Youth Participants Explore Border Villages of Spiti Under Vibrant Village Programme 2026.
Shimla:
Young participants from various states across India visited remote border villages in the tribal region of Spiti as part of the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (VVVP) 2026, jointly organized by MY Bharat, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
The visit aimed to promote youth engagement, cultural exchange, national integration, and stronger connections with communities living in India’s border regions. Through a series of educational, cultural, and interactive activities, participants gained first-hand exposure to the unique lifestyle, traditions, and challenges of life in the high-altitude Himalayan region.
During the programme, the youth participants took part in a yoga session organized by ITBP personnel. The session emphasized physical fitness, mental well-being, and discipline. Following the yoga programme, ITBP officers and jawans conducted physical training and unarmed combat sessions, where participants received valuable lessons in self-defense, discipline, teamwork, and basic combat techniques.
The interactive training sessions provided young participants with an opportunity to understand the rigorous lifestyle and responsibilities of security personnel serving in challenging border areas.
In a bid to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship, the participants also played a friendly cricket match with ITBP personnel. The sporting activity promoted teamwork, fair play, and mutual understanding while strengthening bonds between the youth and security forces.
As part of the educational outreach component of the programme, the participants visited the Government High School at Lalung. They interacted directly with local students and took part in various recreational and cultural activities, including dance performances and volleyball matches. The interaction enabled meaningful exchanges between visiting youth and local students, encouraging friendship, learning, and cultural understanding.
The participants later visited a local monastery, where they were introduced to the rich cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage of the Spiti Valley. The visit provided insights into the traditions, values, and way of life of communities residing in one of India’s most remote and strategically significant regions.
Organizers said the experience helped participants develop a deeper appreciation for the resilience and cultural richness of border communities while enhancing their understanding of the importance of national unity and social responsibility.
The Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026 seeks to encourage youth participation in nation-building, promote cultural exchange, strengthen bonds between different regions of the country, and foster a spirit of service and unity among young citizens. The initiative also aims to bring greater awareness to the lives and contributions of people living in India’s border villages, reinforcing their vital role in the nation’s development and security.
