New Delhi [India], July 27 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Program 2026.
Highlighting the nationwide participation, he welcomed young participants representing around 250 districts across the country, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Reflecting on the establishment of the 'Mera Yuva Bharat - MY Bharat' platform a few years ago, the Prime Minister said it has expanded to include crores of young citizens. He praised the work being carried out by the youth network across the country, particularly its role in initiatives ranging from the Viksit Bharat Dialogue to the Viksit Vibrant Village Program.
"Today, the young friends of MY Bharat are doing exceptionally commendable work across the entire country," PM Modi said.
Recalling the launch of the initiative during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, the Prime Minister said the objective was to encourage young people to move beyond virtual interactions and understand the realities of the country at the grassroots level. He said more than 400 youth were selected from three lakh participants to visit border villages in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Ladakh, where they experienced local cultures and witnessed the patriotic spirit of the people.
"Connecting your culture with the culture there is absolutely the finest example of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat," PM Modi said.
Sharing his personal experiences with border communities before assuming office, the Prime Minister recalled the tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers stationed on the frontlines. Referring to the experiences shared by the participants, he spoke about the affection shown by local communities and the courage of the armed forces. He also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
"The bravehearts hoisted the flag of victory under the most challenging circumstances, and this entire experience of the Viksit Vibrant Village has been truly magnificent," PM Modi said.
Describing developed villages as the foundation of a Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister said the active participation of young people at the grassroots level broadens the country's development vision and strengthens their commitment to nation-building.
"When the youth of the country actively connects with the ground, they make the overarching vision of a Viksit Bharat even broader," PM Modi said.
Acknowledging the hardships faced by people living in border regions, the Prime Minister praised their patriotism despite difficult living conditions. He criticised the neglect of these areas in the past, saying many border villages lacked basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity and hospitals.
"We should be immensely proud that even under such severely deprived circumstances, the patriotism of the people in the border villages never weakened," PM Modi said.