Unity in Uniform: Tamil Nadu Scouts Make History at Jamboree 2025

In a stirring celebration of unity, discipline, and service, the Tamil Nadu government hosted one of the grandest youth gatherings in recent memory — the Diamond Jubilee National Jamboree and Kalaignar Centenary Special Jamboree 2025. Organised by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, this historic event took place from January 28 to February 2 at Manapparai, Tiruchirappalli, bringing together more than 25,000 Scouts and Guides from across India and four other countries, carrying forward a legacy first kindled under Kalaignar Karunanidhi in 2000.

What is a Jamboree?

A Jamboree is a global celebration of the Scouting spirit — bringing together young minds to build resilience, leadership, friendship, and unity through cultural exchange and outdoor learning. The 2025 edition marked the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the Bharat Scouts and Guides and was dedicated to the centenary of Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Karunanidhi, blending Tamil identity with the global values of Scouting.

Events in Jamboree

The six-day event was packed with vibrant and meaningful activities:

• Kalaignar Centenary Commemorative Photo Exhibition
  
• Global Village, shaped in the form of the Bharat Scouts & Guides emblem, with thematic pavilions celebrating Indian states and participating nations
  
• Scouting Skill Zones – for knot-tying, first-aid, survival skills, and more
  
• Keezhadi Heritage Pavilion – linking Tamil archaeological pride with contemporary youth movements
  
• Special Stamp Release – a commemorative stamp featuring the face of Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, released as part of the global series of 217 stamps celebrating Scouting leaders worldwide
  
• Scout Pavilion – honouring key contributors to the movement, inaugurated by Mr. David Robert Baden-Powell, 5th Baron Baden-Powell, a descendant of the founder
  

Jamboree Participants

The Jamboree drew participation from:

• Over 25,000 Scouts and Guides
  
• Delegates from four countries
  
• Students from various Indian states

• Mr. David Robert Baden-Powell, 5th Baron Baden-Powell, a descendant of the founder
  
• Senior Scout leadership including Thiru K.K. Khandelwal, Chief National Commissioner
  
• International Scout dignitaries and cultural ambassadors
  

Inaugurated by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin

The event was flagged off by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, who delivered an inspiring address to the youth and officially passed the Scout Flag — a symbol of continuity and responsibility — to the Chhattisgarh Scouts, the hosts of the next national Jamboree. TN Scouts released a Jamboree song earlier.

Valedictory Function by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin

The grand finale was led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru M. K. Stalin, who applauded the youth for their spirit and resilience. In a landmark moment, he:

• Unveiled the official souvenir
  
• Announced the construction of a ₹10 crore Bharat Scouts and Guides Headquarters with cutting-edge training facilities in Tamil Nadu

His words reinforced the state’s commitment to youth leadership, social responsibility, and educational reform. In the event, he praised Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi’s dedication to the School Education department stating

Tamil Nadu School education department is the pride of Tamil nadu. Anbil Mahesh is efficiently implementing educational schemes ahead of time. He is finding happiness in making students grow through education and knowledge.

Chief Minister Thiru. M K Stalin

Achievements and Global Records in Jambooree

Tamil Nadu etched its name into history with five Elite World Records:

• Most participants in a Scouts and Guides prayer
• Most participants in a reef knot-tying lesson
• Most participants taking the Scouts & Guides promise
• Most participants performing the Scouts & Guides salute
• Most participants in a left-hand shake

Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was named the

22nd recipient of the

Silver Elephant Award

the highest honour in Indian scouting — a recognition of his unwavering support for youth and education.

A Legacy That Lives On

The 2025 Jamboree not only honoured Kalaignar Karunanidhi’s vision, who hosted the Golden Jubilee National Jamboree in 2000, but also carried it forward with grandeur, purpose, and pride. The release of a stamp bearing Anbil Mahesh’s face added another layer of history, linking personal dedication with global recognition.

From a Global Village shaped like the Scout emblem to record-breaking youth participation, this event reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s position as a torchbearer of inclusive, transformative youth development in India.