PM’s ‘Visit Border Villages’ Is A Vision Worth Applauding

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for youth to visit border villages is a necessary step toward building a deeper, more meaningful connection with the nation. In an age where virtual experiences often replace real ones, his vision of “stepping onto the ground to understand India” is both timely and transformative. The Viksit Vibrant Village programme, under which over 400 young participants from every state and UT lived in 74 border villages across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, offers more than just a tour. It provides a window into the lives of those who guard our frontiers—people for whom, as Modi rightly observed, “the country matters more than themselves.” This is about understanding. In these remote villages, participants witnessed world-class mobile networks, UPI payments, and road infrastructure—proof that development has reached the last mile. They also experienced the warmth of homestays, the pride of local artisans, and the discipline of ITBP personnel. These are lessons no textbook can teach. What makes this programme truly significant is its focus on Gen Z—a generation often accused of being disconnected from ground realities. By living with local communities, participating in Swachhta drives, cultural exchanges, and Mini Model Panchayat simulations, these young Indians are not just observing; they are learning to contribute. They return with a stronger resolve to “live for the country”. Border villages are not the end of India; they are its beginning. They are the first line of defence and the first face of development. PM’s emphasis on treating them as “the country’s first village” is a shift in mindset—from viewing borders as peripheries to recognising them as priorities. The VVV programme is a powerful reminder that patriotism is also knowing the land, understanding its people, and strengthening the resolve to serve. When the youth connects with the land, it makes the vision of a developed India even more expansive. That is a vision worth applauding.