NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE IS SITUATED AT THE HEART OF MADHYA PRADESH, THE ONLY HILL STATION IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE COUNTRY.
LOCATION AND HISTORY :
Situated at an altitude of 3,500 ft and surrounded by the profuse greenery of the hills bridal paths and tranquil forest glades, Pachmarhi - the most verdant jewel of Satpura Range, also called as Queen of Satpura, situated in Madhya Pradesh State of India has a place of eminence in the Scouting and Guiding Movement too, as it houses the National Training Centre-a temple of learning for the trainees.
During the year 1933 when Col. J.S. Wilson, the then Camp Chief of International Training Centre at Gilwell conducted a Wood Badge course at Pachmarhi, Justice Vivian Bose, Commissioner of the then Central Province (now Madhya Pradesh), had been a regular visitor to the area.
Soon after merger of various Scout & Guide Associations in 1950 a need was felt to develop a
National Training Centre. In the second meeting of the Dy.Camp Chiefs at Pachmarhi from
December 26-31, 1954, the choice fell on Pachmarhi because of its Central geographic position,
natural surroundings, suitability for camping, hiking, rock climbing, exploration,
and easy accessibility. Due to relentless efforts of Dr. Hridaynath Kunzru,
the then National Commissioner, 56 acres of land was allotted by the State
Govt. through the support of Shri Mangaldas Pakvasa, the then Governor of
Madhya Pradesh and the dream came true in 1956.
THE RARE MONUMENT :
A Monument of a Scout and a Guide has been erected in the Army area which is unique in its character. This is to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Wood Badge Training in India.
COMING OF AGE HUT :
This hut was built to commemorate the completion of Silver Jubilee of National Training Centre.
SITES AT NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE :
Master Plan of the National Training Centre was prepared by Mr. Polk,
an eminent American Architect and constructions were made. The training
Centre is divided into various sections-Administrative Block,
B.P. Memorial Bhawan, Kunzru Community Hall, Staff quarters and Camping Areas like Thurman Park,
Queenie Park, Vivian Park, Nagazia Park, Farm Area, Lalit Cub Bulbul Park,
National Adventure Institute, Laxmi Mazumdar Park.
The centre occupies 56 Acres of wooded land.
It is open to both groups and individuals throughout the year for camping, sightseeing or for exploring.
ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK (SETH KRIODI MAL BHAWAN) :
Administrative Block is named after Seth Kirodi Mal, a philanthropist.
The offices of both the Dy. Directors Training are housed in this building.
The office is equipped with modern facilities like computers,
internet, photocopier, fax etc. The NTC is also put on E-mail service (ntc@bsgindia.org).
Ph. No. 07578 252026, Fax. 07578 252541, National Adventure Institute : 07578 252350. E-mail (nai@bsgindia.org).
BP MEMORIAL GUIDE BHAWAN :
Late Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India,
laid the foundation stone of this building on 10th Sep. 1956.
It is a beautiful two storied building on a hillock.
It was inaugurated by Lady Baden Powell on 22 February 1961.
Comforts with modern amenities are available here.
Each room is named after a state which has contributed for furnishing the same.
The Bhawan has 3 rooms on the ground floor and 10 on the first floor.
There is a very big lounge and dining hall furnished by the Railway State Associations.
Facilities include accommodation for 68 persons in Building.
Approximately 900 campers in seven different sites.
During the main winter and summer a variety of camping activities take
place which include Adventure Activities, Trekking, Rock Climbing, Parasailing,
Boating at adjacent Pachmarhi Lake and Horse Riding etc.
The Adventure Institute at BS&G conducts periodical Trekking & Outings.
International Friendship activities take place every year.
Young people visit the Adventure Centre, thus ensuring a unique international atmosphere.
OLAVE SCOUT BHAWAN :
An annexe constructed with BP Bhawan is named as Olave Scout Bhawan.
This was opened by Gen K.P. Candeth, Director General Youth Services. Govt. of India on 9th November 1975.
It has one dormitories with 14 beds with other amenities and toilets.
The Bhawan is also used by Scout/Guide Leaders and their families who like to enjoy holidays on the hills.
KUNZRU HALL :
This community hall is named after Dr. Hridaynath Kunzru, the first National Commissioner.
It is used for indoor activities, Conferences, Seminars, Meetings, Shows etc. and can accommodate more than 400 Scouts and guides.
STAFF QUARTERS :
Below the BP Bhawan Hillock, there are quarters for Dy. Directors,
Leader Trainers, Adventure Programme Officer, Estate Manager, Warden-cum-Quartermaster and other staff members.
