Phobrang (Ladakh): Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Saturday visited Phobrang village in Changthang district of Ladakh 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 of MY Bharat, Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), civil administration, local representatives and villagers.
The dignitaries received a traditional Ladakhi welcome with Khataks. The programme began with the rendition of Vande Mataram followed by the National Anthem.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is committed to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, with youth playing a decisive role in transforming India into a developed nation.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he said efforts are underway to nurture one lakh young leaders from non-political backgrounds who can contribute to social transformation through service, innovation and community participation.
Dr Mandaviya urged young citizens to register on the MY Bharat Portal and participate actively in nation-building initiatives. He informed that more than 3.20 crore youth have already joined the platform and are contributing through volunteering, leadership development and community service.
He encouraged participants to become ambassadors of positive change by promoting cleanliness, environmental conservation, social harmony, innovation and responsible citizenship. He said programmes like VVVP help strengthen emotional integration by connecting youth with India’s border communities and creating awareness about their contribution to the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Seth appreciated the vision behind the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme and said India’s border villages are not the last villages of the country but its first villages, representing national strength, courage and identity.
He said exposure to frontier regions helps youth understand the contribution of local communities and armed forces personnel who safeguard the borders under challenging conditions. He urged participants to carry the message of unity, patriotism and service to their respective states and inspire others to contribute towards the development of border areas.
The Ministers also interacted with villagers and ITBP personnel and appreciated their dedication, resilience and contribution towards safeguarding the nation’s borders while preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Changthang Nitish Rajora highlighted the importance of VVVP in promoting national integration by connecting youth from across the country with vibrant border villages.
Participants shared their experiences of interacting with local communities and described the programme as an opportunity to understand the strategic, cultural and social importance of border areas while strengthening their commitment towards nation-building.
A cultural performance by a local Ladakhi troupe showcased the region’s rich heritage and traditions. A plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was also organised outside the Community Hall, where the Ministers, officials, participants and residents planted saplings.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Tajamul Ara, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and reaffirmed MY Bharat’s commitment to empowering youth through initiatives promoting leadership, national integration and community participation.
