The first ever International Cultural Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides started off with a rich tenor voice filling on air with more than 50,000 Scouts and Guides at Alva’s College, Moodubidire on 21st of December. Delegates from various countries including Malaysia, Srilanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Philippines and Mexico were in attendance.

Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, inaugurated the event by saying, “Just the Educational and Physical Development does not suffice, Cultural Knowledge is also an Integral part of the Overall Development.”

He expressed his contentment in the development in the services done by the Scouts and Guides in Karnataka during the Corona and post Corona period. He also stressed about the need of Individuality among the Youth.

He aspired that the Role of Youth in Development of the Country is great and if involved actively in the process of growth and conservation, in the next few years, India could be made as a more Influential Country of the World.

The Alva’s Education Institutions founder Dr Mohan Alva said that discipline is important in every student’s life and that it can empower young minds to become successful personalities. He added that he is proud of his Institution for sharing values which will Aid in living a Meaningful Life.

Addressing the gathering, Sri. P G R Sindhia, State Chief Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Karnataka spoke about the remarkable History this gathering has created by Assembling with more than 50,000 Young Scouts, Guides, Rovers and Rangers & Unit Leaders and Volunteers. He urged the students to march forward and achieve greater heights in reaching their goals.

He expressed his admiration in the philanthropic nature of the people of South Canara District and thanked them for their support in making this International Cultural Jamboree a Memorable One in the Long & Cherished History of Scout Movement of the Country.

Addressing the Mammoth gathering, Dr. K K Khandelwal, Chief National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts & Guides, India said, “We must remember what

culture we come from.” and spoke at length about the Indian Culture and desired that all the Scouts/Guides who have gathered in such large numbers will carry the Principals of the Movement among their fellow Citizens.

Addressing the large number Youth in the Jamboree, Sri. Ahmed Alhendawi, Secretary- General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, in his message to the large number of Young Scouts/Guides and other Dignitaries present greeted the Audience with Namaste and Bharat Mata ki Jai. He reminded the gathering of the Threads of Diversity and Uniqueness that binds India together.He said “The Cultural Jamboree in India is not just an event. It is an Everyday Life; You Live it Every Day because You feel it Every Day. So when you come Together to Celebrate the Diversity of Your Culture, Embracing the Cultures of the World around You, I want You to know that the Word is Looking at You.

Dr. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikarigalu of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala,

expressed that the youth should pay more attention towards contribution for social change and spoke at length about the need for emulating the NINE Fundamental Principles of the Movement which are the objectives.
Presiding over the Inaugural event of Bharat Scouts and Guides International Cultural Jamboree 2022, he said when faced with crisis, we often become panic and Events like Cultural Jamboree Instills confidence in Solving Abilities among the Youth.

The First Day Special Cover of the International Cultural Jamboree was released during the Ceremony. Dr. Mohan Alva, District Chief Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Dakshina Kannada, proposed the Vote of thanks.

The Inaugural Event Culminated with a Grand Procession showcasing Various Cultural and Traditional Art Forms from all over the Country. More than 100 Teams took part in this Colourful programme.

Sri Nalinkumar Kateel, Hon’ble member of the Parliament, Mrs Champaka Emalin Pahamil, Chairman, A.P Region, WAGGGS, J Rizal C Pangilinan, Regional Director, Asia Pacific Region, WOSM, K P Mishra, SCC, Odissa State and National Vice President, M R Ravi Kumar, Kondajji B Shanmukhappa, Vice President, Karnataka and M.A Khalid, Additional Chief National Commissioner & State Commissioner(S),Smt Radha Venkatesh I/C State Commissioner (G) were present on the dais. Simultaneously, in other Various Platforms, throughout the Campus, Varieties of different Cultural Programs were conducted.

Karnataka Chief Minister Mr Basavaraj Bommai participated as Chief Guest at the International Cultural Jamboree Activities on 25th December 2022. He said that Scouts & Guides have been pro-actively working towards the presentation of Indian Culture & Arts. This was appreciated by the Hon,ble Chief Minister and he said that he was a Scout during School Days and gave a Scout Salute to all the participants which was applauded with clapping by the Entire Jamboree . Mrs Vanajakshi Sripathi Bhat, emphasized on children’s education about intellectual Knowledge, importance of their discipline and values in her speech. She also Commended Scouting for imparting these lessons though fun activities.

The CM was welcomed with invocation song by students and he was presented with a silver painting of goddess durgaparameshwari. Karnataka Primary & Secondary Education Minister Mr B C Nagesh, BJP National Secretary Mr C.T Ravi, MLA of Mulki Mr Umanath Kotyan , State Chief Commissioner Mr P G R Sindhia along with other important dignitaries were present on the occassion.

The International Scouts & Guides Cultural Jamboree was in turn venerated with the Hon’ble President of the Bharat Scouts & Guides, India Dr Anil Kumar Jain. He toured entire Jamboree premises to each and every activity bases .He started his visit to Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat, Sustainable Development Goals Hub, Jungle Trail, all 5 melas of Jamboree, Specific view of Cultural presentations accompanied by other differentiated and versatile activities of Jamboree. Additionally, a robust interaction with young individuals from Different Regions of the Country was facilitated in order to project the Cultural Diversity possessed and project the holistic nature of Scouting practiced within the Jamboree. The President Dr Anil Kumar Jain expressed his heartfelt appreciation towards the stupendous efforts made by all the involved Volunteer entities while recognizing the astounding impact it has influenced through inoculating a sense of Knowledge, togetherness and collaboration among the participants.

The Jamboree was unique in its own way. All the 50000 participants per busy in one activity or the other.

Very good & Elaborate arrangements were made to receive 50000 participants & for their accommodation. Daily apart from the 50000 participants & visitors to the Exhibition, totally one lakh persons had varieties of food in the various kitchens which were spread-out in the huge Jamboree Ground.

On the whole it was a special Jamboree enjoyed by Adults and the Children alike. It is worth repeating at regular interwells.