year with the support of the Ministry of Health Government of India.

Two National level seminars were conducted to train the State level coordinators drawn from all over the Country. The seminars were conducted in September and November respectively and selected states were given financial subsidy to promote awareness activities on 1st December on the “World AIDS Day”.

SPECIAL NATIONAL INTEGRATION CAMP A special National Integration Camp was organized at State Training Centre Nizamuddin to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Asia Pacific Region. A Special Day Cover was released on 13th November 2006 by Shri Ashok Argal, Member of Parliament and Vice President, Bharat Scouts and Guides to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Asia Pacific Region. Smt., Shiela Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi graced the Grand Camp fire organized on 15th November 2006. Ms. Elspeth Handerson, Chairman, WAGGGS and Shri Sachin Pilot, MP and President Delhi State BSG were also present on the occasion as Guests of Honour.

At National level a number of activities were conducted as per the schedule of events. Prominent among them are Tribal Scout, Guide Meet, Coastal Trekking Programme, Community Singing Course, Himalayan Trekking Programme, HAM Course, Standard Judging Camp etc. A number of Inter state Cultural exchange programmes were promoted to create Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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National Harmony and peace. A special Workshop on APR Golden Jubilee Anniversary activity badge was conducted in Delhi. Bharat Scouts and Guides was represented in the ‘launch of YUVS” a programme on AIDS awareness promoted by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and inaugurated by H.E. Vice President of India on 27th June 2006.

SPECIAL NATIONAL JAMBOREE, KOLKATA, 2007 The year 2007 has a special significance in the history of Scout Movement. It marks the completion of hundred years of the Movement. Centenary Celebrations were held all over the World. The Bharat Scouts and Guides decided to commemorate the historical event of Brownsea Island Camp (1907) by organising two Special Jamborees besides other programmes.

The first Special National Jamboree was held at Rajarhat, a new township of Kolkata from 2nd to 7th January 2007. About 17000 Scouts and Guides from India and 236 participants from Nepal, Bangladesh, Portugal, Hongkong and Sri Lanka joined the event.

The venue of the Jamboree was named after Dr. Adi Nath Daw, Former Chief Commissioner, (Scouts), Bharat Scouts and Guides. The Jamboree Nagar was spread over 163 acres of open land. There were 17 Sub Camps (10 for Scouts and 7 for Guides) which were named after the rivers of India.

H.E Shri Rameshwar Thakur, the Governor of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh and President, Bharat Scouts and Guides, inaugurated the Jamboree. Shri Debadityam Chakraborty, Secretary General of the Jamboree read out the message of Shri L.M. Jain,

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National Commissioner who could not attend the Jamboree due to medical reasons. Jamboree Patrika ‘Shatabdi Darshan’ was released by Shri Rameshwar Thakur at the inaugural ceremony. A Special Postal Cover was cancelled at the camp post office of Rajbhawan Kolkata, It was carried from the Governor House to the Jamboree Venue by the ‘Scout Mail’ in relay.. Shri Subash Chakraborty, Minister of Transport and Sports, Govt. of West Bengal, was the Guest of Honour.

Activities of the Jamboree included rock climbing, fun adventure activities, water activities, overnight hike, physical display, band display etc. ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ activity consisted of cultural exchange programme, food plaza and heritage workshop. Grand Campfire and the Pageant Show were the most impressive and colourful items. State Contingents celebrated their ‘State Days’ and participated in the Skill-O-Rama and exhibition.

An APR Exhibition was also arranged. Youth Forum, Patrol-in-Council, HWB holders Re-Union and Trainers Meet were organised. Ham Radio base attracted a large number of Scouts and Guides.

Shri K. L. Tamta, Inspector General of Police, West Bengal was the Chief Guest at the V aledictory Function. A heart captivating cultural programme was presented by the participants of the Jamboree.

Shri Shyamal Biswas, State Chief Commissioner, West Bengal State Bharat Scouts and Guides Association and his team did a good job in organising this Jamboree with limited resources.

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DR. MOHAMMAD HAMID ANSARI, VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIA INSTALLED AS PATRON (2007) H.E. Vice President of India Dr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari was installed as Patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides on 28th January 2007. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, President of Bharat Scouts and Guides presented the insignia of Patron to Dr.Ansari. Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner presented literature of Scouting and Guiding published by National Headquarters to Dr.Ansari.

PARTNERSHIP VISIT OF WAGGGS and WOSM This meeting was held at the National Headquarters, Bharat Scouts and Guides from 25th to 28th February 2007. This was the first time that WOSM and WAGGGS officials were jointly visiting member organisations together to know from the countries about the challenges for the future and share the plans at Regional and World levels. Mr. Rasheed, Regional Director, APR/WOSM, Mr. Thian from APR/WOSM and Ms. Kar Mei Lee, Regional Director, APR/ WAGGGS and Ms. Ching Ching Wee Ong from APR/ WAGGGS participated in a joint meeting. They met the key leaders from different states of India under the leadership of Mr. L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides.

SPECIAL CAMP FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED and STREET CHILDREN The Special Camp for Physically Challenged Children and Street Children was organised at State Training Centre, Delhi State Bharat Scouts and Guides,

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Nizamuddin from 12th to 16th February 2007. 100 Scouts / Guides from different institutions of Delhi and 100 Physically challenged and street children participated in the camp.

Various activities of entertainment was organized specially designed to suit the needs of the children with special needs were conducted in the camp. The children with special needs were supported by the Rovers and Rangers in actively participating in the activities.

The entire expenditure of this camp was met by GAIL (India) Ltd. Mr. Anoop Dhar, Deputy General Manager, GAIL India Limited was the Chief Guest in valedictory function held on 15 February 2007.

ROVRS/RANGERS COMMENDED FOR THEIR SERVICE DURING MARCH FROM MEERUT TO DELHI ON THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE 1857 The 150th Anniversary of the War of Independence 1857 was commemorated from 5th to 12th May 2007 under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India. 30,000 Youths marched from Meerut to Delhi. On their way to Delhi, these marchers were provided with excellent services (like water supply, first aid, general guidance etc) by the Rovers and Rangers camping in Meerut, Modi Nagar, Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Yamuna Pushta in Delhi and the Basic camps near Vijay Ghat in Delhi. 1500 Rovers and Rangers from 22 States of the Bharat Scouts and Guides camped at Santivana and Vijay Ghat area.

Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner addressed the Rovers and Rangers and commended the excellent work done by them.

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World Scout Seminar on Partnership held at Banglore, 2005

Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Presidnet of Bharat Scouts and Guides Reviewing the Parade during the Special Jamboree to Commemorate Centenary of World Scout Movemenr at Kolkata, 2007

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Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Presidnet of India accompanied by Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Presedent, Bharat Scouts and Guides and Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner reviewing the Parade during 15th National Jamboree at Haridwar, 2005

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Flanked by Shri Rameshwar Thakur on his Right and Shri Manishankar lyer on his left during Rashtrapati Award Rally. Shri L.M.Jain, national Commissioner Delivering welcome address- 2007

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Dr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Vice-President of India being installed as the Patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides by Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Presidnet of Bharat Scouts and Guides and Governot of Karnataka-February, 2008

Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India blessing the Participants of Rastrapati Award Ceremony at Ashoka Hall, Rashtrapati Bhavan, 2009

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Inauguration of 7th SAF Scout Friendship Camp at National Youth Complex, Gadpuri by Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Presedent of Bharat Scouts and Guides with Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner and Chief Commissioners of SAARC Countries - 2009

Smt. Margrat Alva, Governor of Uttarakhand Releasing Special Postal Cover during the Inauguration of Centenary Celebrations of World Guide Movement at Uttarakhand - 2010 / Dr. H.R. Bhardwaj, Governor of Karnatka Releasing the Souvenir on the Occasion of 7th Asia Pacific Regional Scout Leaders Summit at Banglore, 2010.

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RASHTRAPATI SCOUTS/GUIDES RANGERS AWARD FUNCTION

and

ROVERS/

This function held on 11th July was truly a historic function in many ways. It was a dignified and grand event organised in the Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the awards as well as certificates of last five years (i.e. 2002 to 2006) were distributed by H.E. Rashtrapati Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. In his address, Rashtrapatiji praised Scouts and Guides for their discipline and commitment to work. Dr. Kalam read out a set of five promises pertaining to leading a righteous life, making environment healthy and undertaking nation building activities. These were enthusiastically repeated by Scouts/Guides, Rovers/Rangers present / there.

WORKSHOP ON TICKET TO LIFE. The APR WOSM has started a project on ‘Children in Specially Difficult Circumstances (CEDC) with main focus on street children. A four day workshop for evaluation of the Project “Ticket to Life” was hosted by Bharat Scouts and Guides at National Headquarters New Delhi from 8 to 11 July 2007. The Workshop was inaugurated by Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides at the NHQ, New Delhi.

Participants came from nine countries. The workshop was conducted under the leadership of Mr. Abdullah Rasheed, Regional Director APR. XXI WORLD SCOUT JAMOBREE - UK 2007 XXI World Scout Jamboree, a memorable World event to mark the centenary of World Scout Movement was held at Hyland Park, Chelmsford near London 256

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at U.K. from 27th July to 8th August 2007. A strong contingent of 1027 (consisting of 609 Scouts/Guides, Unit Leaders and Contingent Support Team as well as 418 members of International Service Team) led

by Mr. B.K. Bahuguna, Joint Director (Scouts) as Contingent Leader participated in this Jamboree.

This was the second largest contingent from Asia Pacific Region next only to Japan. The widespread site of the Jamboree was dotted with thousands of camps of different sizes, shapes and colours. The entire area wore a festive look all the day and night.

The planning was meticulous and services provided were excellent. There were 21 Sub Camps and each camp had its own programme. Indian Scouts and Guides took active part in camp activities. Their cultural programmes, traditional costumes, games and sports, music and art activities drew appreciation from others. Indian food was a much sought after craze. The Adventure Activities at Gilwell Park was the main center of thrill and enjoyment. There was a wide range of activities like ‘World Village’, Global Village’, ‘Elements’, ‘Trash’, ‘Star Brust’, ‘Energise’, ‘Global Development Boulevard’, ‘Globus’, ‘ Faith and Belief Zone’ etc.

Indian Scouts and Guides undertook seven activities in the ‘World Village’. Smt. Geeta Rawat, Dy. Director (GP) was incharge and the activities included application of ‘Mehendi’, basic steps of dancing of various forms prevalent in India, preparation of food items, games and sports etc. An exhibition was also organised at the Jamboree Pavilion depicting the growth and activities of BSandG. In the Faith and Belief Zone the members of the Indian Contingent organised ‘HINDU SECTION’ depicting philosophy and faith of Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Hindu Religion. On 1st August 2007, a grand yagna was performed. ‘India Day’ was celebrated on 6th August 2007. Five participants from India took part in the World Jamboree under ‘OOW’ ( Operation One World).

A grand gala opening ceremony of the XXI World Jamboree was held on 28th July 2007 in which Prince William, Duke of Kent was the Chief Guest. 40,000 participants from 158 countries made the event very memorable.

THE SUN RISE CEREMONY On 1st August, the Sun Rise Ceremony was centrally organised to commemorate the opening of the first Experimental Scouting Camp at Brownsea Island by the Founder of the Movement Lord Baden Powell on this day in 1907. Lord Michael Baden Powell grand son of the Founder read out excerpts from the letter that his grand father wrote before his death. Two Indian participants (Vikram Singh from Rajasthan State and Km. Lavanya S. Sharma from Karnataka State) went to Brownsea Island to take part in the ‘Sun Rise’ Ceremony. The Indian Tricolour was once again taken round with other National Flags.

The Closing Ceremony was held on 7th August 2007 at 9.30 am. It was a grand finale and the W orld Jamboree Flag was handed over to Sweden Scout Association.

SUN RISE CEREMONY IN INDIA Sun rise Ceremony on 1st of August 2007 was celebrated all over the world to mark on completion

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of 100 years of Scout Movement. When the Sun rise Ceremony was being celebrated at Brown Sea Island, London, U.K., all the State Associations of BS&G in India were also celebrating the ‘Sun Rise Ceremony’ by organising a function at 8 am., on 1st August 2007. The main function was held at the Railway Protection Force Grounds, Daya Basti Delhi where seven hundred Scouts/ Guides and Rovers/Rangers from Delhi State, N.V.S., K.V.S., Northern Railway had gathered to participate in the event. A photo exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Rameshwar Thakur, the President of BS&G and a Quiz Competition was conducted on 100 years of Scouting. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, BS&G administered the promise to all guests and members.

Smt. Shiela Dixit, Chief Minister Delhi addressed the gathering. A special postal cover was got released by Shri Raghav Lal, Chief Post Master General, Delhi Circle from Smt. Shiela Dixit. Cultural Programme, tree plantation and blood donation camp were organised. Dr. (Smt.) Manik Barsaley, Chief Commissioner (G), BS&G proposed the vote of thanks.

The Sun Rise Ceremony was also celebrated throughout the country and Scout/ Guide promise was once again renewed by all the members of BS&G at their respective units/Districts/States in a special function.

Foundation Day celebration 2007.

The Foundation day of Bharat Scouts and Guides was celebrated on 7th November 2007. Flag stickers were presented to H.E. Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari Vice President of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh,

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Prime Minister of India and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar. The States also celebrated the day with great enthusiasm.

XXII APR SCOUT CONFERENCE, TOKYO-2007 XXIIAPR Scout Conference was held from 18 th to 24 th October 2007 at National Olympic Memorial Youth Centre, Tokyo. More than 500 delegates attended it. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, BS&G was the leader of the Indian delegation which comprised of Shri H.P.Chhettri, Shri Jethabhai Chaudhary, Shri K.K.Khandelwal, Shri N.A.Khan, Shri G.B.S.Sajwan and 7 observers along with three accompanying persons. Indian delegation made important contribution during the conference.

M.A. KHALID OF INDIA ELECTED FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Mr. M.A. Khalid who was elected as the Member of the APR Scout Committee in 2004 was further elected as the 1st Vice Chairman of this prestigious Committee during the XXII APR Scout Conference in 2007. Mr. Khalid is a senior civil servant in Karnataka State by profession and has held various important positions in the Scout Movement in India.

NATIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS (NOV. 2007) Elections to the various posts and Members of the various Committees were peacefully held in the National Council Meeting on 28th November 2007 which in itself is a tribute to the inherent democratic strength of the Scout and Guide Movement in India 260

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and ensures its clean, healthy and smooth growth.

The meeting was attended by 250 Members. Shri Rameshwar Thakur and Shri L.M. Jain were reelected as the President and National Commissioner respectively.

II SPECIAL NATIONAL JAMBOREE- DELHI 2007 Another Special Jamboree which marked the grand finale of the Centenary Celebration Year of Scouting was hosted by the Delhi State Bharat Scouts and Guides, at Burari Grounds, Delhi, from 25th to 31st December 2007. It was attended by 19,988 Volunteers and Professionals as well as 486 Members of Overseas Contingents (Bangladesh-15, Nepal-461, Sri Lanka-7, and Hongkong-3).

The Jamboree was inaugurated by H.E. Tejendra Khanna Lt. Governor of Delhi on 26th December. He reviewed the parade along with Shri Rameshwar Thakur, President Bharat Scouts and Guides, Shri Sachin Pilot, MP, Lok Sabha and President of Delhi State BSandG and Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides.. A Special Postal Cover was got released by the Post Master General of Delhi from the Lt. Governor of Delhi and Jamboree Patrika was also released. The Cultural Programme depicted the unity in diversity.

On 26th December evening, Smt. Sheila Dixit, Honourable Chief Minister of Delhi State was the Chief Guest at the ‘Delhi Night’.. Folk Dance Festival was organised on 28th December which was inaugurated by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (Govt. of India).

Smt. Arti Mehra, Mayor of Delhi inaugurated the

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exhibition. The Integration March was flagged off by Shri V.K. Rao, Dy. Commissioner, North West Delhi.

Approximately 6000 Scouts/Guides took part in this March. Nearly 48 adventure obstacle bases were erected and thousands of Scouts/Guides actively participated in this programme. Skill-O-Rama, Food Plaza, Global Village, Pageant Show, Physical Display, Patrol-in-Council, Youth Forum, HWB Meet, Trainers’ Meet were the other attractive activities. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner presided over the Valedictory Function. He reviewed the Jamboree and took the Salute accompanied by. Shri K.P. Mishra, Vice President and Shri M. M. Patel, International Commissioner.

During the year a number of national events were conducted which included Trekking Programmes, Pioneering cum Estimation Course, HAM Training Course, Standard Judging Camp etc. 24 Courses for Adult leaders were conducted at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi, 15 National Adventure Programmes and One International Adventure Programme were conducted at National Adventure Institute, Pachmarhi..

SANDHAN Bharat Scouts and Guides National Headquarters organised “Sandhan” at National Youth Complex, Gadpuri from 12th to 16th March 2008 in which 105 leaders from both Scout/Guide Wings participated.

Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner Bharat Scouts and Guides inaugurated the Sandhan. Sandhan is the forum that reviews the training programmes of Boys/ Girls and adults and recommends changes, if any.

A number of changes in APRO Part II, Part III and

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Scheme of Training (both wings) were recommended

by SANDHAN. SPECIAL SERVICE CAMP FOR ROVERS/RANGERS On the Invitation by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India, the Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Headquarters organised Special Service Camp for Rovers and Rangers from 19th to 25th April 2008 at Burari Ground, New Delhi during the National Convention of Presidents of Zilla Parishads and Gram Panchayat Samitis organized by Ministry of Panchyati Raj, Govt. of India from 22nd to 24th April 2008. 78 Rovers and Rangers from 11 States attended the service camp.

UPA-RASHTRAPATI AWARD COMPETITION RATTY Upa-Rashtrapati Award Competition Rally for the year 2004-05 to 2006-07 was organised from 10th to 12th May 2008 at the National Headquarters of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, New Delhi. 17 winning units from 6 states participated.

The Award Presentation Ceremony was held at Upa- Rashtrapati Niwas. His Excellency the Vice President of India Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari appreciated the services rendered by the Scouts and Guides to the Society. He gave away Shields to the winning units. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, President Bharat Scouts and Guides, Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissione were present on the occasion. Later Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner BSandG distributed Merit Certificates in a separate function at NHQ in which Shri K.P. Mishra, Vice President, BSG was also present.

