PM Modi said the Viksit Vibrant Village programme enables youths to experience the culture, livelihood and patriotism of India’s border villages. Addressing participants virtually, he highlighted youth engagement, national integration and the government’s vision of developing border villages as India’s first villages.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Viksit Vibrant Village programme has been designed to give the country’s youth an opportunity to experience the culture, traditions, livelihood and socio-economic realities of India’s border villages, while strengthening their understanding of national unity and the importance of frontier communities.
Addressing participants through a virtual interaction, the Prime Minister said the initiative reflects the government’s vision of treating border settlements as the “first villages” of India rather than the last. The interaction witnessed participation from youths representing nearly 250 districts across the country, highlighting the programme’s nationwide reach.
PM Modi recalled that the government had earlier launched ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’, a platform aimed at encouraging youth participation in nation-building. He said millions of young people have connected with the initiative, contributing to various developmental programmes and social campaigns.
Praising the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants, the Prime Minister said young Indians have demonstrated their commitment to national development through initiatives such as the ‘Viksit Bharat Dialogue’ and the ‘Viksit Vibrant Village’ programme.
“The idea was to physically connect the youth with different parts of the country so that they gain first-hand knowledge about India’s diversity and developmental aspirations,” PM Modi said. He added that villages across the country are filled with aspirations for progress, and understanding these aspirations is essential for building a developed India.
Highlighting the significance of border villages, PM Modi said the programme encouraged youths from different states to travel to villages in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Ladakh, where they interacted closely with local communities. The participants learned about their lifestyle, food habits, traditions, occupations and the unique challenges they face while living near international borders.
The Prime Minister said the initiative also aimed to help young people understand how residents of border villages contribute to national security through their unwavering patriotism and resilience. According to him, these communities continue to place the nation’s interests above personal convenience despite facing geographical and infrastructural challenges.
“Our goal was to make our youth experience this reality themselves,” PM Modi said, while appreciating the participants for becoming part of village life during their stay. He noted that many youths adapted to the daily routines of villagers, creating meaningful interactions and gaining valuable life experiences.
Sharing details of the selection process, the Prime Minister said nearly three lakh youths participated in the programme’s contest, out of which more than 400 participants were selected for the immersive experience.
Describing the initiative as a true example of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, PM Modi said it promotes emotional integration by enabling young citizens from different regions to understand one another’s culture and way of life.
The Prime Minister also shared his personal connection with border regions, recalling that he had visited several border villages even before entering politics and governance. He added that he continues to visit border areas whenever possible and regularly meets soldiers deployed along the country’s frontiers.
Referring to the experiences narrated by the participants, PM Modi said each one had returned with unique memories and valuable lessons, reflecting the diversity and strength of India’s border communities.
He stressed that India’s journey towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ depends significantly on the contribution of its youth. According to him, the younger generation possesses the energy, determination and commitment needed to accelerate national development.
“The youth strengthen the aspiration to live and work for the country,” he said, urging them to continue participating in nation-building initiatives.
The Prime Minister further observed that although many border villages lacked basic infrastructure until a few years ago, their residents never wavered in their patriotic spirit. He said the government’s decision to designate these settlements as the first villages of India, which receive the country’s first rays of sunlight, symbolises their strategic and cultural importance.
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PM Modi reiterated that the development of border villages remains a national priority, adding that empowering these communities while encouraging youth participation would contribute significantly to building a stronger, more inclusive and developed India.
