"Nation comes first; amenities later": PM Modi lauds patriotic spirit of border village communities
New Delhi, July 26
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the deep-rooted patriotism and resilience of people living in India's border villages, describing their spirit as an embodiment of the nation's ethos.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme, implemented through the MY Bharat digital platform, has been conceptualised to realise the PM's vision of treating India's border villages as the first villages of the nation and making them active partners in the journey towards Viksit Bharat. It was organised in two phases from June 4 to June 30, covering 74 vibrant villages across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Over 400 youth participants, representing every State and Union Territory, were selected through a nationwide online quiz competition that witnessed participation from more than three lakh youth, the statement added. As part of the programme, participants lived with local communities and undertook activities such as Swachhta drives, awareness campaigns on Government schemes, Yuva Sammelans, cultural exchange programmes, tree plantation drives, Mini Model Panchayat simulations, interactions with local artisans and visits to institutions of strategic importance.
While interacting with the participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Program 2026 via video conferencing, PM Modi emphasised that the border communities prioritise national security and unity above basic amenities, making these locations vital centres of national strength rather than remote outposts.
"In our border villages, one witnesses a unique blend of the aspiration for development and a spirit of patriotism--at times, it seems as though the country matters more to the residents than their own selves. The nation comes first; amenities come later. This is a distinct impression one gathers from these border villages," he said.
PM Modi noted that the 'Viksit Vibrant Villages Programme' allowed the participants to visit remote villages across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh to observe daily occupations, cultural traditions, food habits, and security awareness firsthand.
"The objective, therefore, was for youth from various districts across the country to visit villages in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh. We wanted them to experience how people live there--their food habits, occupations, culture, and way of life--and to understand the challenges they face, and how aware the residents of these first villages are regarding national security?" he remarked.
PM Modi praised the selected participants for immersing themselves in local communities during their week-long stay. He commended the youth for building lasting bonds with the villagers
"Our aim was for the youth of our nation to gain firsthand experience of all these aspects. The enthusiasm displayed by the youth across the country has been remarkable. Approximately 3 lakh young people participated in this initiative, and over 400 were selected. You all spent a week in these remote villages--places that were previously unfamiliar to you. You endeavoured to experience life there, integrate with the local community, and connect your own culture with theirs. There could hardly be a better example of the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat," he said.
The programme provided participants with first-hand exposure to the socio-economic landscape, cultural heritage and developmental aspirations of India's frontier regions, while fostering community participation, national integration and a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of border villages, the PMO said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from Uttarakhand, I can vouch for the patriotism of our border villagers. They truly live and breathe 'nation first'. Good to see this program involving 3 lakh youth—this is how we build Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. But let's not forget that many of these villages still lack proper electricity and water supply. Amenities and security must go hand in hand.
Interesting program. I've visited a few border villages in Ladakh and the resilience of the people there is remarkable. They face extreme weather, limited connectivity, and yet stand guard for the nation. The cultural exchange aspect is particularly smart—it helps youth understand that these aren't just borders but living communities with rich traditions. Hope more such initiatives come up.
It's wonderful that the PM is highlighting the spirit of border communities. But let's be honest—these villages have been neglected for decades. They need better schools, hospitals, and employment opportunities. 'Nation first' shouldn't be an excuse for lack of development. Happy that this program involves youth but the real change will come when we actually build infrastructure there.
Salute to the border villagers! 🙏 The 'first villages' concept is beautiful—turning border areas into vibrant hubs rather than isolated outposts. The Mini Model Panchayat simulations and cultural exchanges are great ways to build understanding. I just wish we could fast-track development in these areas. Our jawans and villagers deserve the best amenities.
This program is a step in the right direction—connecting India's youth with our border
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