India 2006
The Annual OB-PS Event and members’ meeting in 2006 took place in India. This was the first time that many OB-PS members had visited India, and they were able to see many parts of the country, both as part of the event, and afterwards, as they participated in tours.
The event began in Mumbai, which gave members the opportunity to see something of the city. A spectacular and colourful gala dinner was organized, where members were able to meet many of the local volunteers and enjoy traditional Indian entertainment. The dinner provided the opportunity for the first presentation of the new Princess Benedikte Award: a recognition of major contributors to WAGGGS over several years.
The business part of the meeting took place in Pune. Some members stayed in hotels, but many chose to stay at Sangam – the WAGGGS World Centre in India.
The traditional welcome evening at Sangam was fascinating, with a Hindu and Guiding ceremony resulting in the lighting of friendship lamps, and everyone receiving a garland of fresh flowers. The presentation evening was also held at Sangam, where over 20 new members were presented to the Princess.
The monsoon during that evening will also be remembered, as the rain seemed to find its way through the tent. Members will not forget the vision of HRH Princess Benedikte, in a stunning dark red sari together with Wellington boots worn to avoid the huge puddles following the monsoon downpour!
The event began in Mumbai, which gave members the opportunity to see something of the city. A spectacular and colourful gala dinner was organized, where members were able to meet many of the local volunteers and enjoy traditional Indian entertainment. The dinner provided the opportunity for the first presentation of the new Princess Benedikte Award: a recognition of major contributors to WAGGGS over several years. The business part of the meeting took place in Pune. Some members stayed in hotels, but many chose to stay at Sangam – the WAGGGS World Centre in India. The traditional welcome evening at Sangam was fascinating, with a Hindu and Guiding ceremony resulting in the lighting of friendship lamps, and everyone receiving a garland of fresh flowers. The presentation evening was also held at Sangam, where over 20 new members were presented to the Princess.
The monsoon during that evening will also be remembered, as the rain seemed to find its way through the tent. Members will not forget the vision of HRH Princess Benedikte, in a stunning dark red sari together with Wellington boots worn to avoid the huge puddles following the monsoon downpour!
The two Members’ Meetings were held over two days in hotels in 
Pune. Members heard reports from Charlotte Christ-Weber, President of OB-PS, together with OB-PS Board members, about the business aspect of OB-PS and learnt some of the ways in which WAGGGS has used their donations.
Priyanka Halunde, a young woman who had just returned from working as a volunteer at Pax Lodge, spoke to the meeting, and described the truly dramatic way that the experience had changed her life. Elspeth Henderson, the Chairman of the WAGGGS World Board, gave a challenging insight into to the work of WAGGGS and emphasised the opportunity for OB-PS members to invest in the future of young women - a high return for no risk.
Lydia Mutare, Strategies for Growth director in WAGGGS, also gave a powerful speech. She talked at length about the Juliette Low Seminar that had just finished at Sangam and the challenging world faced by many young women today. Presentations were also given on the work undertaken by the team at Sangam and by local members of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, together with the award-winning FAO project, based in Pune.
Pune. Members heard reports from Charlotte Christ-Weber, President of OB-PS, together with OB-PS Board members, about the business aspect of OB-PS and learnt some of the ways in which WAGGGS has used their donations. Priyanka Halunde, a young woman who had just returned from working as a volunteer at Pax Lodge, spoke to the meeting, and described the truly dramatic way that the experience had changed her life. Elspeth Henderson, the Chairman of the WAGGGS World Board, gave a challenging insight into to the work of WAGGGS and emphasised the opportunity for OB-PS members to invest in the future of young women - a high return for no risk.
Lydia Mutare, Strategies for Growth director in WAGGGS, also gave a powerful speech. She talked at length about the Juliette Low Seminar that had just finished at Sangam and the challenging world faced by many young women today. Presentations were also given on the work undertaken by the team at Sangam and by local members of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, together with the award-winning FAO project, based in Pune.HRH Princess Benedikte made herself readily available to chat to as many new (and old) members as possible. She challenged all of those present to find one new member by the next gathering.
The Members’ Meeting concluded with an invitation to come to Iceland for the next OB-PS Annual Event. We look forward to seeing you there!
And the view from Sangam …..
The staff and volunteers at Sangam enjoyed welcoming their visitors from all over the world! Sally Thornton, World Centre manager at Sangam said: "This year’s visit of OB-PS members to Sangam was an amazing opportunity for our World Centre to share with the members all that we have to offer. From the welcome ceremony for 150 plus people on the campsite in a giant tent, to shopping trips in the bazaars of Pune and then the contrast of meeting people involved in community service organizations with whom we partner – it was all a great experience.
For our volunteers and staff to be able to meet OB-PS members from around the world and share the Sangam Indian experience was truly special. We know that we now have many more supporters who will help to spread the Spirit of Sangam in an ever widening circle and encourage more leaders and young women to attend our programmes and seminars."