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38th World Scout Conference The 38th W orld Scout Conference was held from 14 to 18 July 2008 at Jeju Island, in Korea. It was attended by 1189 participants from 150 countries. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Dr.Hans Seung-soo officially opened the Conference.

The Conference was attended by 6 delegates and 7 observers from Bharat Scouts and Guides led by Shri L.MJain, National Commissioner as Chief Delegate.

The other members of the delegation were Shri Mahendrabhai M. Patel, International Commissioner, K.K.Khandelwal, State Chief Commissioner, Haryana, M.A.Khalid, State Secretary, Karnataka State, N.A/S. Khan, State Chief Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir, Mrs. K.Namchoom, former State Chief Commissioner, Arunachal Pradesh and Life Member BS&G and Shri B.K.Bahuguna, Director, BS&G. The observers. were & from Haryana (2), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Delhi (1), Punjab (1), and Gujarat (1).One Young Leader from Rajasthan also attended.

The conference assumed importance for the Bharat Scouts and Guides as Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner, was presented during the conference,the much coveted Bronze Wolf Award, the only Award given by the World Scout Committee for outstanding contribution to Scouting. The Other recipients of Bronze Wolf Award during the ceremony were Mr. Willan “Bill” Cockroft, Sir Garth Morisson (both from United Kingdom), and Mr. Youngyudh Vajradul (Thailand) In the agenda items of 38th World Scout Conference, governance was the key focus throughout besides issues related to involving young people, supporting 264

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adults, better communication and improving the image of Scouting.

Based on the Scout values of respecting diversities and multiculturalism for harmonious co existence, the World Scout Fair was organized during the conference.

The delegates and observes from Bharat Scouts and Guides took active part in Scout Uniform Parade and various entertainment contests specially organized to promote unity and harmony among participants from participating countries. The Bhangra of Punjab received thunderous applauses from the audience.

The Indian stall which provided variety of Indian cuisine during International Food Festival attracted a large number of visitors including all the top leaders of World Scouting..

10th WORLD SCOUT YOUTH FORUM Mr. Deepesh Sharma, a Rover from Rajasthan State Association of Bharat Scouts and Guides attended the 10th World Scout Youth Forum at Iksan, Korea and the 38th World Scout Conference at Jeju Island Korea from 14-18 July 2008. 200 young Scouts participants from 95 countries attended the Forum which was organized by the Korea Scout Association in partnership with Wonkwang University, Iskan, and the Jeju Island Government. Mr. Deepesh Sharma turned out to be a very active participant of the Youth Forum at Iksan and his effective participation was appreciated by all.

NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON BUILDING FINANCIAL CAPABILITIES A National Workshop on Building Financial Capabilities was held at Bharat Scouts and Guides Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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National Headquarters on 19th September 2008. The workshop organised in collaboration with APR had 28 participants including four overseas participants from Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The workshop aimed at acquiring knowledge and skills in the management and development of resources for National Scout organisations, developing partnership and seeking sponsorship and grants.

GOLDEN ARROW AWARD CEREMONY FOR CUBS AND BULBULS Golden Arrow Award Ceremony was held at the National Headquarters on 30th November 2008. His Excellency Shri Rameshwar Thakur, the Governor of Karnataka and President Bharat Scouts and Guides, was the Chief Guest. Shri Thakur and Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner Bharat Scouts and Guides were received with Traditional Cub / Bulbul greetings by the Cubs and Bulbuls. Thereafter, Shri Rameshwar Thakur accompanied by Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner and others saw a mini Handicraft Exhibition of work done by the Cubs and Bulbuls. The Chief Guest appreciated the hard work of Cubs and Bulbuls before entering the Hall where he presided over the Award Ceremony. The Awards were distributed to 175 Cubs/ Bulbuls who had come from 12 States of India. A scintillating cultural programme followed the Award ceremony.

NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING The National Council Meeting of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was held on 28th Nov. 2008. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Governor of Karnataka State and

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President BS&G presided over the meeting. Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner welcomed the President Bharat Scouts and Guides and lauded his help and blessings as and when requested. He also extended hearty welcome to all the Vice-Presidents, all the office bearers and members present in the council meeting.

The amendments in the Rules book APRO Part II, Part III and Scheme of Training (Scout and Guide) as recommended by the National Executive Committee after considering the recommendations of Sandhan were passed in the Council Meeting. The Council also approved raising of Rs. 1/- in annul registration fee of Scouts, Guides Rovers and Rangers and Rs.2/- of Adult Leaders.

A number of National level events were conducted which include, Trekking Programme, Water Regatta, Youth Leadership Camp, National Integration Camps, Nature Study Programmes, Desert Trekking, Ham Course etc., 30 courses for adult leaders were conducted at National Training Centre, Pachamrhi.

10 National Adventure Programmes and One International Adventure Programme were conducted at National Adventure Institute Pachmarhi.

YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION CAMP The Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Headquarters, New Delhi had organised Youth Day Celebration Camp to celebrate 137th Birthday of Swami Vivekananda at National Level in National Youth Complex at Gadpuri from 9th to 13th January 2009. 105 participants had gathered from 10 States.

Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner garlanded the Portrait of Swami Vivekananda and paying homage to the great saint shared his thoughts on the views Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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of Swami Vivekananda for youth of the country. He exhorted the participants to follow the teaching and ideals of Swami Vivekananda.

SPECIAL NATIONAL JAMBOREE, AHMEDABAD (2009) In order to commemorate the 100 years of Scouting in India, and to kick start the activities of centennial year, a Special National Jamboree was held at Ahmedabad from 1-7 February 2009. 27 States of India and Scouts from neighboring country Bangladesh participated. 6570 Scouts, Guides, Rovers, Rangers and Unit leaders from India and 21 Scouts and Leaders from Bangladesh attended the Jamboree. Adventure activity, Intellectual and Self development activities, Skill and service oriented activities, Integration games etc. were organised during the Jamboree.

The Jamboree was inaugurated on 2nd Feb. 2009 by Shri Kannji Bhai, the Mayor of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation who was accompanied by the Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, Shri Parimal Trivedi, Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner and Shri Mahendrabhai M.Patel, State Chief Commissioner, Gujarat and International Commissioner BS&G. The State Contingents marched through saluting base presenting a smart turn out throughout the huge Jamboree arena.

Sri Parimal Trivedi, The Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University was so impressed with the discipline and turn out of Scouts/Guides that he immediately announced a huge concession in the rent of Jamboree Ground. Hon’ble Shri Naval Kishor Sharma, the Governor of Gujarat was the Chief Guest at the campfire in the evening of 3rd February 2009. In his speech he mentioned that Scout/ Guide 268

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Movement is a great World wide movement and helps to build the character of youth and prepares the child to deal with different situations they face in their life.

The Chief Minister of Gujarat State Shri Narendra Modi, paid a special visit to the Jamboree on 4th Feb 2009 and reviewed the Jamboree Parade in an open Jeep along with National Commissioner Shri L.M. Jain. The Chief Minister was presented a Scarf and Memento by the National Commissioner. The Chief Minister Shri Modi’s long and spirited speech made the public simply spell bound. His positive attitude for this Movement was highly encouraging for the entire Scouting fraternity. He invited the Gujarat State Association to come out with definite plans for the development of Tribal Scouting and Scouting in Coastal areas of Gujarat.

H.E. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Governor of Karnataka and President B S & G very graciously came from Bangalore to preside over the closing ceremony..

A number of dignitaries from the State Government, State Associations and public were present on the grand finale of the special Jamboree. He reviewed the parade accompanied by the National Commissioner Shri L.M. Jain.

NATIONAL INTEGRATION CAMP A Special National Integration Camp was organised at STC, Jagat Pura, Rajasthan, from 20th to 24th February 2009. 519 participants from 9 States Participated. In addition to the regular features of National Integration Camp such as State Exposition, Folk Songs, Folk dances, Costumes of India, Musical Instruments of India, Ceremonies of India, Devotional Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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songs, Patriotic songs, Exhibition etc. there was Special Ceremony to celebrate Thinking Day. The Scouts and Guides took a special interest in Integration games, Cultural Exchange and other competitions. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Ashok Gehlot, was the Chief Guest for Thinking Day Celebrations on 22nd February 2009.

6th ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL SCOUT LEADERS SUMMIT 6th Asia Pacific Regional Scout Leaders Summit was held from 1-4 March, 2009 at Kathmandu, Nepal. 113 participants comprising NSO delegates, members of Regional Scout Committee, APR SubCommittees, World Scout Committee, World Scout Bureau staff and accompanying persons attended this Meet.

Shri L.M. Jain, National Commissioner was the chief delegate from India in the Summit. Shri N. A. Khan, State Chief Commissioner, JandK State and Shri B.K. Bahuguna, Director, Bharat Scouts and Guides participated in the event from India. All the participants took active part in the summit ‘discussion groups’ which worked on the focus areas for the next plan period of 2009-2012. On the last day of the Summit, NSO’s presentations on future regional events were made and the summit recommendations were adopted.

Hosted by Nepal Scouts, the Regional Summit was officially opened by Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who considered it a matter of pride and an honour for him as the Patron of Nepal Scouts and Prime Minister of Nepal to host a major Scouting event.

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INTERNATIONAL DRAWING COMPETITION The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts organized an International painting competition on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of UN for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. The theme of the Competition was “Our World, Our climate, Our Food”. The Bharat Scouts and Guides participated in the competition National Headquarters received 625 entries from 13 State Associations and 35 entries selected by a panel at the national level were sent for final competition to the FAO and WAGGGS. The drawing of Guide Ishani Aishiwarrya of Orissa State Bharat Scouts and Guides was selected for the third place in the category of 11 to 15 years.

Ishani described her drawing as “The flowers bloom in spring, when the field gets filled with sunlit corns of golden wheat, when sun shines, when the clouds burst, we the people get dipped in their essence and sing in their praise, dance to their whispering tunes”.

State Chief Commissioners Conference.

As a part of Centenary Celebrations of Scouting in India National Conference of State Chief Commissioners, State Commissioners of Scouts, State Commissioners of Guides and State Secretaries was organized at KAS Officers Conference Hall, Bangalore, Karnataka on 27th and 28th June 2009. 19 State Chief Commissioners, 14 State Commissioners of Scouts, 8 State Commissioners of Guides and 14 State Secretaries representing 28 State Associations of Bharat Scouts and Guides participated in the Meet.

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The Conference was inaugurated by H.E.Shri Rameshwar Thakur, Governor of Karnataka and President, Bharat Scouts and Guides. In his address he stressed on the need for the Growth of the Movement in the 21st Century. The two day meet discussed development of Scouting / Guiding in the country in the light of Vision 2013 of Bharat Scouts and Guides and strategic plan 2008-2011. Presentation on growth and achievements of the Organisation was made by National Headquarters during the meet.

Shri K. Jayaraj, IAS, Principle Secretary to Government of Karnataka made a presentation on Scouting and Guiding beyond 2013. Group discussions were held to plan action for strengthening the Movement in the Country.

The conference delegates called on the H.E. Governor of Karnataka at Raj Bhawan on 28th afternoon.

His Excellency hosted a lunch for the delegates. The Office bearers of the National Association under the leadership of Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner guided the conference to arrive at useful recommendations for development of Scouting and Guiding in the country.

46th and 47th Rashtrapati Scout/Guide, 37th and 38th Rover/Ranger and Adult Leadedrs Awards presentation ceremony.

The Rashtrapati Scout/ Guide, Rover / Ranger and Adult Leaders Awards were presented at Ashoka Hall, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 23rd September 2009.

The Distinguished Service Award of Asia Pacific Region of World Organisation of Scout Movement was presented to Shri Rameshwar Thakur, President, 272

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Bharat Scouts and Guides for his outstanding contribution to Scouting in India and the Asia Pacific Region. This is the highest award presented by the Asia Pacific Region. Rashtrapaiji presented the Citation and Medallion of Distinguished Service Award to Shri Thakur.

H.E.Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India presented Awards to Adult leaders for distinguished service in the field of Scouting/Guiding and Rashtrapati Scout/Guide/Rover/Ranger Awards.

Shri L.M.Jain National Commissioner welcomed H.E. President of India and presented brief history of Scouting in India since 1909.

In her address Rashtrapatiji said “The Bharat Scouts and Guides is a movement that places ‘service’ before ‘self’, and hence is worthy of praise. I congratulate all its members for their commendable work in fostering the spirit of national integration and for promoting youth development activities. I also call on them to motivate others to work selflessly.” Voicing the concern for the future of the planet she said “We cannot ignore the planet on which we live and the challenge of climate change we face. Each one of you can take pledge to plant a tree by the end of this season. Use water and energy with care, both are scare resources so do not waste them” She congratulated the members of the Association on the Centenary of Scouting in India.

7th SAF Scout Friendship Camp.

Bharat Scouts and Guides hosted the 7th SAF Scout Friendship camp from 20th to 26th November 2009 at National Youth Complex, Gadpuri, Haryana.

All SAARC countries except Afganistan deputed their Rovers and Rangers to participate in the event.

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There were 130 participants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Srilanka. 419 Scouts and Guides from all over India also participated in the event.

The Camp was inaugurated by Shri Rameshwar Thakur, President of Bharat Scouts and Guides and Governor, Madhya Pradesh. A Special day Cover was released by him to commemorate the Event. The Chief Commissioners of SAARC countries participated enthusiastically in the function. A permanent exhibition depicting 100 year history of Scouting in India was inaugurated by Shri Rameshwar thakur before the opening ceremony.

During the event participants shared rich cultural diversity of SAARC region through Folk songs, Folk Dances, Food Plaza, Group Discussions, presentations, religious festivals, costumes and exhibitions.

Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner was the Chief Guest at the Grand Campfire. All the participants enjoyed the warm hospitality of India and left for their countries rich in experience of worldwide brotherhood / Sisterhood.

To host the event, National Youth Complex was developed with new infrastructure especially a campfire circle with seating capacity of 500 participants and a permanent stage. 12 RCC huts and permanent adventure bases including Artificial Rock climbing base were also constructed and the entire complex was fully renovated to give the look of International Standard Training Centre.

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SAARC Chief Commissioners Meet The 6th SAARC Chief Commissioners Meet was held at the National Headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides, New Delhi from 20th to 22nd November 2009. The Chief Commissioners meet deliberated on the issues related to development of Scouting in South Asian Region and creating an Association of National Scout Organisations in South Asia and getting affiliated to the SAARC Secretariat.

Cultural Programmes and visits were organized to units of Northern Railway and Delhi State during the Conference. The Visiting Chief Commissioners lauded the achievements of Bharat Scouts and Guides and the standard of performance of our Scouts and Guides.

National Council Meeting and Release of a Special Book of Photographs Titled “100 Glorious years of Scout Movement in India Memories: 1909-2009” The National Council meeting of the Centenary year of Scouting in India was held on 27th November 2009 at National Headquarters, New Delhi. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, President of Bharat Scouts and Guides presided over the Meeting.

The Annual Report was made special by inclusion of photographs of Stalwarts of Scouting and Guiding in India before merger, meetings of merger committee, first National Council and photos of the presidents and National Commissioners since 1950 till date.

A special book with rare photographs from the history of scouting since 1909 till 2009 compiled by Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner titled “100 Glorious years of Scout Movement in India Memories: 19092009” was released by Shri Rameshwar Thakur. The Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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book is having rare photos of historic value and can even be used as a document for research scholars who would like to study the development and Scouting / Guiding in India.

Prime Minister’s Shield Award Presentation Ceremony.

2009 The Prime Minister’s Shield Competition Awards were presented in a special ceremony held at Nehru Museum Auditorium, Teen Murti Bhavan, New Delhi on 13th December 2009. Dr.M.S.Gill Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs was the Chief Guest on the Occasion. Dr.M.S.Gill presented the Prime Minister’s Shield and Certificates to the winning Units.

Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner presented the certificates of Merit to the Leaders of the Award winning Units.

Dr. Gill, in his address, commended the services of Scout/ Guide Movement in the field of Community Development and Community service. He assured the support of the Department of Youth Affairs and sports for strengthening the activities of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

During the year 2009 National Integrations Camps, HimalayanTrekking Programmes, Coastal trekking, Desert trekking, vocational Training Courses, Service Camps, Rover Ranger Samagams Meets, Rover Ranger were organized.

Golden Arrow Award Presentation Ceremony.

The Golden Arrow for the year 2009 was presented on 22nd February 2010 at a special ceremony held

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at National Youth Complex, Gadpuri. Shr.L.M.Jain National Commissioner, presented Golden Arrow Award Certificates to Cubs and Bulbuls from 22 States.

On this occasion, Thinking day was also celebrated with traditional activities and by making contribution to Thinking Day Fund.

12th International Adventure Programme and Inauguration of Newly constructed Huts at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi.

The 12th International Adventure programme of National Adventure Institute, Pachmarhi was organized from 16 to 25 February 2010. Shri Rameshwar Thakur President Bharat Scouts and Guides and Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner graced the valedictory function of the International Adventure programme on 24th February 2010.

National Headquarters constructed 16 New Huts at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi for which State Associations had also made contributions.

Eight huts were constructed at Thurman Park. Shri Rameshwar Thakur, President of Bharat Scouts and Guides inaugurated these huts on 24th February 2010.

The other eight Huts constructed at Queenie Park were inaugurated by Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner the same day. While National Headquarters provided funds for eight huts, the remaining huts were constructed with funds from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Mizoram, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Orissa and Rajasthan.

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Maha Kumbh Mela Service Camps, Haridwar.

National Headquarters organised a series of service camps at Haridwar to render service to the pilgrims during Maha Kumbh Mela 2010. Maha Kumbha Mela is of great religious importance and is held every 12 years at Haridwar. 4 service camps from 8 February 2010 to 16 April 2010 were organized. Rovers and Scouters rendered service for Traffic Control, First Aid, Information Booths, Lifegaurd at Bathing Ghats, conservancy of Mela area and also participated in Clean Ganga Project. Shri L.M.Jain National Commissioner visited the Service camp on 11th April 2010 and encouraged the volunteers. The Mela authorities and general public greatly appreciated the services rendered by Bharat Scouts and Guides.

4th Asia Pacific Regional Advanced Management Course.

