AN INVITATION

You will be pleased to know that the 15^th National Jamboree of The Bharat Scouts & Guides is being organized from 16^th October 2005 at Haridwar – the most pious of all cities. To describe this place in the words of Christina Rosetti: “tred softly describe this is holy ground; it maybe, could we look with seeing eyes, this land we stand upon is paradise.” This is the place where the holy Ganga leaves the Himalayas and enters the plains of India.

The most cordial invitation to you to join this gala event. We request you to make this jamboree a grand success by joining us with maximum participation. 

With Scouts/Guides greetings,

               L.M. JAIN                                                            PUSHPA MANAS

   National Commissioner                                      State Chief Commissioner

The Bharat Scouts & Guides                       Uttaranchal Bharat Scouts & Guides

BIRTH OF A NEW STATE - UTTARANCHAL

Uttaranchal is the 27^th state of the Republic of India. (Total states being 28) it was formed on 9^th Nov. 2000 and was carved out of Uttar Pradesh after a long struggle of the Uttaranchali people. Uttaranchal lies in the Northern part of India amidst the magnificent Himalayas and dense forests. The state is bordering Himachal Pradesh in the northwest and Uttar Pradesh in the South and has international borders with Nepal and China.                  

  THE DIVINE LAND

Words fail to describe the awesome charm and enchanting beauty of this magical land. The splendor and the beauty of the land is to be seen and felt. Blessed with magnificent glaciers, sparkling and joyful rivers, gigantic and ecstatic Himalayan peaks, natural biospheres, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, this abode of Gods includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Mighty Mountains. This is the land where Vedas and Shastras were composed and great Indian epic- The Mahabharath- was written. The land has always been the source of inspiration for nature lovers and seekers of peace and spirituality.

GENERAL INFORMATION___

The population of the state is around 7 million. The land area is about 55,845 sq km. The region is mostly hilly (approx 88 percent) and the remaing 12 percent falls in the plains. The state is very rich in natural resources especially water and forests as it has many glaciers, rivers, forests, mountain peaks. The famous peaks of Uttaranchal are Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Trishul, Bandarpunch and Mt. Kamet. The major glaciers include Gangotri, Pindari, Milam and Khatling. The Ganga, The Yamuna, Ramganga and Sharda are principal rivers of this region. 

                                                                       ____             HARIDWAR

The name Hridwar signifies the gateway to the God, since this is the place where the pilgrimage to two famous temples Kedarnath (Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (Lord Vishnu) is started It is situated n the bank of river Ganga and at the foothills of Shivalik mountains. This was the place of meditation for sages and rishis. Sage Kapil meditated here and this place was called Kapilasthan. It is one of the four places where Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years; millions of people take holy dip in the river Ganges to shed their sins. It is said that a pitcher of Amrit (the water of enternal life) was kept in hiding here by Devtas after it was filtered from the oceans. In a struggle between the Devtas and the Asuras, the pitcher broke, spilling some sacred water here. Since then Haridwar, and all the other places where the Amrit spilled, have come to be revered and the Kumbh Mela held every 3 Years in these cities in succession. Millions of devotees throng here to take a holy dip in the Ganga. Evening time at Hridwar is Arti time, when thousands of prayer fires light up the banks of the rivers.

Nearby places of interest for the tourists are Har-ki-Pauri, Ram Krishan Mission Seva Ashram, Grukul Kangri University, Sapta Rishi Ashram and the Mansa DeviTemple.    

JAMBOREE INFORMATION___________________

JAMBOREE SITE: The 15^th National Jamboree will be held at Neel Dhara, Haridwar.

ADDRESS OF THE JAMBOREE OFFICE:- 15TH NATIONAL JAMBOREE 2005, OFFICE GROUND FLOOR, MELA COMPLEX, HAR KI PAURI, HARIDWAR, PHONE NO. 01334-394147  

HOW TO REACH:-Haridwar is well connected by rail. It can also be reached by road. Direct public transport buses are available from Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu. Delhi-Jolly Grant (about 30kms. From Haridwar), daily Air Services by “Air Deccan” have also commenced.

DATES:-The Jamboree shall be held from the 15^th October 2005 to the 22^ndOctober 2005, which includes the days of arrival and departure.

WEATHER:-Nights during the jamboree period will be fairly cold. Temperatures range from a max of 25 degrees during the days to a minimum of 10 degrees in the night. Light to medium heavy woolens are generally required during October.

  THEME:-   Preserve Nature, Serve the Future

PARTICIPATION:-Nearly 25 thousand Scouts and Guides from the entire country are expected to participate. An additional 5000 are expected to reach from overseas.

REGISTRATION FEE:-Rs.150 per head will be charged from each participants (S/G or adult leader). For Other NSO's USD 100 per head.

DEVELOPMENT FEE:-A further development fee of Rs. 100 will be charged from each Scout/Guide and a fee of  Rs. 150 from each adult leader.

ELIGIBILITY:-Group of scouts and guides between the age of 14 and 17 years, led by adult leaders and affiliated to Bharat Scouts and Guides are eligible. Foreign groups affiliated to there respective National Associations are also eligible to participate.

PROGRAMME:- The programme is action packed with excitement, fun and adventure activities. It is based on the fundamentals of scouting and guiding. It is in keeping with the ne eds and aspirations of the youth. It includes many new exciting activities besides jamboree activities like, community singing, Regional Cultural Village, Pageant shows, State days, Rock Climbing, Trekking, environmental activities, HAM Radio, HWB Re-union, Trainers Meet, Youth Forum, Integration Games, Handicrafts, Science City, Himalaya ranges, Parasailing, Exhibitions etc. Arrangements are also made for tours to special places of interest. The scout/guide and their leaders will get opportunity to interact and make friends at global level.  

For more details, please contact:

The Director,

The Bharat Scouts & Guides

National Headquarters,

Laxmi Mazumdar Bhawan, 16 M.G.Marg,

I.P. Estate, P.O. Box No. 7043

New Delhi-110002.

Telephone-011-23370724, 23378667 Fax: 011-23370126

E-mail: tbsgnet@del2.vsnl.net.in