 Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, Aug 23: The South Asian Association of National Scout Organizations (SAANSO) Chief Commissioners Conference 2026 commenced on 23 August 2026 at the National Headquarters of The Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG), New Delhi. The two-day Conference, being hosted by BSG from 23-24 August, brings together senior Scouting leaders from across South Asia to strengthen regional cooperation, friendship and fellowship and to advance the shared priorities of Scouting in the region.
The Conference opened with the traditional ceremonial lighting of the lamp by SAANSO office bearers and contingent representatives. Around 50 senior Scout leaders and distinguished delegates are participating in the Conference, which is being held under the theme "One Region. One Movement. One Shared Vision." The theme reflects the collective commitment of South Asian Scouting to building a stronger, more connected and youth-centred region.
The Conference marks a significant milestone for The Bharat Scouts and Guides and is a matter of pride for the organisation. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. K. K. Khandelwal, IAS (Retd.), Chief National Commissioner, BSG, The Bharat Scouts and Guides will assume the Chairmanship of SAANSO. BSG also serves as the Secretariat of SAANSO, further strengthening India's institutional leadership and contribution to regional Scouting. The organisation's role reflects its continued commitment to bringing South Asian Scout organisations closer and promoting greater cooperation, mutual understanding and collective action.
The distinguished participants included Devraj Ghimire, Second Vice-Chair, Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee, APR/WOSM; J.R.C. Panglinan, Regional Director, Asia-Pacific Region, WOSM; Aishath Ahlam, Member, Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee, APR/WOSM; Sangey Choden, Chief Commissioner, Bhutan Scout Association; Ismail Rifau, Chief Commissioner, Maldives Scout Association; Mohamed Fauzoon, International Commissioner, Maldives Scout Association; Santosh Kumar Thapa, Chief Commissioner, Nepal Scouts; Kapila Kalyana Perera, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Sri Lanka Scout Association; Asanka Eriyawa, International Commissioner, Sri Lanka Scout Association; Amil Abeysundara, Observer, Sri Lanka Scout Association; Abdullah Rasheed, Advisor, SAANSO; and Maeed Mohamed Zahir, Treasurer, SAANSO. |
