PM Modi Calls on Youth to Lead India's Border Village Transformation at Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026, urging young Indians to become active partners in developing the country's border villages and strengthening the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
- Over 3 lakh youth applied for the programme.
- More than 400 participants visited border villages.
- Focus on tourism, infrastructure and youth engagement.
- Border villages described as India's "first villages".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026, calling upon India's youth to become active partners in the development of the country's border villages. Speaking to hundreds of selected young participants connected from nearly 250 districts, the Prime Minister described the initiative as an opportunity to experience India's diversity firsthand while contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
The programme brought together youth volunteers under the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform, encouraging them to spend time in remote villages across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Ladakh to understand local life, culture, development challenges and the strategic importance of India's frontier regions.
Nearly Three Lakh Youth Applied for the Initiative
During his address, the Prime Minister said the programme received an overwhelming response from young people across the country. Around three lakh applicants participated in the selection process, from which more than 400 youth were chosen to visit remote border villages.
The selected participants spent about a week living with local communities rather than in hotels or guest houses, allowing them to experience village life, traditions and the spirit of patriotism that defines India's frontier settlements.
Modi said the initiative reflects the vision of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat", enabling young Indians from different regions to understand one another through direct interaction and shared experiences.
Border Villages Are India's 'First Villages'
A central theme of the Prime Minister's speech was the government's changing approach towards border regions.
He said previous administrations often referred to frontier settlements as the country's "last villages," whereas the current government considers them India's "first villages" because they are the first places to welcome the sunrise, interact with neighbouring countries and represent India's presence along its borders.
According to the Prime Minister, this change in perspective has been accompanied by increased investment in infrastructure and public services.
Infrastructure Development Transforming Remote Regions
Highlighting recent progress, Modi said several border villages have witnessed significant improvements in essential infrastructure.
According to the Prime Minister, development efforts have focused on:
- Expansion of road connectivity.
- Rural electrification.
- Household tap water connections.
- LPG gas connections.
- Better internet and digital connectivity.
- Improved educational and healthcare facilities.
- Enhanced transport for farmers and horticulture produce.
He said improved connectivity has helped residents access markets more easily while creating new opportunities for employment, education and entrepreneurship.
Tourism Emerging as a Growth Engine
The Prime Minister also emphasised tourism as an important driver of economic development in border regions.
He encouraged young participants to promote the villages they visited through photographs, videos and authentic stories on social media. He also urged them to collaborate with local content creators and showcase regional culture, traditional products and natural beauty to a wider audience.
Educational institutions were encouraged to organise study tours to border villages so that more students can better understand India's geography, heritage and national security.
Tribute on Kargil Vijay Diwas
The address coincided with Kargil Vijay Diwas, and the Prime Minister paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of India's Armed Forces.
He noted that several participants had visited areas near Kargil during the programme, giving them an opportunity to witness the challenging terrain where Indian soldiers fought with extraordinary bravery during the 1999 conflict.
Modi also recalled his long-standing tradition of celebrating Diwali with Indian soldiers stationed along the country's borders, describing it as a symbol of gratitude for their service.
MY Bharat Platform Strengthening Youth Participation
The Prime Minister praised the growing role of the MY Bharat platform, saying millions of young people have become part of the initiative since its launch.
He said programmes such as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue and the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme demonstrate how youth participation can strengthen national development by encouraging civic engagement, innovation and community service.
Youth Asked to Share Their Experiences
Calling the participants "ambassadors of border India," Modi urged each of them to share their experiences with at least 100 other young people.
He encouraged them to:
- Publish photographs and videos from their visits.
- Promote local tourism.
- Support traditional handicrafts and regional products.
- Stay connected with residents of the villages they visited.
- Inspire friends and family members to explore India's frontier regions.
According to the Prime Minister, greater public engagement will accelerate both tourism and infrastructure development in these strategically important areas.
Vision of a Developed India
Concluding his address, Modi reiterated that India's youth will play a defining role in shaping the country's future.
He said young people are not only beneficiaries of India's development but also its greatest strength, adding that direct engagement with communities, especially in remote regions, will create stronger national unity while supporting the goal of building a developed India by 2047.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi addressed participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026.
- Nearly three lakh youth applied, with more than 400 selected.
- Participants stayed in border villages across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Ladakh.
- Government reaffirmed its vision of treating frontier settlements as India's "first villages."
- Focus remains on roads, electricity, drinking water, internet connectivity and tourism.
- Young participants were encouraged to promote border villages through social media and community outreach.
- The Prime Minister linked the programme with national integration, youth leadership and the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat.
Conclusion
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged every participant to inspire others to visit India's border villages and contribute to the country's long-term development goals.
FAQs
What is the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme?
It is a government initiative that enables young people to visit and stay in India's border villages to understand local communities, development initiatives and the strategic importance of frontier regions.
What is MY Bharat?
MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) is a youth engagement platform designed to connect young Indians with nation-building activities, volunteering opportunities and leadership programmes.
Why are border villages called India's "first villages"?
The government describes them as India's first villages because they represent the country's frontiers and are the first points of contact along the nation's borders.
What message did PM Modi give to young people?
The Prime Minister urged youth to actively participate in nation-building, promote border tourism, support local communities and share their experiences to strengthen national unity and contribute to the vision of a developed India.
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