Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, visited Phobrang village in Changthang district of Ladakh on June 27 and interacted with participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (VVVP).

The programme was organised at the Community Hall, Phobrang, in the presence of State Director, MY Bharat Ladakh, Tajamul Ara; Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Nitish Rajora; officials from MY Bharat, Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), civil administration, local representatives and villagers.

The programme commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, setting a patriotic tone for the event.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He stated that the youth of India are the nation’s greatest strength and will play a decisive role in transforming India into a developed nation by the centenary year of Independence.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Dr. Mandaviya said efforts are underway to nurture one lakh young leaders from non-political backgrounds who can drive positive social transformation through service, innovation and community participation.

He encouraged young citizens to register on the MY Bharat Portal and actively contribute to nation-building initiatives. He informed that over 3.20 crore youth have already joined the platform and are participating in volunteering, leadership development and community service activities.

The Minister urged participants to become ambassadors of positive change by promoting cleanliness, environmental conservation, social harmony, innovation and active citizenship in their respective regions. He said programmes like VVVP strengthen emotional integration by connecting youth with India’s border communities and fostering a sense of national pride and responsibility.

Dr. Mandaviya also encouraged participants to carry forward the experiences gained during the programme and inspire other young people to contribute towards the goal of a developed India.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conceptualising initiatives like the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme. He stated that India’s border villages are not the last villages of the country but its first villages, representing India’s strength, courage and identity.

Seth said that exposure to frontier regions helps youth understand the sacrifices and resilience of local communities and armed forces personnel who safeguard the nation’s borders under challenging conditions. He urged participants to carry the message of national unity, patriotism and service to their respective states and encourage more youth to contribute towards the development of border areas.

The Ministers also interacted with villagers and ITBP personnel, appreciating their dedication, resilience and contribution towards safeguarding the nation’s borders while preserving the unique cultural heritage of the region.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Deputy Commissioner Changthang Nitish Rajora highlighted the significance of VVVP in promoting national integration by connecting youth from across the country with India’s vibrant border villages.

Participants shared their experiences of living and interacting with the local communities of Phobrang. They expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MY Bharat for providing them an opportunity to understand the strategic, cultural and social importance of border villages. They described the programme as a transformative experience that strengthened their sense of patriotism, national unity and commitment towards nation-building.

A colourful cultural performance by a local Ladakhi troupe showcased the region’s rich heritage, traditions and folk culture, which was appreciated by dignitaries and participants.

A plantation drive under the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was also organised outside the Community Hall, where Ministers, dignitaries, participants and local residents planted saplings, reaffirming their commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.