Two MoS Dr. Mansukh a nd Sanjay Seth visited Phobrang Village in Changthang District
28/06/2026
Phobrang,Ladakh,June 27 (KIP)- Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Hon'ble Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth, today visited Phobrang Village in Changthang District, Ladakh, to interact with the 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, Ms. Tajamul Ara, Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Shri Nitish Rajora, officers of MY Bharat, Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), civil administration, local representatives and villagers.
The dignitaries were accorded a warm traditional Ladakhi welcome with Khatas. The programme commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, creating a patriotic atmosphere befitting the occasion.
Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Shri Nitish Rajora, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significance of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme in promoting national integration by connecting the youth of the country with India's vibrant border villages. The Goba of Phobrang also welcomed the Hon'ble Ministers and expressed gratitude to the Government of India for initiating programmes that are bringing development, recognition and new opportunities to the remote border regions of Ladakh.
Participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme shared their experiences of living and interacting with the local communities of Phobrang. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and MY Bharat for providing them with the unique opportunity to experience life in a border village and understand its strategic, cultural and social importance. They described the programme as a transformative journey that strengthened their sense of patriotism, national unity and commitment towards nation-building.
A colourful cultural performance by a local Ladakhi cultural troupe showcased the rich heritage, traditions and folk culture of the region, which was highly appreciated by the dignitaries and participants.
Addressing the gathering, Hon'ble Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth lauded the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for conceptualising programmes like the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme. He remarked that India's border villages are not the country's last villages but its first villages, representing the nation's strength, courage and identity. He said that exposing the youth to these frontier regions enables them to understand the sacrifices of the local communities and the armed forces who safeguard the nation's borders under challenging conditions. He urged the participants to carry the message of national unity, patriotism and service back to their respective states and inspire more young people to visit and contribute towards the development of border areas. He further emphasised that the youth must become active partners in building a strong, secure and self-reliant India.
In his keynote address, Hon'ble Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He stated that the youth of India are the greatest strength of the nation and will play the most decisive role in transforming India into a developed nation by the centenary year of Independence. Referring to the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he said that the country aims to nurture one lakh young leaders from non-political backgrounds who will lead positive social transformation through service, innovation and community participation.
Dr. Mandaviya appealed to every young citizen to register on the MY Bharat Portal and actively participate in nation-building initiatives. He informed the gathering that more than 3.20 crore youth have already joined the platform and are contributing through volunteering, leadership development and community service. He encouraged the participants to become ambassadors of positive change by promoting cleanliness, environmental conservation, social harmony, innovation and active citizenship in their respective regions. He added that programmes like VVVP strengthen emotional integration by connecting the youth with India's border communities and instilling in them a deep sense of national pride and responsibility. He also urged the participants to carry forward the values and experiences gained during the programme and motivate other young people to contribute towards the vision of a developed India.
The Hon'ble Ministers also interacted with the villagers and ITBP personnel, appreciating their unwavering dedication, resilience and invaluable contribution towards safeguarding the nation's borders while preserving the unique cultural heritage of the region.
A plantation drive under the nationwide campaign "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" was organised outside the Community Hall, where the Hon'ble Ministers, dignitaries, participants and local residents planted saplings, reaffirming their collective commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by State Director, MY Bharat Ladakh, Ms. Tajamul Ara, who expressed sincere gratitude to the Hon'ble Ministers, district administration, Indian Army, ITBP, local community, cultural troupe, volunteers and all stakeholders for their invaluable support in making the event a grand success. She reaffirmed MY Bharat's commitment to empowering youth through meaningful initiatives that foster leadership, national integration and community participation across the country.