Union Minister Mandaviya highlights fitness and nature during Meghalaya Trek
Shillong, May 30
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday participated in a Rhododendron trek in Shillong, Meghalaya, along with enthusiastic MY Bharat volunteers amid the scenic natural beauty of the region.
Interacting closely with the youth during the trek, Mandaviya highlighted the importance of fitness, adventure, environmental awareness, and deeper engagement with nature among young people, according to SAI Media.
He appreciated the energy and commitment of the MY Bharat volunteers and encouraged youth participation in activities that promote both physical well-being and environmental conservation.
The trek through Meghalaya's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant rhododendron trails reflected the spirit of youth connect, fitness, and nation-building through collective participation and shared experiences.
Earlier, the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, on Saturday commenced the first day of its two-day Chintan Shivir at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong, bringing together officers of the Department, MY Bharat and National Service Scheme (NSS) for deliberations on strengthening youth engagement, improving programme delivery and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat through youth-led development.
While addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said, "Today, with 2.17 crore youth volunteers, MY Bharat has emerged as a national movement of Jan Bhagidari. Our goal is to take MY Bharat to every district, every block, and every young citizen to ensure true last-mile connectivity."
He underlined the critical role played by District Youth Officers and NSS Officers in strengthening the youth development ecosystem and stressed the need to measure success through tangible impact and outcomes.
He also called for large-scale youth participation in the nationwide anti-drug campaign from June 26 to August 15; announced programmes in 150 educational institutions to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram; and reiterated the Ministry's commitment to establishing MY Bharat Centres in all 783 districts.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Trekking with youth volunteers—this is what we need more of! Fitness, nature, and nation-building go hand in hand. The anti-drug campaign from June 26 is crucial, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana where substance abuse is rampant. Let's hope these MY Bharat centres actually reach the last mile in rural areas. 👏🍃
Love the concept of linking fitness with environmental awareness. Meghalaya is a treasure. But I hope the 'Viksit Bharat' vision includes actual infrastructure for youth sports in remote areas—not just treks for photo ops. NSS and MY Bharat need better coordination to avoid duplication of efforts.
As someone from the Northeast, it's refreshing when Union Ministers actually visit and engage with local youth. The Vande Mataram programme in 150 institutions is nice, but I hope the Ministry also invests in local sports infrastructure in states like Meghalaya where natural terrain is perfect for adventure sports. Anti-drug campaign needs teeth—awareness alone won't solve it.
What a beautiful initiative! Trekking through rhododendron forests promotes both physical health and love for nature. I wish more such activities were organised for urban youth who rarely step out of concrete jungles. MY Bharat centres in all 783 districts—that's ambitious. Let's hope they don't become just another government office with no real impact.
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