Bharat Scouts and Guides hosted the 4th Asia Pacific Advanced Management course at Jaipur, Rajasthan, from 3rd to 9th March 2010. 18 Senior Scout / Guide executives from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore attended the Course.

Shri L.M.Jain National Commissioner inaugurated the Course on 3rd March 2010. Mr.Abdullah Rasheed, Regional Director, APR /WOSM and Shri A.K.Garg, Chief Commissioner (S) were present on the occasion Rajasthan State Bharat Scouts and Guides arranged for hospitality for social evenings during the course. The course was successfully conducted with the faculty of experts in management from various Institutes. Shri M.L.Goyal, President Rajasthan State Bharat Scouts and Guides was the Chief Guest at the V aledictory Function.

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Visit of Key Leaders of Boy Scouts of America.

A Team of Top Leaders of Boy Scouts of America led by the International Commissioner Mr.James Turley visited Bharat Scouts and Guides National Headquarters New Delhi and held discussions with National Commissioner Shri L.M.Jain and leaders of Bharat Scouts and Guides on 13th March 2010. The Team visited National Youth Comple, Gadpuri and witnessed various programmes presented by Scouts and Guides. On this occasion Silver World Award of Boy Scouts of America was presented by Boy Scouts of America to Mr. M.A.Khalid, State Secretary, Karnataka and Consultant, APR Scout Committee in recognition of his service to World Scouting.

Centenary Celebrations of the World Guide Movement (2010) The National level launch of the year long Centenary Celebration of the World Guide Movement was held at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dehradun, Uttarakhand on 10th April 2010. Her Excellency Smt. Margaret Alva, Governor of Uttarakhand was the Chief Guest. She inaugurated the Celebrations by Lighting the Lamp and releasing the Logo of Centenary. A special postal Cover was also released on the occasion by her. Shri L.M.Jain , National Commissioner welcomed the Chief Guest and administered the Guide Promise to all present on the occasion. Guides from all parts of the country presented colorful cultural programmes and enthusiastically joined the celebration.

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Committee NSO Visit of APR/ WOSM and Partnership Visit of APR/ WAGGGS Committee NSO Visit of APR/ WOSM and Partnership Visit of APR/ WAGGGS were held at National Headquarters from 5th to 7th May 2010.

Regional Scout Committee members of APR along with Committee member of APR /WAGGGS and Regional Director/ Executive of WOSM and WAGGGS participated in the event. The objectives of the Programme was to evaluate eight key areas of Constitution, Vision, Mission, Youth Programme, Adult resources, Relations and Communications, Resource Development and Research and Development. National Commissioner, Chief Commissioners of Scouts and Guides and Headquarters Commissioners represented Bharat Scouts and Guides.

The joint meeting of Committee NSO Visit and Partnership Visit made recommendations to strengthen the Management of the Organisation taking into consideration the achievements of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

7th APR Scout Leaders Summit, Bangalore.

The 7th APR Scout Leaders Summit was held at Hotel Atria, Bangalore from 24th to 27th June 2010.

The Opening Session of the Summit was held on the 24th June 2010. Shri P.G.R.Scindia, Chairman Host Committee, welcomed the delegates on behalf of Bharat Scouts and Guides and Dr. Mukhyuddin Bin Sarvani, Second Vice Chairman APR Scout Committee welcomed the delegates on behalf of APR Scout Committee. Mr . Prakorb Mukura, first Vice Chairman of the APR Scout Committee made 280

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opening remarks and Mr. Luc Panissod delivered the address on behalf of World Organiastion of Scout Movement. Shri K.B.Shanmukhappa State Chief Commissioner of Karnataka State proposed a vote of Thanks.

In the second session of the Day Prof.

Chandrasekharan of Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore delivered the keynote address on the ‘Vision of Scouting’ The Meet was formally inaugurated by the Governor of Karnataka Dr.Hans Raj Bhardwaj in the evening on 24th June 2010. Dr.Bharadwaj spoke on the cultural heritage and values which the Asia Pacific countries share in common and his childhood experience as a Scout in the Shimla hills. He said the experience of camping and trekking as scout helped in overcoming difficulties in the hours of need. Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides welcomed the Guests. Regional Scout Committee Chairman Mr. Jejomar Binoy who had been elected the Vice President of the Republic of Philippines a few days earlier, could not attend the Summit due to strategic reasons.

Mr. Prakorb Mukura, first Vice Chairman of the APR Scout Committee and Mr.Simon Rhee, Vice Chairman of World Scout Committee spoke on the Occasion. Mr.Abdullah Rasheed, Regional Director, WOSM/AP Region proposed vote of Thanks. A souvenir was released on the occasion by the Governor of Karnataka..

Vision document of APR and Cause of Scouting were presented and discussed in working groups on 25th June. Regional Challenges of 2012, Membership Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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Targets and Community based scouting were presented and discussed. APR Scout Foundation fundraising Dinner was organized on 25th June 2010. Shri Rahman Khan, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The Bharat Scouts and Guides contributed US$ 2000 to become a Silver Palm member of Asia Pacific Regional Scout Foundation. The Citation and plaque was presented to Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner by Mr. Simon Rhee, President of Asia Pacific Regional Scout Foundation.

On 26th June an Educational Tour was organized to visit places of cultural and historical importance in Bangalore. Summit delegates also attended the International Gathering of Association of Top Achiever Scouts followed by dinner in the evening.

On the final day separate meetings of Chief Commissioners, International Commissioners and Chief Scout Executives were organized. Later Summit Recommendations were presented and adopted.

Dr.V.S.Acharya, Minister of Home affairs, Government of Karnataka was the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony on 27th August. Shri L.M.Jain, while welcoming the guests at the valedictory function, spoke about Bangalore becoming the hub of Information Technology and is known as the silicon valley of India.

Other prominent speakers in the valedictory function were Mr. Prakorb Mukura, first Vice Chairman, APR Scout Committee and Mr. Luc Panissod, Secretary General, WOSM, Geneva.

In his address Dr. Acharya expressed his satisfaction on the successful conduct of the meet in Bangalore.

He explained his long association with the Scout movement and informed that both his daughters are 282

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former Rashtrapati Guides and his wife continues to serve the Association as State Commissioner of Guides in Karnataka.

Shri M.A. Khalid Executive Chairman, Host Committee presented vote of Thanks. The Host committee was headed by Shri P.G.R.Scindia, Vice president of Karnataka State Association and Shri M.A.Khalid as executive chairman of the Host committee made commendable efforts to make the summit a grand success. The Summit ended with Farewell dinner on 27th June 2010 With the holding of the 7th APR Scout Leaders Summit at Bangalore, three very important International Scout events have been held in India in the ten years period from the year 2001 to 2010. First the highly acclaimed 20th Asia - Pacific Regional Scout Conference was held at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi from October 7 to October 11, 2001. Thereafter, World Scout Seminar on Partnership was held at Bangalore in March 2005 and the third being the 7th Asia-Pacific Scout Leaders Summit at Bangalore in June,2010.

All the three very successful International events in Scouting have greatly enhanced the image and reputation of Bharat Scouts and Guides as a very active and efficiently organized National Scout Organisation of World Organisation of Scout Movement who can be depended upon to take up various responsibilities at International level with confidence and to the entire satisfaction of everyone.

10th Asia- Pacific Regional Conference (WAGGGS) 10th Asia Pacific Regional Conference of WAGGGS was held at Maldives from 3 rd to 9 th July Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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2010. Around 100 participants from 20 countries participated in the conference. The theme of the conference was “Plant Grow Share”. Dr. (Mrs) M.Barsaley, Chief Commissioner (G) and Smt. Shalini Mishra, International Commissioner (G) were delegates from Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Dr (Mrs) S.D. Malik, Headqarters Commissioner Delhi State and Mrs. Prem Bhatnagar, State Commissioner (G) Delhi State were the observers.

There were two young leaders Ms.Vimezhonu Tetso from Nagaland and Ms. Oroosa Tanzeen from Rajasthan representing Bharat Scouts and Guides in the conference.

48th Rashtrapati Scout /Guide and 39th Rashtrapati Rover / Ranger Rally and Award Ceremony on 14th July 2010.

The 48th Rashtrapati Scout /Guide and 39th Rashtrapati Rover / Ranger Rally and Award Ceremony were held at Ashoka Hall, Rashtrapai Bhavan, New Delhi on 14th July 2010.

H.E. Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India presented Awards to Adult Leaders for distinguished services in the field of Scouting/ Guiding and presented Rashtrapati Scout/Guider/ Rover/ Ranger Award.

Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner welcomed the President of India and presented the development of Scouting and Guiding in India with special mention about the centenary celebrations of the World Guide Movement. He narrated the history of Guiding in brief with its origin in the year 1910. He also informed about the plan for celebration of Centenary of Girl Guiding in India during the year 2011.

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16 adult leaders were presented with Silver Elephant the highest award for Adult Leaders. 8 Bar to Silver Star, 34 Silver Star Awards were presented to the Adult Leaders of the Movement while two Thanks Badges were presented to well wishers of the Movement. 32 Representatives of Rashtrapati Scouts and Guides and 11 representatives of Rashtrapati Rovers and Rangers received the Certificates of Rashtrapati award from Rashtrapatiji.

Addressing Scouts/Guides and leaders on this occasion, Rashtrapatiji hailed the work being undertaken by Bharat Scouts and Guides in following words “ The Bharat Scouts and Guides is an organisation which brings unity in diversity. It is an important organisation as it seeks to build the character of young people by encouraging them to be pure in thought, word and deed to become conscientious citizens. Preparing the youth to act in a responsible manner is undoubtedly a valuable national service”.

Appreciating the fundraising methods of Scouting Guiding like Khari Kamai Rashtrapatiji said “It encourages the youth to go out into their localities and offer to work in return for some earning. The money thus earned is utilized for activities of their units. This teaches dignity of labour. Such concepts and values are very bedrock of nation building activities. Dr (Mrs) Manik Barasaley, Chief Commissioner (Guides) proposed vote of Thanks.

Special Trekking programme to commemorate Centenary celebrations of World Guide Movement.

A Special Trekking programme was conducted to commemorate Centenary celebrations of World Guide

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Movement at National Training Centre, Pachmarhi from 1st to 5th October 2010. Senior Guides, Rangers and Young Guiders from all over the country participated in the trekking programme The Trekking programme was inaugurated by Ms. Mary Mc Phail, Chief Executive of WAGGGS World Bureau, London. Dr. (Mrs) M.Barsaley, Chief Commissioner (G) Bharat Scouts and Guides accorded a warm welcome to the distinguished Guest and the participants. On 2nd October, the trek team was flagged off by Ms. Mary Mc Phail, and participants set on to explore all important trekking points of Pachmarhi such as Pandav caves, Mahadev, Guptamahadev, Jatashankar etc. Participants Night was organized in the evening of 4th October while All Faiths Prayer Meeting was organized on 5th October in the morning and the trekking programme organized for the Guides, Rangers and their leaders exclusively for the first time concluded on 5th October.

Earlier, Ms. Mary Mc Phail, Chief Executive of WAGGGS arrived at Bhopal on 30th September 2010 and visited the Guide Unit of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bairagarh and Madhya Pradesh State Training Centre, Gandhi Nagar. Saplings were planted to commemorate the Centenary Celebrations of World Guide Movement at the Training Centre. On 1st October, Ms.Mc Phail arrived at the National Training Centre, Pachmarhi where a special meeting was organized. She also planted a sapling at Queenie Park and visited the adventure bases of National Adventure institute. She appreciated the standard of the activities offered by them and suggested that organising some International activities for Guides may be considered at Pachmarhi.

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On 2nd October, a meeting with officials of Madhya Pradesh was also organized at Bhopal in which the partnership project undertaken by the State Association of Madhya Pradesh with VNICER was presented.

The Meerut District Association of Uttar Pradesh state organized a special function on 3 October to mark the centenary of World Guide Movement in which Shri L.M.Jain, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides was the Chief Guest and Ms. Mary Mc Phail, Chief Executive of WAGGGS World Bureau joined as Special Guest along with Dr (Mrs) M.Barsaley. The State Chief Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh State, Shri Sanjay Mohan and State Commissioner of Guides. Dr (Mrs) Sudha Prakash, along with other Scout / Guide leaders from State Headquarters and Meerut District welcomed the guests with full enthusiasm. The Guests had an opportunity to visit the exhibition, pioneering projects and other Scout / Guide skill demonstrations organized by the Guide units of Meerut District.

The National Commissioner, the Chief Executive of WAGGGS World Bureau and other Scout Guide leaders planted saplings in the premises of two educational institutions of Meerut to commemorate the centenary celebrations of the World Guide Movement.

16th National Jamboree at Hyderabad The 16th National Jamboree of Bharat Scouts and Guides will be organized at Shankarpally, Ranga Reddy District near Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh from 3rd to 9th January 2011. The Jamboree will have special significance as it will also mark the start of Centenary celebrations of Girl Guiding in India.

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elaborate plan to make the Jamboree a historic one. To plan the activities of the Jamboree with contribution of the stakeholders SOC/STCs meet and National Youth Forum were organized at Hyderabad. 25000 Scouts and Guides from India and abroad are expected to participate in the Jamboree. The Andhra Pradesh government has committed fullest support for the success of the Jamboree.

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12

EPILOGUE Change is the changeless law of Nature. The old always changeth giving place to new. A new century, a new millennium has ushered in. It may mean many things to many people. But to Scouts and Guides it signifies the time to take stock, introspect, evaluate, read the signs of time and plan out ‘THE TOMORROW’. New challenges have to be coped with new shared commitment, vision, flexibility, adaptability and mobility.

Our past has been glorious our future, too, beckons us. But that is possible only if there is greater zeal, more commitment, a comprehensive vision of integrated development with an appropriate infrastructure and a stable self-reliant economy. The pace of scientific and technological advances has speeded up and it has an impact on the social fabric, life styles, outlook etc.

There is a rapid change in society particularly affecting young people. Besides the general social problems, isolation of individual in the humming crowds of the urban areas, strifes and stresses affecting the individual as well as family, youths have their own problems which call for a new approach.

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help build a better world by involving the youth in their formative years making each individual as the principal agent in his or her development as a selfreliant, supportive, responsible and committed person.

The young people should be happy and self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in the resurging society. The history of the Scout and Guide Movement in India given in the previous pages will reveal that sustained efforts were made by the Scouts and Guides as well as their leaders to reach nearer the goal and gradually realize the Mission of Scouting and Guiding.

A recount of the glorious history of the Scout and Guide Movement in India mirrors unflinching faith, dedication and hard work. The Movement has passed through various stages. It started as an organisation restricted to Europeans and Anglo-Indian boys but the rising national consciousness and sensitivity accelerated the pace of the process of Indianisation.

Indian National Leaders, too, evinced keen interest in this Movement. As a result, many Scout organisations emerged which represented the nationalist aspirations of the youth. For example Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association which was founded by Pt. Shri Ram Bajpai with the blessings of Pandi Madan Mohan Malaviya and Dr. H.N. Kunzru had always held the banner of nationalism high.

The Scout and Guide Movement in India had a sporadic growth. In 1920 nearly twenty different organizations existed without any coordination or federation on all India basis. There was a need of unification. Lord Baden Powell’s visit to India in 1921

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reflected the efforts to bring all the Scout associations under one banner. He succeeded partially.

Lord Baden Powell visited again in 1937 on the invitation of Lord Linlithgow, the viceroy of India, to make efforts to unite different Scout organizations.

But the efforts became futile this time also. The Nationalist Scout Organisations came together to form the Hindustan Scout Association in 1938.

The dawn of independence brightened the prospects of unification. Finally on 7th November 1950 the merger of all Boy Scout Associations took place and the Bharat Scouts and Guides came into being.

The Girl Guide Association also joined BSandG on 15th August 1951.

The united Movement of Scouts and Guides in India went ahead with new vision. The strength of its membership increased manifold. The census of Scouts which was only 502 in 1912 (three year after its inception) in India has shown a giant leap forward. It is heartening to note that during 58 years, the membership of the Bharat Scouts and Guides has gone up over eight times from 5.3 lakhs in 1950 to over — -- millions in 2010. In a county with a population of over one billion there is tremendous scope for quantitative expansion alongwith qualitative improvement.

The Movement has expanded to new areas.

New dimensions have been added like introduction of Bunny Tamtolas, Venture Clubs, Adventure programmes etc. Efforts were made to update and redefine the professional courses by introducing Modular System of Training. The scope of Jamborees, Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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too, have changed with times. Foreign contingents are coming to Jamborees.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides enjoys excellent reputation in the international sphere. On the basis of the numerical strength of Scouts and Guides it stands third in Scouting as well as Guiding in the World and second in the Asia Pacific Region. It is a very active member of the WOSM and WAGGGS and has been taking part in the world Jamborees, conferences and International events hosted by other countries. There is a better interaction at national and international levels. It has worked hard to bring very good cohesion amongst the close neighbours in the South Asian Pacific Region.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides had organized XVII World Scout Conference in July 1959 in Delhi. An International Seminar on Community Development was also held in collaboration with WOSM in 1977.

The X APR Jamboree was organized in Hyderabad in 1987 and the III SAARC Jamboree at Brunei, Khurda Orissa in 1998. The World Seminar on Partnership was successfully held in Bangalore from 25th Feb to 1st March 2005.

One of the WAGGGS four World HomesSANGAM has been set up near Pune.

International Events are being frequently organized in India. India is a Founder Member of the World Scout Bureau for Asia Pacific Region. A highly successful and Memorable XX Asia Pacific Regional Scout Conference was held in New Delhi in October 2001. There is a long list of the Asia Pacific Regional events hosted by BSandG (Pl. refer to annexure No. 8) 292

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The National Adventure Institute of the Bharat Scouts and Guides has been organizing national and international adventure programmes.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides has rendered significant help in promoting the Scout/Guide Movement in neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan etc. The Scout/Guide organizations of Indian schools Muscat, Doha and Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also affiliated as districts with the Bharat Scouts and Guides. Scout/Guide leaders from India visit these schools off and on to monitor activities and give appropriate counselling and training.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides has the honour of receiving U.N. Peace Messenger Award in the year 1987 and the Indira Gandhi National Integration Award in 1988.

