Border villages not country’s last but first villages: MoS Defence Sanjay Seth
Phobrang (Ladakh), Jun 27: Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, on Saturday visited Phobrang Village in Changthang District, Ladakh, to interact with participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (VVVP), organised at the Community Hall, Phobrang, in the presence of State Director MY Bharat Ladakh, Tajamul Ara, Deputy Commissioner Changthang Nitish Rajora, officers of MY Bharat, Indian Army, ITBP, civil administration, local representatives, and villagers.
The dignitaries were accorded a warm traditional Ladakhi welcome with Khataks. The programme commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram followed by the National Anthem.
In his keynote address, Dr Mandaviya reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, stating that the youth of India are the greatest strength of the nation and will play the most decisive role in transforming India into a developed nation by the centenary year of Independence.
Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the country aims to nurture one lakh young leaders from non-political backgrounds who will lead positive social transformation through service, innovation, and community participation. He appealed to every young citizen to register on the MY Bharat Portal, informing the gathering that more than 3.20 crore youth have already joined the platform.
The Minister encouraged participants to become ambassadors of positive change by promoting cleanliness, environmental conservation, social harmony, innovation, and active citizenship, adding that programmes like VVVP strengthen emotional integration by connecting youth with India’s border communities.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Seth lauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conceptualising programmes like VVVP, remarking that India’s border villages are not the country’s last villages but its first villages, representing the nation’s strength, courage, and identity. He urged participants to carry the message of national unity, patriotism, and service back to their respective states and inspire more young people to contribute towards the development of border areas.
The Ministers interacted with villagers and ITBP personnel, appreciating their unwavering dedication and resilience. Participants shared their experiences of living and interacting with local communities, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister and MY Bharat for providing the unique opportunity to experience life in a border village. A colourful cultural performance by a local Ladakhi cultural troupe showcased the region’s rich heritage.
A plantation drive under the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was also organised outside the Community Hall, where dignitaries, participants, and local residents planted saplings.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Tajamul Ara, who expressed sincere gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable support. She reaffirmed MY Bharat’s commitment to empowering youth through meaningful initiatives that foster leadership, national integration, and community participation across the country.
