Sangam World Centre

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Sangam World Centre
Sangam World Centre.png
OwnerWAGGGS
LocationMula River, Pune
CountryIndia
Founded1966
Website
http://www.sangamworldcentre.org/
 Scouting portal

Sangam World Centre (Devanāgarī: संगम) is the fourth of five World Centres of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Located on the banks of the Mula River in Pune.

The word Sangam means ‘coming together’ in the ancient language of Sanskrit. The centre serves as a place for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world to come together to share their experiences, as well as the culture and traditions of their homelands and Member Organizations.

Four other WAGGGS World Centers are Our Chalet in Switzerland, Our Cabaña in Mexico, Pax Lodge in England, and Kusafiri in Africa

Location[edit]

The Center Sangam is situated 190 km (120 mi) from Mumbai, in the state of Maharashtra, India.

History[edit]

Sangam was first imagined at the 1956 WAGGGS International Commissioners’ meeting in New Delhi. The idea to build a World Centre in the Asia Pacific Region was proposed.

A year later, at the World Conference, the decision to build the new Centre in India was finalised, thanks to the determination and hard work of Lakhshmi Mazumdar, the National Commissioner of the Indian WAGGGS Member Organization Bharat Scouts and Guides, and the state of Maharashtra’s generous donation of 7¾ acres of land to be used as the World Centre’s site. The city of Pune, located in the state of Maharashtra in India, was selected because of its temperate climate, rich cultural history, strong tradition in education, and proximity to Bombay (now Mumbai).

In 1963, the building plans were approved at the World Conference in Denmark. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world raised over 50 per cent of the construction funds, and the foundation stone was laid in 1964.

The center was designed by the Bombay architectural firm Messrs Mody and Colgan and the construction was supervised by Mrs. Lakhshmi Mazumdar, the National Commissioner of the Indian WAGGGS Member Organization Bharat Scouts and Guides. On 16 October 1966 The World Chief Guide, Lady Olave Baden-Powell, inaugurated the center.

The years that followed have seen many Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world pass through the front doors as participants, guests, campers, staff and volunteers. Whether visiting for a few hours or staying several years –the voices, smiles and energy of these people have given Sangam its spirit.

Over this time, Sangam has grown and changed with the times as new amenities, buildings and modern equipment have been added thanks to the hard work and generosity of supporters from around the world. Despite these changes, this unique Centre for international friendship and understanding has never strayed from its purpose as a place for new experiences and exploration of our world through Guiding and Scouting.


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References[edit]

Coordinates: 18°34′18″N 73°52′40″E / 18.57167°N 73.87778°E / 18.57167; 73.87778