Members and leaders of the Bharat Scouts and Guides have been the recipients of the coveted and most prestigious awards and honours such as ‘Bronze Wolf’ (Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar, 1969, Sardar Lakshman Singh, 1988 Shri Ranga Rao, 1994 and Shri L.M.Jain 2008.) APR Chairman’s Award (Dr. S. N. Bharali, 1992, Sh. V.P. Deendayalu Naidu, 1998, Shri A.N. Daw, 1999). The President of India has recognized the distinguished and meritorious services of the leaders of the Bharat Scouts and Guides by conferring upon them the honour and awards like Padma Shri (Lakshmi Mazumdar, 1965) and Padma Bhushan (Sardar Lakshman Singh, 1989).

The Bharat Scouts and Guides has always served the society with devotion and dedication. It has always worked for universal peace and international Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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brotherhood during all times whether it be peace times or some period of emergency due to war or natural calamities. The Scout and Guide have earned a name for their relief operations and distinguished themselves by helping in Civil Defence efforts because they are trained, disciplined and work with commitment and devotion.

Thus, the Bharat Scouts and Guides can feel legitimate pride in having a glorious past, vibrant present and a very bright future.

India is marching into the ‘INTERNET SOCIETY’.

The 21st century is a ‘Digital Century’. Technology is facilitating the great leap forward. The ‘Cyber Revolution’ is not merely an informer but a facilitator of growth. Role of T.V. and Internet is significant in shaping human mind specially that of the youths and creating new cultural attitudes and values.

Appreciation of things is also changing. These days the relevance of a thing is determined by the need and purpose it serves.

In such an environment there is little doubt that the Scouting/Guiding is not only most relevant but has a brighter future and wider scope to flourish.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides have been circulating reports, action plans, documents, vision statements such as ‘Towards a Strategy for the BSandG’, ‘Vision into the future’, ‘Fifteen Years of Planning’, ‘Vision Statement 2013’ etc., to make the Scout and Guide Movement more self-reliant, value based, quality oriented, well managed and offering innovative, challenging programme based on the needs of the young people. Recently the vision statement by 2013 294

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was revised in the Review Workshop of Strategic Planning held at the National Headquarters, New Delhi from 14th to18th January 2005.

To reduce the dependence on government grants or single source income efforts are being made to use the extra space in our buildings, training centers, camping grounds, to generate income. The setting up of a Production-cum-Training Centre at Gadpuri, Haryana is a step in that direction.

In this era when geographies are becoming history and scientific inventions and technological advances have shrunken time and distances, there should be more of interaction at the international level. A global vision is to be developed. The whole world must be viewed as a family.

Faith commitment and service of the past generation of Scouts and Guides still serves as an ideal for us. The torch is to be kept high burning bright. Faith in the modern age is dwindling. But for an ethical movement like Scouting and Guiding the guiding light should be more from within and our sense of belonging should never be diminished. The code of living as enunciated

by Scouting and Guiding has a spiritual dimension too. It views life beyond the material world also. This leads to strengthening of ‘Oneness of Self’.

Sky is not the limit for Scouts and Guides. Thegoal or destination of this fast expanding organization is always moving farther. We have to accelerate our pace. Inner satisfaction is the reward of service. The Bharat Scouts and Guides is working with the fullest resolve to attain greater heights.

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The Scouts and Guides of India have the capacity to always move on and on towards their goal which is

^relks ek T;ksfrxZe;* From Darkness to ‘Light’.

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AnnexureS

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Annexure - i THE PRESENT PRESIDENT OF THE BHARAT SCOUTS and GUIDES,

DR. ANIL KUMAR JAIN Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Son of Late Shri K.S. Aggrawal is born on 25th February, 1960 in the Firozabad District of Uttar Pradesh. He has obtained Medical Degree M.B.B.S., MS from K.G. Medical College, Lucknow and presently working as Sr. Consultant Surgeon (Laparoscopic & G.I. Surgery Unit) Deptt. of Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi since January 1996 till date. He was Surgeon in charge in Banvasi Kalyan Kendra Hospital Lohardaga, Bihar from 1991 to 1993 as full time social worker.

He was also the President of UP Junior Doctors Association. He led the state wide agitation of Junior Doctors in Uttar Pradesh from November 1986 to January 1987. The then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mr. Vir Bahadur Singh on the direction of Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India accepted all the demands of Junior Doctors with the result that uniform post-graduation medical education policy become applicable in UP. POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Co-in charge of Uttarakhand from May, 2007 to January, 2011 and Jammu & Kashmir from May 2011 to January 2013. National Secretary Co-in charge

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of Haryana BJP from January 2013 to October 2014.

Member of National Executive of BJP, National General Secretary and in-charge Haryana and Chhattisgarh of BJP since October 2014.

ACHIEVEMENTS & CONTRIBUTIONS Played a key role in the historic win of BJP in Haryana Assembly Elections in 2014 under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi and able guidance of Shri Amit Shah. He also played a vital role in Haryana in Lok Sabja General Elections in 2014 in which BJP showed an impressive performance.

Annexure - ii

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DR. K. K. KHANDELWAL CHIEF NATIONAL COMMISSIONER – PASSIONATE SCOUT, ABLE ADMINISTRATOR, TALENTED ACADEMICIAN AND BRILLIANT WRITTER Dr. Krishna Kumar Khandelwal is Chief National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, India. He has been appointed Chairperson Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority Gurugram after rendering services as an IAS officer for nearly 33 years (1985 batch :Haryana Cadre). Dr. Khandelwal is an able administrator having an excellent track record of performance. He is an academician having served as assistant professor in the universities, practicing engineer in public health and irrigation departments, a writer and an administrator.

He has a passion for scouting, having gone through scouting training right from the stage of cub scout, boy scout and rover scout during his school and college days. he has been NCC ‘C’ certificateholder and has also been NSS volunteer. He is an adult scout leader having held the position of State Chief Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides Haryana State for nearly 15 years. He has been the National Vice-President, Bharat Scouts and Guides and also National Commissioner Headquarters (PR) apart from positions in scouting at the National level.

He is Chief National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides w.e.f. from 9th July, 2017 when in the special National Council Meeting, he was unanimously Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

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elected. He has also held positions in the Asia Pacific Region of World Scout Movement such as Member Finance Resources Sub-Committee Asia-Pacific Region World Scout Bureau. Member Programme Sub- Committee, Asia-Pacific Region World Scout Bureau etc. Currently also he is member of Financial Resources Sub-Committee (2019-2022) APR World Scout Bureau. Participated in almost every type of scouting events at National and International level.

He is also chairman of Indian Scout Guide Fellowship.

He was bestowed Silver Elephant Award – highest Scouts and Guides decoration in the country from the Hon’ble President of India. He has also been recognised

by Bangladesh Scouts with highest accolade in scouting in Bangladesh - ‘Silver Tiger’ presented by H.E. the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on 30.10.2019 in Dhaka.

Dr. Khandelwal has been Chief Editor of various magazines including Haryana Scout Sanvad and BS&G monthly magazine. He is a prolific writer and has written dozens of articles on youth policy, youth development, Scouting etc. apart from authoring various books on varied subjects such as literature, culture, youth policy, law, labour issues, management, computer science, economics, engineering and environment etc.

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DR KHANDELWAL’S VISION FOR SCOUTING Preparing young people to be active citizens to embrace and contribute to social change and to makea positive impact in our communities.

Service marketing of scouting to the masses Spreading information and awareness about scouting to the target group in an aggressive manner keeping in view the principles of service marketing.

Strengthening resources for the movement Man, money and material resources to be strengthened for growth and progress of the movement both quantitatively as well as qualitatively.

Enhancing enrolment Launching of membership drives for increase in census.

Inclusive growth The scouting movement would be carried forward by taking its activities to the areas and sections of society not covered so far.

Social media and formation of digital scouting communities For greater exchange of news, views and ideas regarding scouting activities greater use of social media would be encouraged.

Branding scouting Image building, information dissemination, mass contact programmes and PR exercise would be taken up for branding scouting especially among youth and generally community at large.

Introduction of new life skill sets for scouts and guides Keeping in view requirement of present day society, new skill sets, aimed at personality development, livelihood earning etc., would be incorporated.

New orientations to training programmes Making use of new technology and management practices training programmes would be re-oriented, Upgradation of training centres to the International level and also opening new regional training centres in all regions of the country.

TO MAKE MEMBERS OF SCOUTING FEEL EMPOWERED, VALUED AND PROUD

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AN OFFICER WITH EXCELLENT ACADEMIC RECORD Dr Khandelwal has excellent academic record and ardent desire to study new subjects. He was a merit holder both at the school and college level. He relentlessly chased studies for nearly forty years after graduation having three PhDs and twenty eight other degrees.

He obtained bachelor’s degree in civil engineering honours from University of Jodhpur in 1979. He did his LLB and Doctor of Philosophy in Laws from Panjab University, Chandigarh and did his LLM from Kurukshetra University in between. He was conferred Doctor of Philosophy in Management by CDLU Sirsa, Haryana.He was also awarded Doctor of Philosophy in Patents by Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar.

He has done Masters in Business Administrations and also specialization in Human Resource Management, International Business Management, Marketing and Information Technology. He has also done Post Graduate Diplomas in Industrial Relations and Personal Management, Mass Communication, Travel and Tourism Management and Business Management.

He specializes in information technology having degree in Master of Science (Information Technology), Master in Computer Applications and Master of Philosophy in Computers.

Dr. Khandelwal has completed M.Com. in Insurance Management. He is a qualified library science professional having both bachelors and masters degree in library science. He is also finished masters degree in mass communication and also masters degree in social works. He is post graduate in six other disciplines such as MA (Hosp.

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Admn.),MA (Hum. Rights), MA (Eco.). MA (Soc),MA (Psy.), MA (Pub. Admn.). Dr. Khandelwal has keen interest in astrology. He has also pursued Jyotish Visharad and Jyotish Praveen courses conducted by Bhartiya Vidhya Bhawan.

INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE Dr. Khandelwal has undergone various courses in the University of Berkley (USA), University of Canberra (Australia) and World Bank, Washington (USA). He has been part of many delegations visiting aboard such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives,Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, China,Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Australia,Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Dubai (UAE),Israel,Turkey, Indonesia,Philippines, Azerbaijan, Brazil, USA, UK, France, Austria, Netherland, Spain, Switzerland,Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Netherlands.

WORK EXPERIENCE Dr. Khandelwal Joined Indian Administrative Service in the Year 1985 and allocated to Haryana cadre.

Dr. Khandelwal started his carrier as SDM Firozpur Jhirka erstwhile district Gurgaon after completing his training in August 1987. Later he worked as Additional Deputy Commissioner Gurgaon, Chief Executive Officer Mewat Development Agency, Additional Director Industries and Chairman Single Window Agency, Administrator Haryana Urban Development Authority, Gurgaon and Administrator Haryana Urban Development Authority, Panchkula.

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In addition he has also worked as Chief Administrator Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board, Panchkula and Shri Sheetla Mata Shrine Board Gurgaon.

He has been Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad and Chandigarh. While working as District Magistrate, District Collector and Deputy Commissioner Faridabad, he was also head of the department for 28 departments in Union Territory Chandigarh, such as Estate Officer Chandigarh, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Director Food Supplies, Inspector General Prisons, Inspector General Forests, Director Sports, Chairman Pollution Control Committee, Secretary Marketing Board, Labour Commissioner, Director Agriculture, Registrar Cooperative Societies etc.

Dr. Khandelwal has also served as Director Tourism, Haryana, Managing Director Haryana Tourism Corporation, Director Power Reforms Haryana, Director Renewal Energy Sources Haryana and Director Haryana Renewal Energy Development Agency, Director Information Technology Haryana, Managing Director Haryana State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (HARTRON), Director Rural Development, Director General School Education, Higher Education Commissioner, Labour Commissioner Haryana, Director Information and Public Relations Haryana.

Dr. Khandelwal has worked as a Principal Secretary / Additional Chief Secretary Information and Public Relations Department, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Medical Education Department, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Environment Department, School Education Department etc. Dr. 306

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Khandelwal has also remained Chairman Haryana State Pollution Control Board. He was made in charge of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Haryana State and appointed as Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Executive Officer Swarna Jayanti Celebrations. He was also made in charge of International Gita Mahotsav, Kurukshertra.

Dr. Khandelwal has served for nearly eight years in the Chief Minister Office Haryana as Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Haryana.

LITERATURE AND ACADEMIC PURSUITS Dr. Khandelwal has been Executive Vice-President of Haryana Sahitya Academy, Haryana Granth Academy, Haryana Urdu Academy, Haryana Punjabi Academy, Haryana Sanskrit Academy, Haryana Cultural Academy and Multi Art Cultural Centre Kurukshetra. He was Chief Editor of Hari Gandha (Hindi literature magazine), Katha Samay (Hindi stories magazine), Jamuna Tat (Urduliterature magazine),Sabd Boond (Punjabi literature magazine), Hari Prabha (Sanskrit literature magazine), Sapt Sindhu (literature research magazine).

Dr. Khandelwal has been Chief Editor of various magazines such as Haryana Samvad (Hindi), Haryana Review (English), Haryana Krishi Samvad (Hindi).

Ubarda Haryana (Punjabi), Tamire – Haryana (Urdu), Haryana Scout Samvad (Bi-lingual), Jai Haryana (Hindi), Haryana Labour Journal, ShikshaLok (Hindi) etc.

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He has authored about two and half dozen books on various subjects such as engineering, management, literature, culture, economics, computers, law, environment. Some of the major publications are: Project Management -PERT and CPM; Computer Fundamentals; Economics Study; A Commentary and Digest on the Factories Act, 1948; Labour LawsManual;Factories Inspection Manual; A Commentary and Digest on the Right to Information Act, 2005; A Commentary and Digest on the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958;A Commentary and Digest on the Right to Information Act, 2005, Second Edition 2014; An Encyclopaedia on Haryana in10 Volumes; Haryana-Lok Sanskriti Ke Jharokhe Se; A Commentary and Digest on the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 with commentary (first edition and second edition); A Commentary and treatise on socio economic offences; Techno-Legal Digest on Noise Pollution (Causes, Effects and Control); A Commentary and Digest on the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; Haryana Pollution Code (second edition); What is Scouting?; Haryana from the Pages of History; Haryana Etihas Ke Panoon Sey (Hindi); Transforming Haryana – Progressing Haryana; Haryana Sports Power House; Incredible Kurukshetra (English) etc.

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Annexure - iii

AMALGAMATION OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATIONS IN INDIA MEETING CONVENED UNDER THE SOCIETIES REGISTRATION ACT XXI OF 1860

Minutes of the meeting convened by the representatives of the Hindustan Scout Association and “the Boy Scouts Association respectively under section I of the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 to form ‘a’ Society under the Act Called “The Bharat Scouts and Guides” held at New Delhi on Tuesday, the 24th October, 1950.

Present: 1. Shri Vivan Bose 2. Shri M. Hidaytullah Representing the Boy Scouts Association in India 3. Dr. Hriday Nath Kunzru 4. Pt. Shri Ram Bajpai

Representing

Hindustan

5. Shrimati Prabha Banerjee

Scout Association

Also Present

Dr. Tara Chand Shri Vyas Dev Mishra Sardar Sohan Singh Dr. Tara Chand was proposed seconded and unanimously voted to the chair.

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1 (a) Read the resolution of the Boy Scouts Association dated Nagpur the 16th April, 1950 of its meeting convened under section 12 of the Socities Registration Act deciding to arralgance with the Hindustan Scout Association (and the Girl Guides Association should the inter decide to enter); also the resolution of the said association at its second meeting under section 12 of the Act dated Banglore the 21 May, 1950 confirming the said resolution. (b) Read the resolution of the Hindustan Scout Association convened under section 12 of the Societies Registration Act Dated Allahabad the 3rd December, 1949, deciding to amalgamate with the Boys Scouts Association in India and the Girl Guides Association and the resolution of its second meeting dated Allahabad the 22nd October, 1950 confirrning the said resolution. (c) Dr. Tara Chand reported that the Girl Guides Association had not expressed its willingness to merge although he had written to Mrs. Captain that the other two association were about to merge.

I. Resolved that in view of the foregoing, an amalgamated Association called The Bharat Scouts and Guides be formed under the Societies Registration Act and be registered thereunder and that its Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations be as appended hereto.

II. Resolved that the Governing body of the Bharat Scouts and Guides do consist of the following persons “until the first meeting of the National Council convened under rule 6 of the Rules and Regulations appended hereto elects and completes the Executive Committee under Rule 1 1 and that thereafter the 310

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

National Executive Committee be the Governing body as contemplated by the Memorandum of Association and ths Rules and Regulations of the Association.

1 Dr. Hriday Nath Kunzru 8. Miss Kapila Khandwala 2. Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai

9. Mrs. R. Gharpuray

3. Shri K.G. Vaidyanathan

10. Mr. Vivian Bose

4. Sri K.G. Mangalmurthy

11. Mr. G.T. Thaddaeus

5. Dr. M.N Natu

12. Commander K.B Godrej

6. Mrs. Prabha Banerji

13. Sardar Har Dayal Singh

7. Mrs. C. Mohini

1 4. Shri. A.S. Valley

15. Shri P. Siva Shankar III. Resolved that the Bharat Scouts and Guides do come into being as an Association registered under the Societies Registration Act on the 7th November 1950.

IV. Mr. Vivian Bose and Mr. M. Hidayat Ullah being empowered under the resolution of the Boy Scouts Association under section 12 of the Societies Registration Act dated Nagpur, the 16th of April, 1950 and confirmed at its second meeting dated- Banglore, the 21st May 1950, .to do all acs secondary to implement the amalgamation, declared that the amalgamation shall be complete, on the 7th November, 1950 and that from that date the Boy Scout Association in India shall cease to exist.

V. Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru made a similar declaration on behalf of the Hindustan Scout Association.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

311

VI. Resolved that Mr. Hidayat Ullah be empowered to give to the trustees of the Boy Scouts Association in India a notice to transfer all properties and funds to the new trustees of the Bharat Scouts and Guides viz Pandit H.N Kunzru, Mr. Vivian Bose and Mrs. H.C. Captain.

VII. Resolved that a similar notice be given by Mr. Hidayat Ullah to Dr. H.N Kunzru and Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai (who have been authorized to implement the resolution of merge passed by .their association} to transfer all properties and funds of the Hindustan Association to the new trustees.

