The first edition of the Vande Mataram Camp 2026, organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, concluded at Barasat, after a week-long programme aimed at promoting leadership, national integration and active citizenship among young people.
Held from June 24 to 30 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the National Song, Vande Mataram, the camp brought together 150 youth delegates from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The camp featured a series of expert-led sessions on the Indian Constitution, Directive Principles of State Policy, leadership development and government flagship initiatives. Participants also took part in interactive workshops and team-building exercises designed to enhance leadership skills, teamwork and civic awareness.
Emphasising the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the programme provided a platform for cultural exchange, with delegates showcasing the traditions, folk art and heritage of their respective States and Union Territories. The activities encouraged greater understanding, unity and appreciation of India’s cultural diversity.
A key attraction of the camp was an educational visit to the ancestral residence and museum of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, where participants learned about the historical significance of Vande Mataram and its contribution to India’s freedom movement.
The delegates also participated in community outreach initiatives, including a cleanliness drive, a plantation campaign and the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge, reinforcing the values of environmental responsibility, social service and a drug-free society. Group presentations on innovation and entrepreneurship highlighted youth-driven solutions for rural development, sustainability and technology-enabled social impact.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by Pijush Kanti Das, Director, Department of Youth Services and Sports, Government of West Bengal, along with senior officials of MY Bharat and Brainware University. The dignitaries praised the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the participants and underscored the importance of such initiatives in developing responsible and empowered young citizens.
The camp concluded with a collective rendition of the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’, reflecting the delegates’ shared commitment to nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat through leadership, service and active citizenship.
