Colourful Jamboree celebrations

First Published : 05 Jan 2011 02:01:54 AM IST

Last Updated : 05 Jan 2011 06:24:34 PM IST

HYDERABAD: The young energy bouncing off the grounds at Shankarpally was difficult to miss. Over 18,000 scouts from across the country and from countries like France, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal had assembled to kickstart the 16th National Jamboree on Tuesday.

The vibrant inaugural session saw a Jamboree music video being released and over 2,000 scout members from different states present a lively performance to the tune of AR Rahman’s Jai Ho. The event began with the Bharat Scouts and Guides song, “Watan ke vaaste jeena, watan ke vaaste marna, mil jhul ke rehna, seva hamara dharm” (Live for the nation, die for the nation, stay together peacefully, service is our religion). The march-past performed by 42 marching contingents dressed colourfully in their individual state scout’s attire was an impressive show, by children between 8 and 16 years.

Chief guest on the occasion, governor ESL Narasimhan suggested it should be made compulsory for every school to participate in scouting. He also called upon the district and state units to adopt a village and help them achieve self-sufficiency.

Among the 18,000 scouts present, many were attending the national jamboree for the first time. Nandini Sharma and Kritika Sharma from Haryana were happy acting as cheerleaders. “There are so many friends here. It feels very nice and happy to be here,” said the first-timers in unison. Guide captain Saraswati Patel, leading a contingent to a nearby stall by the DRDO was very happy to be participating in her first National Jamboree, in her eight years as a scout. Sandesh Serma from Himachal Pradesh was happily chatting up and inviting scouts and visitors to the adventure base camp, where he is the coach. The excitement to meet up fellow scouts and learn bits and pieces of their native language was seen.