Phobrang , June 27: 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 Changthang region of Ladakh to interact with participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (VVVP). The programme was held at the Community Hall in the presence of senior officials from MY Bharat, civil administration, Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), local representatives and villagers.
The dignitaries were warmly welcomed with traditional Ladakhi Khataks. The event commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram followed by the National Anthem, setting a patriotic tone for the programme.
In his keynote address, Dr. Mandaviya reiterated the government’s commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, stating that India’s youth are the driving force behind the nation’s transformation into a developed country by its centenary year of independence. He emphasized that structured youth engagement programmes like VVVP are crucial in shaping responsible leadership rooted in service, innovation and social responsibility.
He highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision of nurturing one lakh young leaders from non-political backgrounds who can contribute to nation-building through active participation in community development initiatives. Dr. Mandaviya urged youth to register on the MY Bharat portal, noting that over 3.20 crore young people are already part of the platform, contributing through volunteering, leadership development and social outreach.
Encouraging participants to become ambassadors of positive change, he called upon them to promote cleanliness, environmental protection, social harmony and civic responsibility in their respective regions. He added that exposure to border villages through programmes like VVVP strengthens national integration and instills pride in India’s frontier communities and armed forces.
Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth lauded the Prime Minister’s vision behind VVVP, stating that border villages are not the country’s last villages but its first line of strength, courage and national identity. He emphasized that such programmes help youth understand the hardships of border communities and the dedication of security forces safeguarding the nation in difficult terrain.
He urged participants to carry forward their experiences and spread awareness about national unity, patriotism and service-oriented values. He also encouraged youth to actively contribute to the development of border regions and become partners in building a strong, secure and self-reliant India.
During the interaction, officials and dignitaries also engaged with villagers and ITBP personnel, appreciating their resilience, commitment and role in safeguarding national security while preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Changthang Shri Nitish Rajora highlighted the significance of VVVP in promoting national integration by connecting youth with remote border villages. Participants shared their experiences, describing the programme as transformative and expressing gratitude to the Government of India and MY Bharat for the opportunity to engage closely with local communities.
A cultural performance by a local Ladakhi troupe showcased the rich heritage of the region and was widely appreciated by all present. A plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was also organised, where saplings were planted by dignitaries, participants and villagers as a gesture of environmental commitment.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Tajamul Ara, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and reaffirmed MY Bharat’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development and national integration through meaningful grassroots initiatives.