Phobrang (Ladakh), June 27: Declaring that India’s border villages are “the country’s first villages, not its last,” Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Saturday urged young participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (VVVP) to become ambassadors of national unity and contribute to the development of frontier regions during an interaction in Phobrang village of Ladakh’s Changthang district.
Addressing the participants, Seth said India’s border villages represent the nation’s strength, courage and identity, and that exposing youth to these frontier regions helps them understand the sacrifices made by local communities and security forces guarding the country’s borders under challenging conditions. He urged participants to carry the message of patriotism, service and national unity back to their respective states and inspire more young people to visit and contribute to the development of border areas.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who accompanied Seth during the visit, said India’s youth would play the most decisive role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He urged young people to register on the MY Bharat portal, noting that more than 3.20 crore youth have already joined the platform and are contributing through volunteering, leadership development and community service.
Mandaviya said the government aims to nurture one lakh young leaders from non-political backgrounds to drive positive social transformation through service, innovation and community participation. He encouraged participants to promote cleanliness, environmental conservation, social harmony and active citizenship, saying programmes like the VVVP strengthen emotional integration by connecting youth with India’s border communities.
The two ministers also interacted with villagers and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel, appreciating their dedication to safeguarding the nation’s borders while preserving the unique cultural heritage of the region.
The programme, organised by MY Bharat at the Community Hall in Phobrang, was attended by State Director, MY Bharat Ladakh, Tajamul Ara; Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Nitish Rajora; officers of the Indian Army, ITBP, civil administration, local representatives and villagers.
Welcoming the gathering, Rajora highlighted the role of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme in promoting national integration by connecting young people with India’s border villages.
Participants shared their experiences of living and interacting with local communities in Phobrang, describing the programme as a transformative journey that deepened their understanding of the strategic, cultural and social importance of border villages while strengthening their sense of patriotism and commitment to nation-building.
The event also featured a cultural performance by a local Ladakhi troupe showcasing the region’s rich heritage and traditions. A plantation drive under the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was organised outside the Community Hall, where the ministers, participants and local residents planted saplings to promote environmental conservation.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Tajamul Ara, who reaffirmed MY Bharat’s commitment to empowering youth through initiatives that foster leadership, national integration and community participation across the country.