VIII. Resolved that, till the new trustees take over and the National Council with its Executive Commence functioning, Pandir H.N. Kunzru from among the present Governing Body, be authorized to deal with the funds in accordance with the objects of the Bharat Scouts and Guides and to defray all legitimate expenses and lawful liabilities taken over from the old association from.the said funds.

IX. Resolved that notices be issued by the National Secretary to all affiliated branches of the Boy Scouts Association and the Hindustan Scout Association to take immediate steps for effecting the merger in their respective areas and for. registering the new amalgamating State Associations with the Bharat Scouts and Guides under rule 12 (1) (a) of the Rules and Regulations.

X. Resolved that the officers and staffs of the two associations be amalgamated and formed into one as from the date to be fixed by Pandit H.N Kunzru and that necessary sanctions be given by him for the purpose of carrying out the merger within the time to be fixed by him.

312

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XI. Resolved that Pandit H.N. Kunzru, Mr. Vivian Bose and Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai be authorized to sign the copy of the Rules and Regulations appended hereto under section 2 of the Societies Registration Act and to certify them as correct for the purpose of section 3. ..

Sd/- Hidayatullah Sd/- Vivian Bose Sd/- Viyaas Dev Mishra Sd/- H.N Kunzru Sd/- Shri Ram Bajpai Sd/- Prabha Banerjee Sd/-Sohan Singh Sd/-Tara Chand

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

313

Annexure - iv

Mr H.S. Kingra Director

Government of India

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

New Delhi 110001, India Geneva, 15 May 2001 Dear Mr Kingra, Thank you for your letter of May 1st 2001, of which we have taken due note.

Allow me one point of clarification in relation to its last paragraph: as The National Scout Organisation of India, Bharat Scouts and Guides only have a monopoly on Scouting and Guiding, not on youth Movements.

This means that other youth movements should quite naturally be allowed to operate in the educational field, in schools and outside schools ... as long as they do not use the name of “Scouts’ and/or “Guides” (or their emblems), just as charitable organisations other than the Indian Red Cross may operate ... as long as they do not use the name or the emblem of the Red Cross.

Thus, all that would be required of the self-named “Hindustan Scouts” (or of any other similar group) is that they would call themselves something else than “Scouts” and use another emblem than the fleur de lys or arrowhead, so as to respect Indian and international laws and to concretely avoid others to believe that they are Scouts.

We fully understand that, in a vast and varied country such as India, many youth organisations 314

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

must be allowed-indeed encouraged - to flourish and to serve the education of young people, whether they belong to a world wide tradition (such as the cadets) or to a local one ... but simply not under the name of “Scouts” or “Guides” if they are not members of the corresponding official National Organisation.

Sincerely yours,

Jacques Moreillon

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315

Annexure v

ORDER OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA NQ.F.28-15/2004-YS.IV

Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Dated the Ist February, 2005 Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association (HSandGA) was granted recognition on 7th March, 2001 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to promote scouting and guiding activities in the country. Accordingly, financial assistance was also these aetivities.

2. After the above recognition was given in March, 2001 the World, 2001 the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) Geneva wrote to the Ministry and stated as under:“As per the constitution of WOSM “only one National Scout Organization from any one country can be recognized for membership in the World Organisation” (Article V para 2). As in the case of other international organizations, this is a peremptory norm within WOSM, and sinequa non condition for membership thereof.

The Bharat Scouts and Guides is the only National Scout Organization recognized by WOSM in India.

It was recognized in 1950 after many years of negotiations which Finally led to the amalgamation of various Scout associations within one legal entity and thefefore fulfilled the requirements of the WOSM constitution. By virtue of its membership in WOSM, it is the only National Scout Organization in India 316

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

which is entitled to the privileges and services of the World Organization to recognise by its other Member Organizations, and to the use of the emblem and other material associated with World Scouting. Within India itself the (Prevention of improper use) Act, 1950, mentions the name of “Bharat Scouts and Guides” with emblem at serial No.20 of the schedule of the said Act, and protects the use of its Emblem and Name at national level The recognition of any other “Scout and Guide” association in India, such as the “Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association’’ is incompatible with the requirements of the Constitution of WOSM and therefore cannot be recognized by WOSM or any of its other 150 National Scout Organizations representing, nearly 30 million Scouts throughout the world. It creates a very serious problem for Scouting both within India and worldwide.

It was also stated that on the basis of above the Government of India will withdraw the recognition of the “Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association” in the interest of the unity of scouting in India and worldwide.”

3. Again, at the time recognisation was granted to HS and G Association it had a clear duly elected management body. It has come to our notice that after working for a year or so this management body got split and the matter related to the management of HSandG Association is disputed. Two independent factions are claiming to be its real body.

4. Financial Assistance was given to HSandG Association for carrying out various scounting and guiding activities in the country during 2001-2002 and Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

317

2002-2003. Funds were also provided for engaging volunteers under the National Volunteer: Scheme Keeping in view HSandG Association’s management problems further grants were stopped as HSandGA has been unable io submit the accounts and complete the activities, for which funds were allocated, till date.

5. Based on the above facts, a Show Cause Notice No. F. 28-15/2004-YS.IV dated 7th /8th December, 2004 was issued by Regd. Post to Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association asking them to Show Cause why the organization should not be derecognised. As per Show Cause Notice, Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association, New Delhi was required to give its reply within 30 days of the issue of Show Cause.

Notice dated 7th/ 8th December, 2004 No response had been received from the organisation till date.

Since Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association, New Delhi has failed to submit its reply to the aforesaid Show Cause Notice dated 7th/ 8th , December, 2004 till date, it appears that Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association, New Delhi has nothing to say on any of the issues outlined in the aforesaid Show Cause Notice.

6. Under the circumstances it is observed that HSandG Association is not in a position to carry on the scouting and guiding activities in the country for which Ministry had granted recognition and released grant-in-aid to the organization. Also in view of the objection from the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, as stated in paragraph 2 here in above, it can not attain membership or recognition from the international body.

7. In view of the above, it has been decided, with 318

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

the approval of the competent authority, to withdraw the recognition granted to Hindustan Scouts and Guides ssociation, New Delhi vide this Ministry’s letter No.F.20-2/ 99-YS.IV dated 7th March, 2001.

(M.M. Lal) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association B-4/52 (A-Keshavpuram), New Delhi-110 03 5 Now at correspondence address 121, South Avenue, New Delhi - 110011

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

319

Annexure vi

OFFICE BEARERS OF BHARAT SCOUTS and GUIDES The Presidents: Sl. No.

Name

Term

1.

Shri Mangal Das M. Pakvasa

1953-1960

2.

Smt. Ammu Swaminathan

November 1960-March 1965

3.

Justice B.P. Sinha

April 1965-February 1967

4.

Shri Chandulal Trivedi

February 1967-Oct. 1973

5.

Shri Dharam Vira

November 1973-September 1976

6.

Shri Jagjivan Ram

September 1976-April 1983

7.

Shri S.B.Chavan

April 1983-November 1998

8.

Shri Rameshwar Thakur

November 1998-November 2001

9.

Shri Sharad Pawar

November 2001-November 2004

Shri Rameshwar Thakur Shri Ashok Gehlat

November 2004 -November 2013 November 2013 to November 2016

10.

11.

The National Commissioners : Sl.No. Name

Term

1.

Dr. H.N. Kunzru

November 1952-November 1957

2.

Justice Bivian Bose

November 1957-November 1959

3.

Dr. Madan Mohan

November 1959-November 1960

4.

Dr. H.N.Kunzru

November 1960-November 1964

5.

Mrs. Lakshmi Mazumdar

February 1964-April 1983

6.

Sardar Lakshman Singh

April 1983-November 1992

7.

Shri V.P.Deendayalu Naidu

November 1992-November 1995

8.

9.

Shri L. M. Jain Shri B.I. Nagarale

November 1995- November 2013 November 2013

The Chief Natioaml Commissioners (S) : Sl.No. Name

Term

1.

Shri B.I. Nagarale (IAS Retd)

November 2014 to May 2017

2.

Dr. K.K. Khandelwal, (IAS Retd) May 2017 to up to date

320

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

The Chief Commissioners (S) : Sl. No.

Name

Term

1.

Justice Vivian Bose

November 1952 - November 1957

2.

Dr. Madan Mohan

November 1957 - November 1959

3.

Shri P. Shiva Shankar

February 1964 - February 1970

4.

Shri C. D. Natrajan

October 1973 - July 1990

5.

Sardar Lakshman Singh

1980 - July 1983

6.

Sh. J.S. Mehta

1983 - November 1987

7.

Shri V.P. Deendayalu Naidu

November 1987 - November 1993

8.

Shri Jethabhai M. Chaudhary

November 1993 - November 1995

9.

Dr. Anadinath Daw

November 1995 - March 1, 1999

10.

Shri N. A. Khan

April 1999 - November 2004

11.

Shri M. Jethabhai Chaudhary

November 2004 -November 2007

12.

Shri Atul Kumar Garg

November 2007-November 2013

13.

Dr. H.P. Chhetri

November 2013

14.

Dr. H. P. Chhetri

September 2019 up to date

The National Commissioners (S) Resumed from Nov 2014 1.

Dr. H.P. Chhetri

November 2014 to May 2017

2.

Shri M.A. Khalid

May 2017 to Sept 2019

The Chief Commissioners (G): Sl.No. Name 1.

Mrs. H.C.Captain 2.

Mrs. Clubwala Jhadav 3.

Mrs. L. Mazumdar 4.

Dr. (Miss) P. Das 5.

Miss Z. R. Ranji 6.

Mrs. S. Vardappan 7.

Mrs. O. Albuquerque 8.

Miss T. Barma 9.

Dr. (Mrs.) Saroj Lalwani 10.

Mrs. S. Bullaya 11.

Dr. (Mrs.) Saroj Lalwani 12.

Smt. S. Bullaya 13.

Smt Shobhatai Potdukhe 14.

Dr. (Mrs.) Manik Barsaley 15.

Dr. (Mrs.) V. Vijayalakshmi

Term November 1952 - November 1957 November 1957 - November 1960 November 1960 - February 1964 February 1964 - February 1968 January 1970 - January 1977 January 1977 - January 1980 January 1980 - July 1980 July 1980 - November 1987 November 1987 - November 1992 November 1992 - November 1995 November 1995 - November 1998 November 1998 - November 2001 November 2001 - November 2004 November 2004 - November 2013 November 2013

The National Commissioners (G) Resumed from November 2014 1.

Dr. (Mrs.) V. Vijayalakshmi November 2014 - May 2017 2.

Dr. (Mrs.) Manik Barsaley May 2017 - September 2019 3.

Mrs. Rupinder Brar September 2019 - upto date

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

321

The International Commissioners (S) Sl.No. Name

Term

1.

Shri V. S. Hajmadi

1958 - February 1964

2.

Shri M.N. Natu

February 1964 - January 1970

3.

Shri V. N. Agharkar

January 1970 - January 1977

4.

Shri J. S. Mehta

January 1977 - July 1980

5.

Shri V. K. Sibbal

July 1980 - 1987

6.

Shri L. M. Jain

November 1987 - November 1992

7.

Shri S. H. Naqvi

November 1992 - November 1998

8.

Col. C. M. Pagar

December 1998 - November 2001

9.

Shri A.K. Garg

November 2001 - Novmber 2007.

10.

Shri Mahendra Bhai M. Patel

November 2007 - November 2013

11.

M.A. Khatisl

November 2013

12.

Sh. J.C. Mohanty

May 2017 up to date

The International Commissioners (G): Sl.No. Name

Term

1.

Mrs. Mary Clubwala Jhadav

October 1956 - 1958

2.

Mrs. Molina Dutta

1958 - 1960 November

3.

Dr.(Ms) Parimal Das

1961 - 1964 February

4.

Mrs. Rukmini Menon

February 1964 - January 1970

5.

Mrs. Leela Ansanappa

January 1970 - January 1977

6.

Mrs. Tehmina Barma

January 1977 - May 1982

7.

Dr. (Mrs.) K. R. Mitra

1981 November

8.

Mrs. S. Chenelu

November 1984 - 1990

9.

Ms. Amar Jeet Bakshi

November 1990 - 1993

10.

Mrs. Urmila Rungta

November 1993 - 1995

11

Mrs. Philomina Fernandes

November 1995 - November 1998

12.

Dr. (Mrs.) Manik Barsaley

December 1998 - November 2001

13.

Smt. S. Guha Roy

November 2001- November 2004

14.

Smt. Pushpa Manas

November 2004- November 2007.

15.

Mrs. Shalini Mishra

November 2007 - November 2013

16.

Mrs. Rakesh Dharm

November 2013

17.

Mr. Amelia Swer

May 2017 up to date

The National Secretaries/Directors : Sl.No. Name

Term

1.

Shri K.G. Vaidyanathan

1952 - April 1958

2.

Shri Saroj Ghosh

April 1958 - July 1965

322

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

3.

Shri Sushil Kumar Das

July 1965 - 1986

4.

Shri G. Ranga Rao

1986 - 1994

5.

Shri K. B. C. Nair

August 1994 - January 1996

6.

Smt. Bina Chakraborty

February 1996 - April 1997

7.

Dr. S. Kumar

April 1997 - February 2002

8.

Shri G. Saha

March 2002 - December 2002

9.

Shri D.L.Sharma

(officiated) Jan.,2003 - April., 2004

10.

Shri G.B.S. Sajwan (officiating)

April 2004 - May 2008

11.

Shri B.K.Bahuguna

June 2008 - December 2009

12

Miss Saroja P

December 2009 - June 2010

13.

Shri B.K.Bahuguna

July 2010 - 30/06/2011

14.

R.K. Sharma

30/06/2011 - 10/07/2013

15.

S.S. Chamoli

10/07/2013 - 31/01/2015

16.

K. Sukumara

01/01/2015 - 25/03/2017

17.

Krishnaswamy R.

25/5/2017-4/7/2019

18.

Sh. R.K. Kaushik

04/07/2019 up to date

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

323

Annexure - vii

NATIONAL JAMBOREES ORGANISED BY THE BHARAT SCOUTS and GUIDES National Jamboree,

- Dec. 29, 1953- Jan. 2, 1954

Secunderabad (Hydrabad) II National Jamboree, Jaipur III National Jamboree, Bangalore IV National Jamboree, Allahabad V National Jamboree, Kalyani VI National Jamboree, Bombay VII National Jamboree, Faridabad VIII National Jamboree, Madras IX National Jamboree, Bodh Gaya X National Jamboree, Bangalore * APR Jamboree, Hyderabad, XI National Jamboree, Bhopal XII National Jamboree, Palghat XIII National and III SAARC Jamboree,

Barunei, Khurda, Orissa * Golden Jubilee National Jamboree,

Thorapakkam, Chennai XIV National Jamboree, Raipur XV National Jamboree, Haridwar

Special National Jamboree for

centenary of World Scouting

Rajarhat, Kolkata

Special National Jamboree for

Centenary of Scouting, Delhi

Special National Jamborer for

Celebration of 100 years of

Scouting in India, Ahmedabad XVI National Jamboree XVII National Jamboree

324

- Dec. 26, 1956 - Jan. 1, 1957 - Dec. 26-31, 1960 - Dec. 27-31,1964 - Dec. 27-31,1967 - Dec. 27-31,1970 - Nov. 7-11,1974 - Jan. 18-22,1979 - Dec. 27-31,1982 - Jan. 3-9,1986 - Jan. 3-9,1987 - Jan. 3-9,1994 - Jan. 3-9,1994 - Jan. 4-9,1998 - Jan. 27 to Feb. 1, 2000 - Jan. 4-10, 2002 16-22 October 2005 1-7 Jan, 2007 - 26-31 Dec 2007 2-7 February 2009

-2011 - Hydrabad, A.P -29 Dec 2016 to 04 Jan 2017 Mysore, Karnataka

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Annexure - viii

AWARDS and REWARDS TO THE BHARAT SCOUTS and GUIDES 1986

-

The First International year of the Youth Plaque by WOSM and WAGGGS jointly for devotion and sustained work during the year long programmes.

1987

-

U. N. Peace Messenger’s Award

1988 -

Indira Gandhi National Award for National Integration for 1987 was given in 1988.

1988

-

A Special certificate from World Organisation of Scout Movement for contribution to International year of shelter for Homeless.

1990 -

Certificate of Merit from ‘U.N. Centre For Human Settlement’ for he Bharat Scouts and Guides for successful efforts towards ‘Integrated Community Development Programme.’

1992 -

Plaque presented by APR as a recognition of Bharat Scouts and Guides Service Activities.

1999

Plaque of appreciation to the Bharat Scouts and Guides for hosting XXXVI APR Guide Meeting in Delhi. The Plaque was awarded in the World Guide Conference at Durban (Ireland) on 2-11 August 1999.

-

2002 -

Plaque of Commendation to the Guide Section of the Bharat Scouts and Guides for the increase in membership during the Triennium (1998-2001) awarded in the XXXI World Guide Conference, Manila in June 2002.

2015

Messengers of Peace (MOD) Hero Award in recognition to highest service hours and highest number of user’s in scout.org.

-

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

325

Annexure – ix

WORLD JAMABOREES NO.

VENUE

DATE

I

Olympia, London U.K.

July 30 - Aug 08, 1920

II

Ermeluden, Copenhagen, Denmark

Aug. 10 - Aug. 17, 1924

*

Empire Jamboree Wembley, England

1924

III

Arrow Park Birken head, England

July 31 - Aug.13, 1929

IV

Godlo, Hungary

Aug. 02 - Aug. 15, 1933

V

Vogelanzag, Bloemendal, Netherlands

July 30 - Aug. 14, 1937

VI

Moison, France

Aug. 09 - Aug.18, 1947

VII

Salzkammergut Bad - Ischal, Austria

Aug. 03 - Aug. 14, 1951

VIII

New Horizons on the Niagaria

Aug. 20 - Aug. 27, 1955

Lake Canada

IX

Sutton Park, Midland, England

Aug. 01 - Aug.12, 1957

X

Mt. Makiling, Phi lippines

July 17 - 27, 1959

XI

Marthan Greece

July 31 - Aug. 10, 1963

XII

Frarragut, Idabo State Park, USA

Aug. 01 - Aug. 09, 1967

XIII

Asagiri Heights, Japan

Aug.04 - Aug. 14, 1971

XIV

Lille Hammer near Mjosa Lake, Norway

July 24 - Aug 07, 1975

XV

Kananaskis country, Calagary,

July 04 - July 16,1983

Alberta Canada

XVI

Catract Scout Park,

New South Wales, Australia

XVII Sorksan National Park, South Korea

Aug. 08 - Aug. 16, 1991

XVIII

Flevoland (Dronten) Netherlands

Aug. 01 - Aug.11, 1995

XIX

Picarquin, Chile

Dec. 27, 98 - Jan. 06, 1999

XX

Sttahip, Chouburi Province, Thailand

Dec. 28, 02 - Jan. 07, 2003

XXI

Hyland Park, U.K.

