Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth, visited Phobrang village in Ladakh’s Changthang district to interact with participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (VVVP), an initiative aimed at strengthening national integration and youth engagement in India’s border regions.
The event, organised by MY Bharat, brought together youth participants, local residents, officials of the civil administration, the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and other stakeholders. The programme began with a traditional Ladakhi welcome, followed by the rendition of Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, describing India’s youth as the country’s greatest strength. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s goal of nurturing one lakh young leaders from non-political backgrounds to drive social transformation through service, innovation and community participation. He also urged young people to register on the MY Bharat portal, noting that more than 3.20 crore youth have already joined the platform.
The Minister encouraged participants to become ambassadors of cleanliness, environmental conservation, social harmony and active citizenship. He said initiatives like VVVP deepen emotional integration by connecting young Indians with border communities and fostering a stronger sense of national responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjay Seth described India’s border villages as the nation’s “first villages” rather than its last. He said exposure to frontier regions helps youth appreciate the sacrifices of local communities and security forces, inspiring them to contribute to national unity, border development and a self-reliant India.
The Ministers also interacted with villagers and ITBP personnel, acknowledging their role in safeguarding the nation’s borders while preserving Ladakh’s unique cultural heritage.
Participants shared their experiences of living in Phobrang, describing the programme as a transformative journey that enhanced their understanding of the strategic, cultural and social importance of border villages. A cultural performance by a local Ladakhi troupe showcased the region’s rich traditions, while a plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign reinforced the commitment to environmental conservation.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by MY Bharat’s State Director for Ladakh, Ms. Tajamul Ara, who reiterated the organisation’s commitment to empowering youth through initiatives promoting leadership, national integration and community participation.
