PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun/ Uttarkashi
The seven-day Viksit Vibrant Village programme, organised by Mera Yuva Bharat under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, concluded in Uttarkashi. Youth volunteers from Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Himachal Pradesh visited several India-China border areas spread across Uttarkashi district and the border villages marked as Vibrant Villages to gain a deeper understanding of the development works being done, local culture and challenges the life in the border areas face.
According to officials, during the seven-day programme, the visiting youth received a special briefing on border security and the strategic importance of the Vibrant Village initiative from the 12th Battalion at ITBP’s Matli Camp. On completing the necessary documentation, the youth undertook a challenging and scenic trek to Kandara Bugyal, testing their physical and mental fitness.
The officials further said that while they were in Sukhi village, the youth had engaged in a special dialogue with the village head. Through a village survey, they explored local problems and self-employment opportunities. The youth also had a direct dialogue with the village head of Jhala. Additionally, sports competitions were organised for the participants, along with a special session focusing on “Government Schemes and Youth Participation in Politics.”
A major highlight of the programme was the visit to historical and strategic border villages such as Nelong and Jadung, located along the India-China border, on the fifth day of the visit. Following this, a special interaction session was held with the deputy commandant of ITBP, allowing the youth to learn about the country’s security systems and the army’s management in adverse conditions. The youth also visited the Gangotri Dham and the village.
The officials informed that the young participants who had demonstrated exemplary discipline and outstanding performances during their study of the border areas, were awarded certificates.