July 27-Aug. 8, 2007

XXII

Kristiand, Sweden

July 27-7 Aug, 2011

XXIII

Kirarahama, Yamaguchi, Japan

July 28-8 Aug, 2015

XXIV

GlenJean, West Virginia, U.S.A.

July 22-02 Aug, 2019

XXV

SaeMan Geum, Korea

July-Aug, 2023

326

Dec. 28, 87 - Jan.08, 1988

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Annexure – x

WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCES NO. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th

31st 32nd 33rd

YEAR 1920 1922 1924 1926 1929 1931 1933 1935 1937 1939 1947 1949 1951 1953 1955 1957 1959 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985

VENUE London, United Kingdom Paris, France Copenhagen, Denmark Kandersteg, Switzerland Birkenhead, United Kingdom Vienna-Baden, Austria Godollo, Hungary Stockholm, Sweden The Hague, Netherlands Edinburgh, Scotland Chateau do Rosny, France Elvesaeter, Norway Salzburg, Austria Vaduz, Liechtenstein Niagara Falls, Canada Cambridge, United Kingdom New Delhi, India Lisbon, Portugal Rhodes, Greece Mexico City, Mexico Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. Otaniemi, Finland Tokyo, Japan Nairobi, Kenya Lundtofte, Denmark Montreal, Canada Birmingham, United Kingdom Dakar, Senegal Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A. Munich, Germany

1990 1993

Paris, France Bangkok, Thailand

1988

34th 1996 35th 1999 36th 2002 37th 2005 38th 2008 39th 2011 40th 2014 41st 2017 42nd 2020

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Oslo, Norway Durban, South Africa Thessaloniki, Greece Tunisia Korea Brazil Slovenia Azerbaijan Egypt

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

327

Annexure – xi

WORLD GUIDE CONFERENCES 1920 Oxford, United Kingdom 1922 Cambridge, United Kingdom 1924 Foxlease, United Kingdom 1926 Edith Macy Training School, New York, United States of America 1928 Parad, Hungary 1930 Foxlease, United Kingdom 1932 Bucze, Poland 1934 Adelboden, Switzerland 1936 Stockholm, Sweden 1938 Adelboden, Switzerland 1946 Evian, France 1948 Cooperstown, United States of America 1950 Oxford, United Kingdom 1952 Dombas, Norway 1954 Zeist, The Netherlands 1957 Petropolis, Brazil 1960 Athens, Greece 1963 Nyborg, Denmark 1966 Tokyo, Japan 1969 Otanien, Finland 1972 Toronto, Canada 1975 Sussex, United Kingdom 1978 Tehran, Iran 1981 Orleans, France 1984 Tarrytown, New York, United States of America 1987 Njoro, Kenya 1990 Singapore 1993 Nyborg, Denmark 1996 Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada 1999 Dublin, Ireland 2002 Manila, Philippines 2005 Amman 2008 Johannesburg, South Africa 2011 Edinburgh, Scotland 2014 Hong Kong 2017 India 2020 Kampala, Uganda

328

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Annexure - xii

ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL SCOUT EVENTS HOSTED BY BHARAT SCOUTS and GUIDES 1958

First International Training-the-Team Course

1961

V Asia Pacific Regional Training the Team Course

1965

XIII Asia Pacific Regional Training the Team Course

1971

I Asia Pacific Basic Professional Scouters and Guiders Training Course

1973

XX Asia Pacific Basic Regional Training the Team Course

1974 Asia Pacific Fund Raising Seminars in Bombay, Calcutta, Madras and Delhi.

1976

Basic Professional Scouts and Guides Training for Career Executives

1981

Executives Course for Professional Career Executives

1984

Management Course for Scout/Guide Executive Generation Module

1986

Management Course for Scout/Guide Executive Operation Module– I

1987

10th Asia Pacific Jamboree, Hyderabad

1987

Management Course for Professional Scouters Module – I

1989

Management Course for Professional Scouters Module – II

1993 XXXVII Asia Pacific Regional Basic Management Course for Professional Scout Executives 1994 Scout

XXXIX Asia Pacific Regional Basic Management Course for Professional Executives

1995

First Advanced Management Course for Scout/Guide Executives

1998

III SAARC Jamboree (alongwith XIII National Jamboree, Orissa)

1998

II Asia Pacific Regional Adult Resource Seminar

1999

Asia Pacific Regional Scout Committee Meeting

2000

XLIII Asia Pacific Basic Management Course for Scout Executives

2001

Asia Pacific Regional Leader Trainers Course – NTC

2001

Asia Pacific Regional Youth Forum – Bangalore

2001

XX Asia Pacific Regional Scout Conference – New Delhi

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

329

2003

XLV Asia Pacific Basic Management Course for Executives

2004

Workshop of Strategic Planning Vision 2013

2005

Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Learning Organisation

2005

Review Workshop of Strategic Planning Vision 2013

2006

Relaying of Rover Peace Baton.

2007

Partnership Visit of APR/ WOSM and APR /WAGGGS

2010

4th April Advanced Management Course

2010

7th April Scout Leaders summit

2015

50th APR Basic Management Course for Scout Executive at STC, Ganganagar, Kolkata, West Bengal from 04-14 Feb, 2015

2016

3rd APR MOP NSO Coordinators Meet - at faridabad, Haryan from 20- 24 April, 2016

330

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Annexure – xiii

APR GUIDE EVENTS IN INDIA APR Committee of WAGGGS was established in the XX World Conference in Finland in 1969.

1970

12 National Organisations became founder members of the Asia Pacific Region. India was one of them.

1971

The First meeting of the Asia Pacific Committee was held at Sangam, Pune on 9 –11 March.

1972 First Regional Seminar for Commissioners/Secretaries held at Sangam World Centre.

1976

A Seminar for Guiders and Leaders in the Asia Pacific Region held at Sangam from 28th Nov. to 7th December. The theme of the Seminar was ‘Leadership for Today’s Girl’.

1981

XI Asia Pacific Committee Meeting held at Sangam from 20 to 22 December.

1985 A Sub-Regional Workshop for Rangers/Senior Girl Scouts and Guides was held in October at Sangam with the objective of strengthening the organisation of Rangers and Girl Scouts.

1990 A regional event ‘Family Life Education Workshop’ for Rangers/senior Girl Scouts was held at Sangam with the theme ‘HAPPY FAMILY: HAPPY FUTURE’ from 7 – 16 December 1997

XXVI A.P. Committee Meeting held in New Delhi from 6 – 8 March Training for Youth Service Team Leaders, Sangam 8 – 28 March. 21 participants attended.

2017

World Guide Conference at Hotel Pullman, Aerocity, Delhi

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

331

Annexure – xiv

ASIA PACIFIC JAMBOREES EVENT

DATES

COUNTRY

1st A.P. Jamboree/BSP Golden Jubilee Jamboree

28 Dec.73 - 04 Jan. 74

PHILIPPINES

2nd A.P. Jamboree

Aug. 05-13, 1977

IRAN

3rd A.P. Jamboree/8th New Zeland Jamboree

Jan. 04 - 11, 1978

NEWZEALAND

4th A.P. Jamboree/ 12th Australian Jamboree

29 Dec. 79 - 04 Jan. 80

AUSTRALIA

5th A.P. Jamboree /2nd Bangladesh Jamboree

30 Dec. 80 - 06 Jan. 81

BANGLADESH

6th A.P. Jamboree/ Gerakan Pramukha

20 - 27 June 1981

INDONESIA

7th A.P. Jamboree / 5th Malaysian Jamboree

09 - 16 April 1982

MALAYSIA

8th A.P. Jamboree/ 6th Korea Jamboree

04 - 10 Aug. 1982

KOREA

9th A.P. Jamboree / 11th Thai Jamboree

21 - 27 Nov. 1985

THAILAND

10th A.P. Jamboree

3rd - 09 Jan. 1987

INDIA

11th A.P. Jamboree / 12th New Zealand Jamboree

03 - 09 Jan. 1990

NEW ZEALAND

12th A.P. Jamboree/ 9th BSP National Jamboree

22 - 28 April 1991

PHILIPPINES

13th A.P. Jamboree/ 16th Australian Jamboree

03 -12 Jan. 1992

AUSTRALIA

14th A.P. Jamboree/ 5th Bangladesh Jamboree

05 - 12 Jan. 1994

BANGLADESH

15th A.P. Jamboree/ 17th Australian Jamboree

30 Dec. 94 - 08 Jan. 95

AUSTRALIA

National Jamboree

332

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

16th A.P. Jamboree/ 14th New Zealand Jamboree

28 Dec. 95 - 06 Jan. 96

NEW ZEALAND

17th A.P. Jamboree

07 - 13 Aug. 1996

KOREA

18 A.P. Jamboree/ 9th Malaysia Jamboree

01 - 08 Aug. 1997

MALAYSIA

19th A.P. Jamboree/

02 - 11 Jan. 1998

AUSTRALIA

th

9 Australian Jamboree th

02 - 09 Aug. 1998 20th A.P. Jamboree/8th Scouts Of China Jamboree

REPUBLIC OF CHINA

21st A.P. Jamboree/ Korean Jamboree

10th 07 - 14 Aug. 2000

KOREA

22nd A.P. Jamboree/ Australian Jamboree

19th 06 - 13 Jan. 2001

AUSTRALIA

23rd A.P. Jamboree/ Nippon Jamboree

13th 03 - 07 Aug. 2002

JAPAN

24th A.P. Jamboree/ Korean Jamboree

11th 30 Jul. 04 to 05 Aug. 04 KOREA

25th A.P.Jamboree

28 Dec - 3rd Jan 2006

THAILAND.

26 A.P.Jamboree

Dec - 1 Jan 2009

PHILIPPINES

27 A.P.Jamboree

04-09 Aug 2010

KOREA

28 A.P. Jamboree

July 11-17, 2011

Republic of China

29 A.P. Jamboree

April 01-06, 2012

Sri Lanka

30 A.P. Jamboree

July 28-07 Aug 2013

Japan

31 A.P. Jamboree

July 27-02 Aug, 2017

Mongolia

th th th th th st

Annexure – xv ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL SCOUT CONFERENCES NO.

DATES

VENUE

1st

25-28 Apr. 1958

Buguio, Philippines

nd

2

01-05 Nov.1960

Rangoon, Burma

3rd

05–12 Dec.1962

Bangkok, Thailand

4

05–12 Dec.1964

Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia

th

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

333

5th

09-15 Oct. 1966

th

6

28 Sept.-05 Oct. 1968

Seoul, Korea

7th

30 Oct-03 Nov. 1970

Lower Hutt, NewZealand

8th

13-17 Nov. 1972

Manila, Philippines

9th

04-10 Jun. 1974

Singapore

10

29 Sept.-05 Oct. 1976

Tehran, Iran

11th

12-18 Aug.1978

Kowloon, Hong Kong

12

16-21 Nov.1980

Melbourne, Australia

13th

08-13 Nov.1982

Jakarta, Indonesia

th

th

Taipei, Rep. Of China

14

01-06 Nov.1984

Wellington, New Zealand

15th

21-26 Nov.1986

Pattaya, Thailand

16

07-12 Sept.1989

Taipei, Rep. Of China

17th

09-14 Nov.1992

Jakarta, Indonesia

18

19-25 Jun.1995

Singapore

19th

26-31 July 1998

Hongkong

th

th

th

20

7-11 Oct. 2001

Delhi

21st

06-11 Dec. 2004

Brunei, Darussalam

th

22nd

18-23 Oct 2007

Tokyo, Japan

23rd

27 Oct - 1 Nov 2009

Kulalampur, Indonesia

24th

24-29 Nov, 2012

Dhaka, Bangladesh

25th

03-08 Nov, 2015

Gwanju City, Korea

26

15-20 Oct, 2018

Mavika, Phillipines

27th

25-30 Oct, 2021

Taiwan

th

Note: A.P. Regional Conferences were held biennially from 1958 to 1986. Since 1989 these are held triennially.

SCOUTING and GUIDING IN INDIA 1909 - 2005 1908 -

334

The First Troop of Indian Boys was organized by Rev. Alex wood in Chanda, Central Provinces and was registered at the Imperial Headquarters, England but was later on disaffiliated.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Choronology

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

335

336

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

1909

-

First Scout Troop was started at Bishop Cotton School, Bangalore

by Capt. T. H. Baker and Major Pakenbam Walsh followed by a Troop at Kirkee (Pune) and Shimla.

1910 -

The Calcutta Boy Scouts Association was set up and a Scout Troop was formed in the city.

The Girl Messenger Service similar to Girl Guiding was started at Lal Bagh Mission Girls School, Lucknow. Ms. Davies Head of the Institution admitted Indian Girls alongwith others as messengers and wrote a book ‘The Girl Messenger Book’.

1911

-

Govt. Of India’s observations about A.C. Miller’s experiment at Sardar’s School, Belgaum were discouraging as it regarded the experiment as misapplied and perverted.

-

A Scout Conference was convened in Calcutta. It was decided to set up an All India Headquarters.

-

King George V- the British King visited India

-

First Scout magazine – an official organ of the Boy Scout Association was published from Calcutta.

-

Dr. Cullen opened the First company of Girl Guides at Jabalpur

-

within two years many more such companies were formed in India.

1912 -

Brigadier General F.G. Bond was appointed as the Chief Commissioner, Maj. P. Walsh was nominated as the Asstt. Chief Commissioner and Capt. Baker as the General Secretary of the Boy Scout Association.

1913 -

A Girl Guide company was set up in Calcutta within a year the number rose to 16.

-

Scout Troops are formed in the Mrs. Annie Basent’s Schools in Banaras and Kanpur.

- Shri Vivian Bose returned from England ScoutMaster’s Training in the Central Provinces.

-

and started

Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai organised Bal Seva Dal at Shahjahanpur, U.P.

1914 -

The Bengali Boy Scout Association was formed.

Mr. J. R. Isaac started the Boy Shikari Movement in the Cental Provinces, on the pattern of Scouting.

-

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

337

-

Parsee Scouting Society (A Scout Troop) was organized in

1915

-

L.G. De Silva started a group of Indian Boys. A. I. Langley Moon founded the Sindh Boy Scout Association.

-

Dr. G. S. Arundale established Cadet Corps in the Central Hindu School, Banaras.

-

Mrs. M. M. Bear was appointed as the First Chief Commissioner (G) Calcutta.

1916 -

The First Company of Purely Indian Guides was formed in Poona.

-

Indian Boy Scout Association was formed and Dr. Annie Basent was its ‘Protector’.

-

The Boy Scout Association Madras came into being which later on merged with Dr. Basent’s Indian Boy Scout Association. A new organization was founded. It was named as ‘the South India Boy Scouts’.

-

Shri S. C. Mittar collected 25 boys and formed the first Scout Troop in the Southern part of Calcutta.

-

The Second Scout Trop was formed in Southern Calcutta.

-

Mrs. M. M. Bear was appointed the Chief Commissioner (G) for India.

-

By the end of the year Boy Scout Troops were established in Assam, Baluchistan, Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, Hyderabad, NWFP, Punjab, Bombay, Central Province, Madras, Mysore, Rajputana, Sindh and U.P.

1917 -

The Issue of Scouting was raised in the Imperial Legislative Council by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.

1918 -

The name of Calcutta Boy Scout Association was changed to Bengali Boy Scout League.

-

A Handbook on Girl Guiding was published in England which was suitably, modified and a fuller edition was later on published as ‘Girl Guiding in India’.

-

Training of the First Scout Troop started at Allahabad.

-

The Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association was formally constituted.

338

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

1919 -

A separate Commissioner for Indian Guides was appointed in Bengal and Mrs. Greeves was the First Commissioner.

1920 -

Lady Abala Bose w/o Shri Jagdish Bose was appointed as the Commissioner for Indian Guides.

-

All India Scout Conference convened in Calcutta.

-

South India Boy Association merged with Indian Boy Scout Association.

1921

-

Seva Samiti Scouts Magazine started.

-

‘Sister Scouts’ and ‘Girl Messenger Service’ merged with All India Girl Guide Service.

-

Industrial Scouting was started i.e., Scout Troops were formed in industrial units in Nagpur.

-

Lord Baden Powell – The Chief Scout and Lady Olave Baden Powell visited India. They went to many cities viz. Bombay, Baroda, Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Allahabad, Jabalpur, Ranchi, Kharagpur, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Madras, Calcutta and many other places. He addressed six main conferences and inspected 4 rallies, delivered 20 lectures to Scout Officers and Boy Scouts and gave nine public addresses.

1922

-

The Executive Committee of the Headquarters of All India Girl Guide Association was named as the General Council.

-

The first Wood Badge Course was conducted in Calcutta.

22-38 -

The Seva Samiti Scout Association Organized nine Scout Melas.

-

The First All India Girl Guide Camp was held at Ganesh Khind (Poona).

-

B.P.’s Book ‘Scouting for Indian Boys’ was published by the Boy scout Association, London.

-

Scoutmasters’ Training Camp was conducted at Pachmarhi.

1924

-

Girl Guides from India took part in the first World Camp at Foxlease, England

1926

-

Scouting was introduced in Indian Railways. First troop was

constituted in North western Railway and the Group organizing Committee was given the status of a division. It worked under the Boy Scout Association of Delhi Province.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

339

-

Nagpur Scouts established radio contacts from their Camp with the Headquarters with the help of the Nagpur Files.

-

All India Scout Rally was organized in Madras in which 4000

Scouts participated. Scouts from Ceylon, too, attended a Scout Rally in India for the first time.

