Balod (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 11 : The historic first-ever Rover-Ranger Jamboree is being held in Balod district of Chhattisgarh. Young Rover-Rangers from all corners of the country, as well as from abroad, have come to participate in this international event. The event is being held from January 9 to 13.
Rover-Rangers from Jammu and Kashmir to Assam, Rajasthan, Bihar, and other states are participating in this Rover-Ranger Jamboree held in Balod. Significantly, a team from Sri Lanka is also participating, giving the event an international dimension.

Several activities are being organised during the Jamboree. Exhibitions, tent pitching, and nature sports such as wall climbing, zip-lining, and horse riding are major attractions. Through these activities, young people are trained to be closer to nature and to develop teamwork and leadership skills.
KK Khandelwal, Director of Bharat Scouts and Guides, said, "The Rover-Ranger Jamboree is being organised in a grand manner in Chhattisgarh. This is the first time such an event has been held in the country. Previously, 19 Scout and Guide events were held, but this is the first time a Rover-Ranger event is being organised. All participants are over 16 years of age. This type of event promotes cultural exchange, and water sports and other natural sports are being organised. An exhibition has also been set up to help children learn about each other's cultures. Organising such an event usually takes two years, but this one is being delivered in just one month. I would like to thank the head of Chhattisgarh Scout Guides and the government for this."

Sri Lankan team leader Amal Raj said that this is their first time in India and they are enjoying it very much. They have interacted with the people here and learned about their culture. He has attended similar events in many places before, but this is his first time here. He believes such events should continue to be held because they provide valuable learning opportunities.
Rajasthan Rover Leader Rakesh Chaudhary said, "The National Rover Rangers Jamboree is being held in Balod, Chhattisgarh. Previously, only Scout Guide Jamborees were held, but this is the first Rover Rangers Jamboree. I am a staff member from the NHQ (National Headquarters) in the Adventure Cell. I have prepared an exhibition for the NHQ and the Adventure Cell. In this exhibition, we have showcased all Jamborees held since India's independence. We have also displayed the awards ceremonies that take place."

Rajasthan Rover Leader Rakesh Chaudhary further added, "In Scout Guides, you usually see younger children, but in the Rover Rangers Jamboree, you will find children aged 15 to 25 years. The weather here is also favourable for the children. The children are learning a lot. The Chhattisgarh government has organised the Rover Rangers Jamboree very well. They are conducting outdoor activities here, such as pitching tents and setting up storage areas for belongings. The children are being taught how to live with limited resources at the Jamboree."
Muskan Sani from Jammu and Kashmir said, "We are representing the Government College of Education, Jammu, and we have come here for the National Rover Rangers Jamboree. We learn a lot from such events. There is a cultural exchange: we are sharing our culture with you and experiencing yours. We have had a wonderful experience here. Folk dances, adventure sports, exhibitions - all these events are being organised here, and it feels great."

Aryan Tiwari, a Rover from Bihar, said, "I have been a youth member of the Scout Guide movement for the past four years. This is my first time in Balod, Chhattisgarh. I have participated in Jamborees before, in Tamil Nadu and Lucknow, and we are here now. It feels great to be here. The government has made excellent arrangements for food, accommodation, and other facilities. People from many states have come here, and we are learning about their culture, their food, and their way of life."