History of Sangam

Sangam, the youngest of the four World Centres began life as an idea from the WAGGGS International Commissioners’ meeting held in New Delhi in 1956. The idea was to build a world centre in the Asia Pacific Region that would ‘promote the Spirit of Guiding, the sharing, the understanding and above all the friendship of a common humanity’. The idea was approved and ratified at the World Conference a year later.

Where to build was the first item to solve:

• The centre needed to be easily accessible to air, bus and train routes.
• The climate of the area should be inviting for most of the year.
• The local Guiding movements must be strong and enthusiastic in supporting the centre  
• The centre needed to eventually become self sufficient.  

Thanks to the hard work and determination of several Indian Guiders and Commissioners, India was selected over bids from Australia, The Philippines and Pakistan.  7¾ acres of land was generously donated by the Government of Maharashtra, the state in which Sangam now calls home. Pune was considered the ideal city as it boasts both a temperate climate and a rich cultural history as well as a strong tradition in education. Its proximity to Mumbai (formerly Bombay) also made it a suitable location.

With these decisions made, the draft plans for the buildings were presented and approved at the World Conference held in 1963. Later that year an appeal was sent out to WAGGGS member countries to raise funds for the cost of construction. The response was overwhelming and construction began before the year was out.  

The centre was designed by the Bombay architectural firm Messrs Mody and Colgan. The name Sangam was chosen. An old Sanskrit word, it means ‘joining together’ and is literally used to describe the place where rivers meet. Like the confluence of streams, our Sangam is a meeting place for Guides and Scouts.  

The construction was supervised by Mrs. Laxmi Mazumdar, the National Commissioner of the Indian WAGGGS Member Organization: Bharat Scouts and Guides. She travelled from New Delhi to Pune at least once a month to check on the progress of the project. On 16^th October 1966 The World Chief Guide, Lady Baden Powell, declared the centre open with the following words,

The years that followed have seen many Guides and 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 – it is the voices, smiles and energy of these people who have given Sangam it’s 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. Yet despite these changes.This unique centre for international friendship and understanding has grown to become a place for new experiences and exploration of the world through Guiding and Scouting.

The Spirit of Sangam is alive and well and waiting for you to discover it.