1927

-

First All India Scouters Conference was held in New Delhi which was inaugurated by the Viceroy. It was decided to set up Boy Scout Association’s National Headquarters in New Delhi.

1929

-

The All India Girl Guide Association become a full fledged member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

1932

-

Smt. Julie Sen gets the honour of being the first Indian woman to represent the Indian Guides Movement in a world Conference.

(VII World Guide Conference in Poland).

-

Extension Scouting Units formed in leper asylum at Chander Kauri, Central Provinces.

-

Scouting started in South Mizoram (lunglri) by Rev. F. J. Raper a Baptists Missionary. It was the First Scout Troop in Mizoram.

1933

-

‘The Scout Herald’ published in Mizoram.

-

First Wolf pack formed in Mizoram.

-

Rover Scouting started in Mizoram.

-

Col. Wilson Chief of Gilwell Park visited India and conducted Wood Badge Course at Pachmarhi.

1934 -

Scouts of Seva Samiti and Boy Scouts Association rendered relief services in the earthquake affected areas of Bihar.

-

II All India Conference of Boy Scout Association held in New Delhi.

1935

-

Nawab Mohammad Ahmed Saeed Khan of Chhatari nominated as the first Indian Chief Commissioner of the Indian Boy Scout Association.

1936

-

The First All India Sea Scout Course was conducted at Karwar.

-

The Scouts of Boy Scout Association and Seva Samiti Association organized relief camps in Quetta to help earthquake victims.

-

Name of the Girl Guide Magazine changed from the ‘Indian Guide News-sheet’ to ‘the Indian Guide.’

340

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

1937

-

Lord Baden Powell landed in Bombay on his second visit to India as the Chief Scout. He inaugurated the first formal All India Jamboree of Boy Scouts Association in Delhi.

-

B.P. visited a few Indian cities and spent his 80th birthday with his 13/18 Hussar Regiment stationed at Risalpur (NWFP) this was his last visit to India.

-

First All India Triennial Conference of the Boy Scout Association convened at the Govt. House New Delhi (now known as the Rashtrapati Bhawan)

-

The First Round Table Conference of Boy Scout Association and the Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association was held at Allahabad.

1938 -

The second Round Table Conference was organized at Allahabad but the Unity efforts failed.

-

The Hindustan Scout Association came into being

-

Gandhiji blessed the Boy Scouts of the Hindustan Scout Association at Wardha

-

The Boy Scout Association of India which was affiliated with the British Scout Association, London got affiliation from the International Scout Bureau and became an independent organization.

1939 -

Scout Mela of the Hindustan Scout Association was attended by 7000 Scouts. It was inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru inspected the Scout Rally.

40–41 -

Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai trained Boy Scouts in air raid protection and established an ARP Training School atAllahabad.

Bajpaiji organized a 42 day Himalayan Wood Badge Training

-

Camp at Sheetlakhet. He wrote a book on Scouting in rural areas.

A training camp of Rural Scout Organisers was conducted by Bajpaiji which was attended by 48 organisers.

1941 -

Second All India Triennial Conference of the Boy Scout Association held in New Delhi

-

Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru succeeded Nawab Chhatari as the Chief Commissioner of the Boy Scout Association.

-

Air Scouting started and the first camp was conducted at the IAF Headquarters, New Delhi.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

341

1945

-

Third Triennial Conference of Boy Scout Association held.

1946 -

The Hindustan Scout Association organized a grand Scout Mela at Karachi.

-

Indian Scouts and Guides celebrated India’s Independence at the VI World Jamboree at Moisson, France.

1947 -

India became free - Scouts and Guides participated in the celebrations and organized processions, meetings on this historic occasion.

1948 -

Merger committee meeting held.

-

The Sub Committee of the Merger Committee submitted its report on the functioning of the United Organisation

-

Emergency Meeting of the National Council of Hindustan Scout Association convened.

-

Merger Committee met at Nagpur in the last week of August

-

The Fourth Triennial Conference of the Boy Scout Association

held at Nagpur.

Merger Committee met at the Government House Nagpur.

-

1949 -

Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru passed away. Justice Vivian Bose succeeded him as the Chief Commissioner of the Boy Scout Association.

-

Meeting of the Merger Committee held at the Govt. House, New Delhi.

-

Headquarters Council of the Boy Scout Association met at Nagpur.

-

Second Meeting of the Merger Committee took place.

-

Final draft about the merger sent to the Provincial Associations.

-

National Council of the Hindustan Scout Association met at Allahabad.

1950 -

Third Meeting of the Merger Committee held.

-

General Headquarters Council of the Boy Scout Association met to discuss merger.

-

General Council of the Girl Guide Association held its meeting at Lucknow and agreed to merge with the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

V Triennial Council of the Boy Scout Association convened at

342

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Nagpur.

-

Merger endorsed in the second meeting of the Council of the Boy Scout Association.

-

The Hindustan Scout Association and the Boy Scout Association passed the resolution in their meetings in New Delhi.

-

Dr. Hirday Nath Kunzru unfurled the flag in New Delhi.

-

National Secretary of the Bharat Scouts and Guides issued a circular declaring the merger.

1950 -

The Bharat Scouts and Guides founded.

1953 -

The Interim Council managed affairs of the Bharat Scouts and Guides from 7th November 1950 to October 31, 1953.

1951 -

The Girl Guide Association merges with BSandG.

1951 -

Seven Zones created in the Indian Railways in 1947-8 and the zonal headquarters of Scouting and Guiding were established in the Western, Southernand Central Railway Headquarters.

1952 -

Zonal Headquarters of Scouting and Guiding established in the Eastern, Northern, Eastern Railway

-

First Scout Training conducted in Nepal.

-

First combined meeting held in the Conference of the Scouters and Guiders.

1953 -

First regular meeting of the National Council of the Bharat Scouts and Guides held in New Delhi.

-

First meeting of the Executive Committee of Bharat Scouts and Guides held in New Delhi.

-

Northern Railway Scouts and Guides recognized as a State Association of Bharat Scouts and Guides. It was the first Zonal Organisation of the Railways recognized as a State Association.

-

Ms. Dame Leslie Whateley, Director of the World Bureau of Girl Guides visited India.

-

I National All India Jamboree of the BS&G organized at Secunderabad (Hyderabad)

1954 -

The Bharat Scouts and Guides is affiliated as a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

343

- Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar attented the XV World Guide Conference in Holland.

-

District Organising Commissioners Meeting held at Pachmarhi.

1955 -

Official Magazine of BS&G named as ‘BS&G Journal’ started its publication. The announcement issue published.

-

Zonal Headquarters of Scouting and Guiding set up in the South Central Railway.

1956 -

Dr. Rajendra Prasad the first President of India laid the foundation stone of B.P. Memorial Bhawan at NTC, Pachmarhi.

1956 -

International Commissioner (G) Meeting held in New Delhi.

II National Jamboree held at Jaipur.

-

1957 -

The Executive Committee of the BS&G recognized Zonal Head quarter Associations of the Railways as State Associations of BS&G

1958

-

After going through the process of registration the first regular issue of the official magazine. ‘The Bharat Scouts and Guides’ was published in January 1958.

1959

-

The First Study Circle of State Org. Commissioners held at Poona XVII World Scout Conference held in New Delhi.

1960

-

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan laid the foundation of the National Head quarters Building.

-

He was invested with the emblem of the Patron of the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the Chief Patron of the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

Lady Olave Baden Powell revisited India

-

III National Jamboree of the BS&G held at Bangalore

1961 -

Lady Baden Powell opened the B.P. Memorial Bhawan at NTC, Pachmarhi

-

First President’s Scouts and Guides Rally held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi

1962

-

First All India Guides Seminar held at NTC, Pachmarhi

-

Civil Defence Services rendered by the Scouts and Guides

344

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

during the Indo-Sino war.

1964

-

N.H.Q. Building opened by Dr. Zakir Hussain, Vice President

of India and Patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

The first State Scout Masters Camp organized at Passighat, NEFA.

-

First Guiders Group started at Passighat NEFA.

-

National Seminar on Culture and Values held at National Head quarters building, New Delhi.

-

International Seminar on ‘The mutual Appreciation of the Cultural Values of the East and the West’ held at India International Centre, New Delhi.

-

IV National Jamboree held at Allahabad.

-

A Scout contingent participated in the IV All India Jamboree.

1965

-

Relief and Civil defence services rendered by the Scouts and Guides during the period of war. Scouting and Guiding groups formed in the war refugees camps at Mana, Matia (Assam) Rudrapur (UP).

-

Mrs. Lakshmi Mazumdar awarded Padma Shri by the President of India. Mrs. Mazumdar got Wood Badge at Gilwell Park (She is the First Indian and second Lady in the World to get this honour).

-

Scout Master and Guide Captain Training given to the Tibetan Refugees youths.

-

Scouters and Guiders Training Camps conducted at Melaghar youth hostel at Tripura.

-

First Preliminary Scout Masters Training Camp conducted at Kokching of Manipur.

-

Scouting and Guiding introduced in Andaman. A committee was formed.

1967

-

First conference of Rovers and Rangers leaders organized at Udaipur.

-

V National Jamboree held at Kalyani (West Bengal).

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

345

67–68 -

State Govt. of Sikkim deputed J.B. Subba, PS. Jargam and Ms.Gayatri Gurang for Scout/Guide Training at NTC, Pachmarhi and National Headquarters, New Delhi.

-

Scouts and Guides participated the World Jamboree on Air.

-

First JOTA organized at the National Headquarters, New Delhi

1968

-

Lady Olave Baden Powell visited India.

-

Dr. H. N. Kunzru’s 80th Birthday celebrated. Sir Mac Cleans, Chief Scout of the Common Wealth opened the Kunzru Hall at NTC.

-

Mrs. Lakshmi Mazumdar presented the book ‘A Dream Came True’ to Dr. Kunzru.

1969

-

Gandhi Centenary celebrated in which nearly 3 lakhs Scouts and Guides were involved in various projects; Gandhi Centenary Badge instituted, competitions, camps, adventure programmes were organized.

-

4 more Amateur Radio stations (Bangalore, Bombay, Gwalior, Calcutta) were set up for our transmission.

1970 - First Wireless Headquarters

Training

Course

conducted

at

National

-

First All India Scouters and Guiders Seminar held at NTC, Pachmarhi

-

The first Scouting camp was conducted this year in Sikkim though the Scout Movement was introduced in the state in the fifties.

- VI National Jamboree organized at Aarey Milk Colony, Bombay

-

- First Professional Scouters and Guiders Training Course conducted.

-

First National Adult Leaders Trainers Course under the revised scheme held at the National Training Centre, Pachmarhi.

-

Influx of refugees over 10 million migrated from East Pakistan following the Indo-Pak war in 1971. West Bengal, Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway states of Bharat Scouts and

346

National Integration Camps Scheme launched.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Guides opened refugee relief centres.

-

Scouting and Guiding projects were started at Salt Lake (Calcutta), Pachampur (Gaya), Mana, Derapathar, Chanda(M.P.) and Dandakarnya Refugee Camps.

-

Diamond Jubilee of Girl Guiding in India celebrated.

-

Guide Trainers Diamond Jubilee Meet held at Sangam, Pune.

-

First Professional Scouters and Guiders Training Centre conducted

-

First National Adult Leader Trainers Course was organized at the National Trg. Centre Pachmarhi.

71-72 -

Scouting/Guiding schemes for rural youths envisaged in U.P., Rajasthan, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh

-

Agricultural cum demonstration project was started at the National Trg. Centre, Pachmarhi.

-

Adhoc Committee for Scouting formed in Meghalaya.

-

Community Development organized in New Delhi.

-

Silver Jubilee of Independence celebrated – special programmes were organized.

-

First meeting of the Executive Committee of Meghalaya Scout Association was held.

-

National Integration Camp conducted at NTC, Pachmarhi.

-

Office of the Meghalaya State Bharat Scouts and Guides started

Seminar

cum

workshop

was

functioning.

72-73 -

Cub/Bulbul year celebrated. Theme of the year was ‘Reaching the Child’

1973

-

First Asia Pacific Regional Seminar for Commissioners and Secretaries organized.

1974 -

VII National Jamboree of Bharat Scouts and Guides was organized at Faridabad.

1975

-

Grameen Rangering Pilot Project initiated at Lucknow.

1976

-

Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi consented to inaugurate P.M. Shield Competition. First competition was inaugurated.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

347

1977 -

First Cub and Bulbul Utsav at State Training Centre Nizamuddin Delhi.

- Community Development organized in Delhi.

Seminar

cum

workshop

was

-

First Holiday Camp for the handicapped children was organized at NTC, Pachmarhi.

1978

-

P. M. Shield winners Rally was held. Shri Morarji Desai, Prime Minister of India distributed awards.

1979 -

VIII National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides held at Marai Malai Nagar (Chennai).

-

‘Reaching the Child’ Project was undertaken.

-

Trainers Development Programme was conducted by the Bharat

Scouts and Guides in collaboration with the World Scout Bureau.

1980 -

Organising Commissioners Meeting was held in New Delhi. It was addressed by Mr. J.P. Silvestre, Regional Director of APR.

1981 -

First National Agnoree held in Delhi. 1000 Scouts and Guides from 18 states took part in it.

1982 -

IX National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides organized at Bodh Gaya (Bihar) attended by 25000 Scouts and Guides.

1983 -

Silver Jubilee of Wood Badge Training at the National Trg. Centre celebrated. A HWB Reunion organized and a plaque was constructed at NTC, Pachmarhi.

1984 -

Hierarchical changes introduced at the National Headquarters.

Director replaced the post of National Secretary and the new set up got the designations of Joint Directors, Dy. Directors and Asstt. Directors in place of the old equivalent designations.

-

Community Singing introduced as Mass Movement. Booklets published and audio cassettes prepared. Five community singing courses conducted.

1986 -

X All India Jamboree was organized in Bangalore. It was attended by 10,000 Scouts and Guides. Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister of India announced a grant of Rupees one crore for

348

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

promoting the spirit of national integration.

-

Fourteen Point Programme for Scouting and Guiding was approved by the National Council of the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

1987 -

X Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree was held at Hyderabad.

-

First National Conference of the District Level Officers convened.

1988 -

U.N. Peace Messenger Award was given to the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

Sardar Lakshman Singh, National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides got Bronze Wolf at the World Scout Conference and Jamboree in Sydney Australia.

-

Special Certificate was awarded by the WOSM to the Bharat Scouts and Guides for making successful efforts towards anintegrated development programme i.e., constructing a housing colony.

-

Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration was given to the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

1989

-

National Camping Complex Project at Gadpuri takes a shape Certificate of Merit (runner up in the World Scout Habitat Competition) awarded to Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

Leprosy eradication included in the revised programme of Scouts and Guides.

1990

-

XI National Jamboree held at BHEL Complex Bhopal. 16,800 Scouts and Guides participated.

-

VII APR Gathering of Indian Fellowship of former Scouts and Guides held in New Delhi.

-

Two National Seminars and a special exhibition on Leprosy Eradication arranged.

1991

-

For the first time Disaster Management Course was organized by the Bharat Scouts and Guides in New Delhi. 26 persons from 12 states participated.

-

First HAM convention held at the National Headquarters, New Delhi. 18 candidates from 9 states attended.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

349

1992

-

An International Seminar on Leprosy Eradication organized in Madras Leprosy Free School Project taken up at Changalpatttu Madras District as a test care.

-

The Bharat Scouts and Guides Foundation was established.

-

BS&G Fellowship Medal introduced.

-

Asia Pacific Branch of the World Scout Organisation presented a plaque of appreciation in recognition of Bharat Scouts and Guides services and activities in the fields of health, literacy etc.

- Sardar Lakshman Singh and Dr. S. N. Bharati received Chairman’s Award (APR).

-

National Adventure Institute set up.

1993 -

First National Rally of Open Units held.

-

XXXVII APR Course for Professional Scout/Guide Executives conducted.

1994

-

XII National Jamboree held at Palghat (Kerala).

-

‘Dastak Leprosy Eradication Project’ started at Gwalior.

-

Upa-Rashtrapati Award launched at Vice-President’s Residence (6, Maulana Azad Road).

-

XXXIX APR Basic Management Course conducted at the National Trg. Centre, Pachmarhi.

-

Oral Rehydration Therapy Programme taken up.

1995 -

APR Advanced Management Course conducted at Bangalore.

1997

-

XXXVI APR Committee of WAGGGS at National Headquarters New Delhi.

-

Golden Jubilee of Indian Independence Celebrated.

-

Jamboree on the Internet organized at the National Hqtrs.

1998 -

XIII National and III SAARC Jamboree organized at Khurda Road, Orissa. It was attended by 25000 Scouts and Guides from 40 State Associations and 550 participants came from Nepal, Srilanka, Bangladesh, Muscat and Malaysia.

1998 -

II APR Adult Resource Management Seminar organized at National Headquarters, New Delhi.

-

Golden Jubilee of India’s independence celebrated.

-

Special Samman Rally was held at STC, Nizammudin, New

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Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Delhi.

-

Sh. V. P. Deendayalu Naidu received APR Chairman’s Award

98-99 -

Scouting in Bhutan gained Momenturn. First Basic Masters’ Scout Course was conducted.

A Training Course of Peer Scout Leaders held.

-

1999 - XII World Conference of International Scout and Guide Fellowship held.

-

First International Adventure Programme organized.

- Indian delegation took part in the XXX World Scout Conference.

-

- Disaster Preparedness Cell was opened at National Headquarters and the Bharat Scouts and Guides was nominated to the Advisory Council (Disaster Preparedness) of the Ministry of Agriculture Govt. of India)

-

Indian contingent took part in the World Guide Conference.

-

Scouts and Guides participated in the Millennium pledge taking ceremony.

2000

-

Himalayan Trekking, coastal trekking, desert trekking and skating tour were organized for the first time.

-

The Golden Jubilee Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was held at Thorapakkam (Chennai). Over 10,000 Scouts and Guides participated in it.

-

Twinning Projects such as HAPI; Summer Camp to motivate youths towards Gandhian Philosophy, Seminar on ‘Towards a Youth Policy’ organized in collaboration with Urvi Vikram Trust, ‘Clean UP The World’ in collaboration with Australian High Commission, ‘Ground Water Awareness Project’, ‘Iodized Deficiency Awareness Programme’, ‘Heritage Proficiency Project’ etc. were undertaken.

