Sri Chamundi Scout Group, very familiarly known as 21st Bangalore, started its mission as early as in the year 1918, at a place called Sigebeli, in Chamarajpet, Bangalore.
In the year 1917, the Imperial headquarters, on pressure and insistence from Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, Pt. Hridayanath Kunzru, Dr. Anne Besant (An Irish lady who was the authority of our own doctrines), Mr. Rajaram Mohan Roy, Sardar Lakshman Singh and many others, decided and allowed the Indian boys to join the Scout movement. After granting the permission for Indian children to join scouting, Sri Chamundi Scout Group is the FIRST OPEN UNIT to be started in Bangalore, Karnataka, with the first Group Leader Mr. Thirunarayana Iyengar. As of today, it is the oldest open unit in the country, existing with sustained activities for 102 years and still growing stronger.
Sri Chamundi Scout Group has earned the Patronage of the then Royal Family by mere Merit and Efficiency and earned the Coveted Award THE Maharaja’s flag and subsequently called the Maharaja’s own troop . In 1923, the Parents Committee of the group had Sri Sirsi Ananda Rao as its President, Major Y. V. K. Murthy (who later became Chief Scout Commissioner of the State) as Secretary and Sjts. K. Chandy, N. Madhva Rao, Dr V. K. Badami, H. Visweswaraiah, S. A. Srinivasan and others as members. In the year 1941, Mr. (Late) M.R.Narasimha Iyengar with his attachment to the Group was able to procure land for the Group in Malleshwaram, from the then Muncipality of Bangalore measuring (50′ x 30′ – EW x NS).
Group thrives very hard to train each and every incoming boy/girl for the highest and coveted award, the ‘Rastrapathi Badge’. Sri Chamundi Scout Group from the beginning is very famous for Public service activities and actively participated in many Community service Projects. Here it may be mentioned that when there was a devastating fire in Cubbon Park during 1930s, Group service and assistance were lauded by each and every officials including the Royal family. First Aid, Fire Fighting, Rescuing and now the Environmental awareness, Ecology, Aids Awareness, Anti Tobacco campaign etc are the pass words for the Group.
In 1960 we felicitated our founder MHR at a traditional function in our group’s premises. We cherish the poem (duly reproduced) composed by Sri M. Venkata-krishnappa (A close associate of MHR and a veteran Silver Elephant Awardees) during the celebrations. To-day i.e., from 1972, onwards Group is situated on a premises with Two buildings, Kitchen, and water supply to cater to any camping activities either for the Group or for any Scout/Guide unit who wishes to Camp. Group also possesses Camping equipment like Tents, required Pioneering materials, Band sets, Study materials etc. In addition to the Group training its own children in the Group, it is extending its services to other Schools also in Bangalore.
Yearly two major camps to new places (where our old heritage is existing, where ancient temples are Located ,where ample of opportunities for adventure cum Scouting/Guiding activities are available, where even parents on their short visit have the satisfaction of having visited the places otherwise they could not have).In addition our group participates in the camps and rallies conducted by District Association, State Head Quarters, National Head Quarters and sometimes international events.
Also, Sri Chamundi Scout & Guide Groups have many activities too for elderly people with no upper age limit but with a lower age limit of 20 under the banner Karnataka Scouts And Guides Fellowship Chamundi Guild, which is the First Guild in the world. This is under the scheme Movement for Adults recognized by WOSM & WAGGGS (World Organisation for Scout Movement & World Association for Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) this is a supporting unit with elders with their abundant experience for the youngsters. The main AIM of Guild is ‘Service’.
It is adjudged as the Best Open Unit in the Country. Our group is acknowledged as the Unique Open Unit by Sri Lankan Commissioner, Asia pacific Region Directors and Commissioner. It tops the list of Units in the Asia Pacific Region Countries (27 countries) with maximum number of Maharaja’s Scouts, Bharat Scouts, President Scouts and the present Rastrapathy Scouts under the title of ATAS(association of top achievers in scouting) numbering more than 610 as of 2010. During our Platinum Jubilee we were honoured with the Long Serving Open Unit Award from NHQ and our State Chief Commissioner Sri K. B. Shanmukhappa received it on our behalf.