Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held a significant interaction with the participants of the Viksit Vibrant Village Program 2026 through video conferencing. During this dialogue, the Prime Minister sought suggestions from the youth and emphasized the deep-rooted tradition of collectivity in India. The interaction was particularly notable as the youth participants, representing the Gen-Z generation, shared their unique perspectives on nation-building and even explained their interpretation of the term Gen-Z to the Prime Minister.
A Special Program for National Integration
Addressing the participants, Prime Minister Modi remarked that the program was truly special, bringing together youth from approximately 250 districts across the country. He extended his greetings to all the participants and recalled the launch of the 'Mera Yuva Bharat' (MY Bharat) platform a few years ago. The Prime Minister noted that today, millions of young people are connected through this platform, and MY Bharat volunteers are performing commendable work across the nation. He praised the participants for showcasing their capabilities brilliantly, from the Viksit Bharat Samvad to the Vibrant Village Program.
From Virtual to Ground Reality
The Prime Minister shared a thought he had previously discussed during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. He encouraged the youth to move beyond virtual mediums and step onto the ground to truly understand India. He emphasized that experiencing life in villages is essential to connect with the country and understand the immense developmental aspirations of the people living there. By visiting these areas, the youth can gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist at the grassroots level.
Gen-Z Redefines Nation Building
During the interaction, Divyanshu Joshi, a young participant, presented a new definition of Gen-Z on behalf of all MY Bharat volunteers, while he assured the Prime Minister that the Gen-Z generation is fully dedicated to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat. According to Joshi, for this generation, Gen-Z stands for Nation-Building, Character-Building, Service, and Innovation. He stated that Gen-Z represents the philosophy of 'Nation First'. The youth participants also shared that they've recorded their experiences during their visits to border villages and plan to share a detailed summary note with the Prime Minister soon.
The Vision of Viksit Gaon Program 2026
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Viksit Gaon Program, implemented through MY Bharat, is designed to realize the Prime Minister's vision of treating India's border villages as the 'first villages' of the nation, while the goal is to make these villages active partners in the journey toward a developed India. The Viksit Gaon Program 2026 was organized in two phases from June 4 to June 30, covering 74 vibrant villages across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Selection and Activities of Participants
The PMO statement further detailed that more than 400 young participants, representing every State and Union Territory, were selected through a nationwide online quiz competition. This competition saw participation from over 300000 young individuals. During the program, the participants stayed with local communities and engaged in various activities, including Swachhata Abhiyan (cleanliness drives), awareness campaigns for government schemes, youth conventions, cultural exchange programs, and plantation drives. They also participated in mini model panchayat simulations, interacted with local artisans, and visited institutions of strategic importance. This comprehensive program provided participants with direct exposure to the socio-economic landscape, cultural heritage, and developmental aspirations of India's border regions, fostering a deeper understanding of community participation, national unity, and the strategic significance of border villages.