-

Bharat Scouts and Guides Parliamentary Union envisaged Scout/ Guide organization in the Indian schools in other

Money and material relief was given to the cyclone victims of Orissa.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

351

countries (Qatar, Saudi Arabia etc) promoted.

-

Scouts and Guides Units in the Tibetan schools were affiliated to Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

Golden Jubilee Grameen Rover/Ranger and Tribal Scout/Guide held at National Camping Complex Gadpuri.

-

BS&G Flag day celebrated.

-

The Golden Jubilee Millennium National Integration Rally organized at STC, Nizammudin, New Delhi.

-

Bunny Scheme was approved and adopted by the National Council of the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

Forty Third APR Basic Management Course was held at National Headquarters, New Delhi.

-

First Jamboree of the Former Rashtrapati Scouts /Guides / Rovers /Rangers organized by the West Bengal State of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

New twinning projects undertaken such as ‘Leprosy Eradication Programme’ in collaboration with the BBC, World Service Trust.

-

Shiksha Yatra organized to promote ‘Fundamental Rights of the Child’ in collaboration with the ‘South Asia Coalition on Child Servitude.’

-

Relief services were rendered to the earthquake victims in Gujarat.

2001 -

First North East Mini Jamboree was held at the N.E.F. Rly. Complex, Maligaon, Assam.

-

Indian Guides participated in the VII APR Guide Conference at Brunei Darussalam.

-

Rover/Ranger Samagam was held at the Kendriya Vidyalaya

(Uttaranchal) Landsdowne. 251 Rovers and Rangers from 19 states took part in it.

-

APR Leader Trainers’ Course was conducted at the NTC, Pachmarhi

-

Special Scout/Guide National Camp was conducted at STC, Nizamuddin, New Delhi during the APR Regional Scout

352

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Conference.

-

III APR Youth Forum was organized at Besant Park, STC, Dodabalpur Karnataka.

-

XX Asia Pacific Regional Scout Conference held at Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi

2002

-

First Lady of Land Smt. Usha Naryanana met the Guide Leaders and was presented ‘Silver Elephant’ the prestigious award of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

-

XIV National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides held at Raipur.

-

National Seminar on Adult Resource Policy held at National Headquarters New Delhi.

- National Level Seminar and Workshop on Community Development held at National Youth Complex, Gadpuri, Haryana.

-

National Level former Rashtrapati Scouts/Guides, Rovers/ Rangers Forum organized at NYC, Gadpuri.

-

XXXI World Conference of WAGGGS held at Manila, Philippines.

A six member team of Indian Guides participated in it.

-

XXXVI World Scout Conference held at Thessaloniki, Greece.

The participation of the Bharat Scouts and Guides was maximum as compared to the earlier conferences.

-

X Indian Railway Jamborettee was held at Hubli, Karnataka.

-

National Tribal Scouts and Guides Meet was held at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Nagar, WRS Railway Colony Raipur Chattisgarh.

02–03 -

XX World Scout Jamboree held at Sattahip, Thailand.

2003 -

SAARC Scout/Guide Friendship Camp organized in Maldives.

22 Scouts and Guides from India attended.

-

First Golden Arrow Badge Award Rally held at National Head quarters, New Delhi.

-

Strategic Planning Workshop was organized in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Regional Scouts.

-

First Workshop on Heritage Badge held at Southern Rly. State Trg. Centre, Mandapam .

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

353

-

Indian Guides participated in the Draig-y-Coed International Camp organized by the Girl Guide Association of U.K.

-

Indian Guide Leaders attended International Peace Camp organized by the Girl Scouts of Korea.

-

Rajan Jim held at Kandy Srilanka.

-

Thirteen Guides with three leaders from India participated in Anglia- Bridge 2003 U.K.

- First International Seminar on ‘Resource conducted by APR Scout Bureau at Jakarta.

-

Seminar on ‘Images of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouts’.

-

APR Development Workshop (Guide Wing) in Korea.

-

Training and Re-orientation Programme for the Scout and Guide unit leaders held at National Headquarters by the BSandG for Iodine Deficiency Awareness.

-

APR Workshop on Public Relations, Information Communication Technology and Marketing conducted.

-

Forty Fourth APR Basic Management Course held at Jaipur.

-

Children of Today – Citizens of Tomorrow event organized at Sangam, Pune.

-

APR Workshop on ‘Risk and Safety’ conducted in Singapore attended by 45 Scout Leaders from 10 countries.

-

Big seven and UNICEF Workshop on ‘the involvement of youth in Decision Making’, held in Geneva, Switzerland.

-

Golden Jubilee Meeting of the National Council of the Bharat Scouts and Guides held in National Headquarters, New Delhi

-

APR Workshop on the Promotion of Rover Scouting

-

First Rashtarpati Scout Testing Camp of Scouts was held at Indian School Salabah Amman. Sh. Aroop Sarkar, ROC, Northern Region conducted the camp.

Development’

2004 -

IV SAARC and VII Bangladesh Jamboree held at Morchak, Distt.

Ghazipur, New Dhaka, Bangladesh.

‘Spirit of Adventure’ Seminar organized by WAGGGS at Sangam Centre Pune.

354

-

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

-

International Gathering on Environment organized in Sharjah UAE.

-

First Conference of Commissioners of North East Region.

-

‘Holistic Living’ Programme was organized at Sangam Centre, Pune.

-

SAJ Invitation Progarmme 2003-2004 organized by the Scout Association of Japan to promote International understanding and friendship.

-

First APR Seminar on ‘Learning Organisation (S)’ was held at B.P. International Home, HongKong.

-

XIII Pakistan National Jamboree held at Islamabad. A contingent of 121 Scouts and leaders of Bharat Scouts and Guides participated under the leadership of Sh. N.A. Khan, Chief Commissioner (S).

-

Special SAARC Integration Camp conducted at Gulmarg, JandK

-

Action in the Community Programme organized at Sangam Pune

-

XXIV Asia Pacific and XI Korean Jamboreee held.

-

XII World Scout Moot was held at Taiwan Production cum Training Centre opened at National Youth Complex, Gadpuri.

-

Chairman, World Board, WAGGGS Mrs. Kirsty Gray visited Delhi.

-

II APR Unit Leader Round Table was conducted in Bangladesh.

Its theme was ‘Back to the Troop’.

-

APR Workshop on Information Communication Technology was organized in Japan.

-

Workshop on Heritage Proficiency was held in BS&G State Hqtrs. Tamilnadu.

-

National Council elects Shri Rameshwar Thakur as the President and Sh. L. M.Jain as the National Commissioner.

-

National Level Rover Moot, Srilanka held.

-

XXI APR Scout Conference organized at Brunei Darussalam.

-

Relief Service rendered by the Bharat Scouts and Guides State Association and National Headquarters to help Tsunami

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

355

affected families.

2005 -

World Youth Gathering in Tokyo Japan.

-

Seminar on learning organization at National Headquarters attended by 26 members from 16 State Associations.

-

Review Workshop on Strategic Planning Vision 2013 at BS&G, National Headquarters, New Delhi.

-

Regional Youth Forum (Eastern Region) at E. Rly. State STC, Madhupur.

-

World Scout Seminar on Partnership organized at Doddi Resort Bangalore. Sixty participants from 35 countries participated.

Dr. Marie Louise Correa, Chairman, World Scout Committee and Dr. Eduardo Missoni, General Secretary WOSM graced the seminar.

-

A Get-together camp arranged at Besant Park Dodaballapur, Bangalore.

-

Dr. Missoni, General Secretary, WOSM visited National Head quarters and National Youth Complex, Gadpuri.

-

Rover/Ranger Moot at STC, Tanhril, Mizoram.

-

Regional Level Cub/Bulbul Utsav (Western Region).

-

Mini Jamboree (Southern Region) at STC, Alathur, Tamil Nadu.

-

Regional Level Cub Bulbul Utsav at STC, Jedimetla (A.P.)

-

75th Anniversary of WAGGGS celebrated at STC, Nizammudin, New Delhi.

-

III APR Advanced Management Course.

- Upa-Rashtrapati Rover/Ranger Award Rally and Award Presentation Ceremony.

-

National Rover/Ranger Samagam.

-

The XV All India Jamboree of Bharat Scouts and Guides at Haridwar Uttaranchal.

-

3rd APR Advanced Management Course held at Islamabad, Pakistan

Participation in International Events 2005

356

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

-

Denmark National Jamboree

-

16th National Jamboree of Boy Scouts of,

-

25th APR Scout Jamboree Held at Thailand

-

National Rover Moot, Korea

-

EURO Jamboree in UK

-

International Youth Gathering, Cairo),

-

International Cub Gathering, Bangkok),

-

International Guide Camp, Japan at Aichi ( 5-11 Aug 05),

-

9th Girl Scouts and Girl Guides International Camp of Korea

-

Sangam Event Brownies ,Bulbuls and Bangles

-

Commonwealth Games Guide Camp Australia

-

Sangam event Voice of Young Women

-

Sangam event Exploring Spirituality

-

Sangam event Juliettee Low Seminar

-

International Guide Camp Olave 2006,Londoan,

-

APR Basic Management Course in Thailand

-

Risk Management Workshop at Bhutan

-

SAF Scout Friendship Camp in Sri Lanka

-

7th Sri Lankan National Scout Jamboree

-

Invitation Programme of Boy Scouts of Japan

-

Workshop on Marketing of Scouting for Growth at Kulalampur, Malasiya,

- National Training Bangaladesh,

-

APR Seminar on Youth Programme at Maldives,

-

2nd Bima-Eaga Urban Scout Jamboree at Davaos, Philippines

-

14th Nippon Jamboree

-

International Youth Gathering, Cairo, Egypt

-

Workshop on Brand and Media Communication in Scouting at Macau

2006

Commissioners

meet

of

WOSM

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

at

357

2007

-

National Jamboree of Bhutan.

-

Rover Peace Baton Handing over ceremony, Philippines

-

Parade of Queen Scouts and National Scout Service, Windsor Castle, London

-

Seminar on Scouts of World Programme, Thailand

-

National Event Management Workshop

-

5th SAF Scout Friendship Camp, Pakistan

-

JJP Dhigma Memorial Orienteering Competition, Sri Lanka,

-

5th Asia Pacific Regional Youth Forum, Tokyo, Japan,

-

International Centenary COMDECA, Bangladesh

-

APR Youth Programme Development Workshop, Islamabad,

Pakistan

-

Round Table Conference at USA

-

9th APR WAGGGS Conference, Malaysia

-

License to Thrill ,Canada

-

APR WAGGGS planning Committee,

-

Sangam Events “Ambassador for Children, Education for All,

Action In the Community), Leadership Development Seminar

and Advocacy Seminar on HIV.

2008

-

Rover Week Outline, Our Chalete, Switzarland

-

Basic Unit Leaders Course at Combodia

-

APR Communication Workshop, Philippines

-

12th Korean National Jamboree at Sorak Gangwon, Korea

-

APR Workshop on Training Methods and Techniques, Thailand

-

47th APR Basic Management Course, Jakarta, Indonesia

-

SAF Friendship Camp, Bangladesh

-

APR Workshop on Ticket to Life Project, Nepal

-

Course for Leader Trainers, Singapore

358

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

-

Thailand International Camporee, Chiangmai

-

Course for Leader Tainers, Colombo, Sri Lanka

-

Ist International Seminar on Intellectual Properties, Bangkok,

-

APR Leader Trainers Course, Kulalumpur

-

23rd APR Scout Conference,Kulalumpur

-

26th Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree

-

12th Girl to be Scouts International Camp, Seoul, Korea

2009

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

359

ABBREVIATIONS AHM

A German Organisation which has taken up the noble cause of the eradication of Leprosy.

ALT

Assistant Leader Trainer.

APR

Asia Pacific Region of the World Organization of Scout Movement.

ASOC

Asstt. State Organising Commissioner.

ASTC

Asstt. State Training Commissioner.

B.P.

Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden Powell/ Be Prepared.

BSA

Boy Scout Association.

BSandG

Bharat Scouts and Guides.

E.P. Tent

The extended pole tent. It is a double ply army tent, outer and inner are made from two folds of cloth and walls are made of three folds of cloth.

FHI

Family Health International.

GMLF

Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation.

GOI

Government of India.

HAM

Albert S. Hyman, Bob Almy and Poogie Murray were the members of the Harvard Radio Club. The amateur radio station in 1908 was known as ‘Hyman’, ‘Almy’ and ‘Murry’ or ‘Hyalmu’. But there was some confusion created by a Mexican ship named as Hyalmu. So in 1910, the name of this Radio Station, was changed to ‘HAM’ signifying the initial letters of the names of these three scientists.

HAPI

Healthy Adolescent Project, India.

H.S.A.

Hindustan Scout Association.

HWB

Himalayan Wood Badge.

IFOFSG

Indian Fellowship of Former Scouts and Guides.

INTACH

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural heritage.

JOTA

Jamboree on the Air.

JOTI

Jamboree on the Internet.

360

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

K.V.S.

Kendriya Vidyalaya Organisation)

Sangathan

(Central

LT

Leader Trainer.

M.P.

Madhya Pradesh (the erstwhile Central Provinces).

N.C.

National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides.

NCC

National Camping Complex, New Ashok Nagar (Near Noida) Delhi

NCO

Non-Commissioned Officers.

NEFA

North East Frontier Agency.

N.H.Q.

National Headquarters.

NIAR

National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad.

NTC

National Training Centre.

NVS

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.

NWFP

North Western Frontier Province.

NYC

National Youth Complex, Gadpuri, Haryana.

POT

Plantation of Tree Project.

SAARC

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation .

SANGAM

WAGGGS World Home in Asia Located at Pune.

SOC

State Organing Commissioner.

SSBSA

Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association.

STC

State Training Centre.

STCs

State Training Commissioners.

UP

The erstwhile United Provinces of Agra and Oudh which is now known as Uttar Pradesh.

UNDP

United Nations Development Project.

UNICEF

United Nation International Child Emergency Fund.

WAGGGS

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

WOSM

World Organisation of Scout Movement.

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

Schools

361

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY PRIMARY SOURCES: RULES, PROCEEDINGS and REPORTS :

(i)

Proceedings of the Imperial Legislative Council Vol IV March, 1917.

(ii)

APRO I, II and III the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

(iii)

Annual Administration Reports, the Bharat Scouts and Guides 1951-

2004. (iv)

The Newsletter of the Bharat Scouts and Guides 1997 - 2005.

(v)

Memorandum of Byelaws of the Boys Scouts Association of India.

(vi)

PRO Boys Scout Association, India 1935, 1936 and 1942.

(vii) Report of the Seva Samiti Boy Scout Association. (viii) The Hindustan Boy Scout Association.

SECONDARY SOURCES : BOOKS 1. Baden Powell

:

Scouting for Boys, Boy Scout Association, London, 1908

2. Baden Powell

:

Scouting Round the World, The Boy Scout Association London.

3. Baden Powell

:

Boy Scouts Beyond the Seas, The B.S.A., London

4. Bose, N. N.

:

A Review of the Early History of the Scout Movement in Bengal, Harihar Press Calcutta, 1965

5.

Boy Scout Association

:

World wide Scouting, B.S.A, 25

Buckingham

Palace

Road,

London, 1934 6. Boy Scout Association

:

The Diamond Jubilee Book, London.

7.

Dutta, S.K. and

:

Pandit Shri Ram Bajpai (Hindi) Maru

362

Suman K.K.

Bharati Prakashan,Kherja, Jaipur

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

8.

Gosh, Profulla

:

Lord and Lady Baden Powell, Sabitri Art Press, 4, Bhattacharya lane Sreerampose, Calcutta, 1996

9.

Jain, N.K.

:

How

Scouting,

Scout

Store,

Darshani Gate, Dehradun 10. Ketharaman, S

:

Once a Scout, T- 77B/29th Cross

11. Khan, Scouter Uma

:

Road to Scouting, Vivekanand

Street, Besant Nagar, Madras.

Rovers Crew, 31 Umesh Chandra Bannerjee

Lane

Howrah

–1,

Calcutta.

12. Mishra, R.S.

:

Our

Scouts

and

Guides:

Publication Division Govt. of India, Press, New Delhi – 1993 13. Parmeshwar, G.

:

Golden Personalities of Bharat Scouts

and

Andhra

Guides,

Pradesh : Hyderabad 2000.

14. Prasad, Girja

:

Scout Pioneer of Bihar, Swatantra Press, Budha Marg, Patna-1

15. Prasad Krishanandan

:

Memorable

Events,

Tarun

Prakashan, Allahabad, 1982.

16. Rau. C. Subba

:

Scouting in India, The Tumkur District Council, Tumkur, Mysore, 1933.

17. Shivaji Scout Group

:

The

Green

Fellowship,

Years, Adiyar

Shivaji Chennai,

1996.

18. Richardson, Urmila

: Facts on World Scouting, Boy Scout International Bureau, 1946

19. Swami Shashankanda

: Scouting in the light of Swami Vivekananda,

Ramkrishna

Mission Lok Shiksha Parishad, Narendrapur, Calcutta

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones

363

20. Thurman, John

:

Scouting

Round

the

World,

Geneva, 1977 21. Varansi V.S.

:

22. Virlley A.S.

:

Scouting in India History of Scouting Abroad and India; Swatantra Press, Budha Marg, Patna 1956

23. Virlley A.S.

:

Scout Movement in India; (19091955) Swatantra Press, Budha Marg, Patna 1956

24. Wilson, John S.

: Scouting

Round

the

World,

Blandford Press London, 1959 BHARAT SCOUTS and GUIDES PUBLICATIONS 25.

Eashwar Singh, R.D.: Life Story of Baden Powell

26.

Girl Guiding in India, 1966, 1973

27.

Baden Powell : Scouting for Boys in India, reprint 1998

28.

Baden Powell : Rovering to Success, 1990

29.

Mazumdar, Smt. Lakshmi : ‘A Dream Came True’, 1997

30.

National Seminar on ‘The Facets in B.P.’s Life’ organized by the Southern Railway State Association of the Bharat Scouts and Guides.

364

Scouting and Guiding in India : Milestones