In a significant initiative aimed at empowering border areas as new centres of development and public participation, the second phase of the Developed Vibrant Villages Programme 2026 commenced from Kinnaur on Wednesday, with 63 youths set to work in 13 border villages for seven days.
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme 2026 from the ITBP Base Camp at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur on Wednesday.
The programme aims to accelerate the holistic development of border areas, engage youth in nation-building, and foster meaningful interaction with border communities. The initiative is part of the Government of India’s broader vision to develop border villages not merely as security outposts but as centres of growth, opportunity, and self-reliance.
In this phase, 63 participants from various states across the country will work in 13 border villages, divided into six clusters. Over the next seven days, the youths will stay in villages across Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, engaging with local communities and conducting social, cultural and public awareness activities.
The participants were flagged off by Deputy Commandant Virendra Singh of the 17 Battalion of the ITBP. He said border villages are a vital pillar of the nation’s identity and security, and youth participation brings social energy and new ideas to these areas. He urged the participants to work with a spirit of national unity, service and community leadership.
Before departing for the villages, the participants underwent three days of acclimatisation training at the ITBP Base Camp in Reckong Peo. The training included health check-ups, physical preparation, safety guidelines, familiarisation with local culture and traditions, preparation for working in high Himalayan conditions, and interactive sessions with ITBP officers. The objective was to equip them for effective work in challenging geographical conditions.
During their stay, the participants will undertake cleanliness drives, sports and youth activities, cultural exchanges, interactions with schools and local communities, awareness campaigns on government schemes, and community development programmes. These efforts are expected to foster trust, collaboration and shared learning between the youth and marginalised communities.
The Vibrant Villages Programme is emerging as a significant initiative that offers young people an opportunity to understand life in border areas, connect with local culture, and actively contribute to the nation-building process.
