Largest temporary stadium for a Jamboree
The record for the largest temporary stadium erected for a jamboree was set by Sundar Singh Rathore of Pali, Rajasthan. The stadium and the tents were built for the 18th National Jamboree on 220 hectares of land.
President of India, Droupadi Murmu graced the inauguration of the 18th National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts & Guides at Rohat in the Pali district of Rajasthan on January 4, 2023. Bharat Scouts & Guides is one of the largest Scouts and Guides organisations in the world, with a membership of over 6.3 million youths. Rajasthan hosted the National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts & Guides after 66 years. A smart Jamboree village had been set up on a huge campus of 220 hectares, with all the facilities needed to accommodate thousands of participants. With a variety of events and attractions, the Jamboree village was the centre of attraction during the event.
Over 35,000 scouts and guides from across the nation took part in the seven-day mega-event, which was held from January 4 to January 10. The event provided a platform for the young participants to share their customs, food habits, handicrafts, and religious practices with each other. During the event, the scouts adopted the universal values and ethos that will guide them throughout their life.
The record for erecting the largest temporary stadium for a jamboree was set by 32-year-old Sundar Singh Rathore of Pali, Rajasthan. The stadium and the adjoining tents were built on 220 hectares of land. The temporary stadium, measuring 1461 feet by 1048 feet in the area was built using wood, plywood, and carpet with a capacity of 35,000 spectators. The highest point of the stadium measured 22 feet. The structure created a record under the India Book of Records.
The Jamboree had a range of activities and attractions for participants. The display of the Indian Air Force Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team, with their impressive maneuvers in the skies above the Jamboree, was one of the main attractions of the event. In addition to the aerobatics display, the ground of the event was thrilled with the demonstration of the BSF Camel Squad. These skilled riders and their trusty camels were a hit with attendees, as they showed off their skills and training.
Post Independence, the first All-Indian Jamboree was organised from December 27 to 31, 1953, in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh (now in Telangana). It was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and the closing ceremony of the Jamboree was presided over by the then President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad. The last Jamboree in Rajasthan was held in Jaipur in 1956.
Having imbibed the motto of ‘Padharo Mhare Desh’, Rajasthan and especially Marwar left no stone unturned to make this rare occasion memorable. The jamboree held at Nimbli Brahmanan village of Rohat Panchayat in Pali district became special in many ways; however, the temporary stadium was the highlight, which brought the state a record and recognition. The Public Works Department (PWD), Public Health Engineering Department, Information and Technology Department, Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam, and Municipal Corporation of Jodhpur put in all their might to make the Jamboree village smart and hi-tech. The temporary stadium had all the facilities including accommodation, food, drinking water, and medical care for the volunteers.