BASIC FACILITIES :
WATER :
Water in Pachmarhi is very good. The National Training Centre has three alternative arrangements for water from where water is pumped into 100,000 gallons pressed Steel Reservoir.
TRANSPORT :
The National Training Centre and the National Adventure Institute at the Centre have been equipped with 1 Jeep & 1 Gypsy.
CANTEEN :
There is a canteen almost in the midst of the camping site which is being run at the National Training Centre to cater to the needs of the participants of all events, visitors, guests etc. Eatables and items of daily use can be procured from the canteen. Facility for is available in the Canteen.
EQUIPMENT SHOP :
The camping site has also an equipment shop which fulfils the needs of the campers for supplying necessary equipments and literature.
MEDICAL STORE :
All important medicines are available at Medical Stores in the Market.
BANKING :
There are branches of 2 Banks. State Bank of India & Khetriya Grameen Bank.
POST OFFICE :
There are two Post Offices with all facilities.
PHOTO STUDIO :
Quick service is also available.
MEDICAL STORE :
All important medicines are available at Medical Stores in the Market.
BANKING :
There are branches of 2 Banks. State Bank of India & Khetriya Grameen Bank.
POST OFFICE :
There are two Post Offices with all facilities.
PHOTO STUDIO :
Quick service is also available.
LIBRARIES :
FERRIS LIBRARY :
This library situated in the Queenie Park is named after Madam Iris Ferris - the first Director of the WAGGGS, World Bureau. It contains a treasure of books pertaining to Guide wing. This is extended to a hall where indoor meetings of Guide wing are held.
PADOLINA LIBRARY :
It is added with a documentation centre. The library is named after Mr. Padolina, a former Regional Executive Commissioner of Far East Scout Region who had great love for Bharat Scouts & Guides. This is a treasure house of rare books of the past as well as present and is equipped with Audio-visual aids.
CAMPING AREAS AND PARKS :
A speciality of the National Training Centre is that different areas have been named after top volunteers and professionals in honour of their distinguished services and love for the Scout and Guide Movement. They have been source of inspiration to others. The centre owes a lot to Smt. Lakshmi Mazumdar, former National Commissioner whose constant efforts and inexpressible love for Pachmarhi contributed to the progress of this Centre. The Dhiman Square is the key area consisting of ‘Reception Hut’, Main Store and Padolina Library, named after Shri R. S. Dhiman former National Training Commissioner (S) & Lalit Cub Bulbul Park named after former National Commissioner Shri Lalit Mohan Jain, I.A.S. (Retd.).
There are as many as seven camp areas viz., Thurman Park, Queenie Park, Vivian Park, Nagazia, New Camping Complex, Lalit Cub & Bulbul Park. There is also a big store in the camping area.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES :
The National Training Centre conducts several Training Courses all round the year. Courses for Himalaya Wood Badge, Pre-Assistant Leader Trainers, Assistant Leader Trainers, Leader Trainers, Re-orientation Course for Trainers, Courses for Commissioners, specialised courses and workshops are conducted. The triennial meets of trainers - Sandhan are also held. The centre is equipped with competent members of the Training Staff who are functioning under the leadership of the Joint Director (National Training Centre).
NEW CAMPING COMPLEX :
To encourage more Camps for Scouts / Guides, Adult Leaders, Clubs, Institutions, Groups, Sports and Youth activity club, another Camping Complex has been added in the Bhawan area with built-in-bath rooms, toilets, kitchen, store, etc.
TRAVELLING TO PACHMARHI :
Pachmarhi is connected by road with Bhopal, Nagpur and by train Itarsi and Pipariya. Pipariya is the nearest railway Station for Pachmarhi. One railway reservation counter is also available in Pachmarhi Market.
AIR ROUTE :
The nearest air link for Pachmarhi is Bhopal from where Pachmarhi is 210 Km away by road. Visitors from abroad can have direct flight from New Delhi/ Mumbai to Bhopal.
RAIL ROUTE :
The nearest railway station is Pipariya, located on the Jabalpur-Itarsi section of the Central Railway. Pipariya is 67 KM from Itarsi, 178 KM from Jabalpur, 813 KM from Mumbai CST, 863 km from Delhi, 1361 KM from Howrah and 1464 KM from Chennai central. Direct fast and comfortable trains are also available from New Delhi to Bhopal.
ROAD ROUTE :
Direct bus services are available from Pipariya, Bhopal, Nagpur, Indore. It is about five hours journey by road from Bhopal to Pachmarhi.
1. Apart from buses, local Taxi, Jeep , Car are also available on rent for Pipariya, Bhopal, Nagpur.
2. The facility of Rail reservation through computerized network is available at Pipariya and Pachmarhi.
3. One railway reservation counter is also available in Pachmarhi Market.