The 29th Karnataka State Scouts & Guides Jamboree was organized from 26 December 2025 to 01 January 2026 in the historic city of Belagavi. Belagavi had earlier hosted the State Jamboree in 2004, and after a gap of 21 years, the district had the honour of hosting the Jamboree for the second time, making the occasion special and memorable

The Jamboree was conducted at the vast campus of Phoenix Public School, Honaga village, located about 20 kilometres from Belagavi city. Being away from the city’s congestion, the venue was ideally suited for Jamboree activities.Adequate space was provided for camping tents for Scouts and Guides,cooking and dining areas, assembly halls, supply stores, adventure

activities, exhibitions, Scout skill demonstration units, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) stalls, youth disaster-response units, and a medical centre. A Nehru Planetarium star-gazing dome was also set up at the venue, which attracted great interest among participants.

From 26 December 2025, Scouts and Guides arrived from various districts of Karnataka along with their unit leaders and completed the registration process. Accommodation was provided in tents for Scouts and Guides, while unit leaders and other adult leaders were accommodated in the Phoenix Public School building.Identity cards were issued to all Scouts, Guides, and adult leaders.On the same evening, a meeting of Unit Leaders and staff members was conducted to brief them about the daily schedule and activities of the Jamboree.This was followed by a local cultural programme from Belagavi, which added colour and cultural richness to the event.After registration, Scouts and Guides were divided into sub-camps for effective management. The Jamboree was organized into four Scout sub-camps and four Guide sub-camps.

Inauguration of the Jamboree

The inaugural ceremony of the 29th Karnataka State Scouts & Guides Jamboree was held on 27 December 2025. Prior to the ceremony, rehearsals were conducted for the programme schedule, including welcome of dignitaries, prayer, flag hoisting, guard of honour, and march-past. The rehearsals were carried out successfully under the leadership of Shri A. S. Madhusudan Avala, Assistant International Commissioner, New Delhi; Shri Rajesh Avalakki, Rover Scout Leader, Shivamogga; and Shri Jimmy Sequeira, District Commissioner (Scouts), Kodagu, with the cooperation of staff members

The inauguration programme commenced at around 5:00 PM. The Jamboree was formally inaugurated by Shri U. T. Khader, Hon’ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

The function was presided over by Shri Satish L. Jarkiholi, Hon’ble Minister, Government of Karnataka and District In-Charge Minister, Belagavi.

Distinguished Guests

The ceremony was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including:

All the guests expressed their appreciation for the excellent arrangements made for the Jamboree.Presence of Scout & Guide Officials

Senior Scout & Guide officials present on the occasion included

Messages from Dignitaries The message of His Excellency Shri Thawarchand Gehlot, Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka and Patron of the State Association, was read out during the programme.The essence of the speeches delivered by the dignitaries on the dais is summarized below:

Shri Basavaraj Horatti
Hon’ble Chairman, Karnataka Legislative Council
Shri Basavaraj Horatti stated that being a Scout or Guide helps in building an ideal and value-based life. He expressed confidence that all participants would rise to great heights in their lives. Referring to the philosophy of “Kayakave Kailasa” preached by Basavanna, he wished that the Jamboree would inspire students to adopt dignity of labour. He encouraged students to develop patriotism and grow into responsible and exemplary citizens of the nation.

Shri Jagadish Shettar
Hon’ble Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament, Belagavi
Recalling his association with Shri P. G. R. Sindhi during his early public life, Shri Jagadish Shettar said that programmes like Scouts & Guides play a vital role in shaping students’ lives. He emphasized that such activities help students lead a disciplined and purposeful life in the future.

Shri Satish L. Jarkiholi
Hon’ble Minister, Government of Karnataka
Shri Satish Jarkiholi stated that efforts would be made to actively involve Scouts and Guides in various programmes, including environmental protection. He assured full support in strengthening the organization and expressed commitment to making Scouts & Guides one of the most progressive youth movements in the country, with greater emphasis in the coming years.

Shri U. T. Khader
Hon’ble Speaker, Karnataka Legislative Assembly
Shri U. T. Khader said that strong nation-building is possible through Scouts and Guides. He reminded students that they are not just assets of their parents, but assets of the entire nation. Sharing his personal experience, he mentioned that he had joined Scouts & Guides in the fifth standard and credited the movement for his growth and success in public life. He encouraged students to undergo training with dedication, stating that even if the coming years involve hardship, the discipline and values gained would illuminate their future.He congratulated students, parents, and teachers for their participation and urged students to make the best use of this opportunity, develop strong character, and set long-term goals for the next 50 years of their lives.

Shri Madhu Bangarappa
Hon’ble Minister for School Education, Government of Karnataka
Shri Madhu Bangarappa described the event as closely connected to his department and expressed admiration for parents who had sent their children from distant places. He stated that the government is committed to human values and assured efforts to make Scouts & Guides compulsory in KPS schools in the future. He encouraged students to grow into responsible and enlightened citizens of India.

His Holiness Shri Shri Shri Shivacharya Swamiji
Mukti Math, Belagavi
His Holiness stated that the Scouts & Guides Jamboree held in Belagavi serves as a foundation for the holistic development of children. He emphasized that organized activities play a key role in nurturing young minds and appreciated the natural and inspiring environment of the venue. He wished success to the Jamboree and blessed all participants

On this occasion, Shri M. A. Khalid, State Commissioner (Scouts), honoured Shri P. G. R. Sindhia with a memento in recognition of his contributions.

Dr. K. K. Khandelwal
Hon’ble Chief National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts & Guides
Dr. Khandelwal welcomed all participants and highlighted that Belagavi district has produced great freedom fighters like Kittur Rani Chennamma and Kranti Veer Sangolli Rayanna. He urged Scouts and Guides to imbibe the same values of courage, commitment, discipline, and character. He encouraged active participation in all Jamboree activities and expressed gratitude to all those who worked hard for the success of the event, wishing everyone success in their new endeavours and the Jamboree a grand success.

Activities Conducted at the Jamboree

A wide range of educational, cultural, adventure, and service-oriented activities were organized for the Scouts and Guides during the Jamboree. The major activities included:

Release of Special Jamboree Postal Cover
A Special Jamboree Postal Cover was released by Shri Kondajji B. Shanukappa, Vice-President, Bharat Scouts & Guides, Karnataka

The release ceremony was attended by: