Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has highlighted the importance of Arunachal Pradesh’s border villages, stating that they are not only the country’s first line of defence but also centres of rich cultural heritage and resilience. According to Mein, empowering the youths through initiatives such as the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme (VVVP) is vital for building a ‘Viksit Arunachal’ and a ‘Viksit Bharat.’
The VVVP aims to strengthen development and improve the quality of life in villages located along India’s international borders. In Arunachal Pradesh, several villages along the Indo-China, Indo-Myanmar, and Indo-Bhutan borders are being covered under different phases of the programme. The initiative focuses on improving road connectivity, telecommunications, electrification, tourism infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities to ensure that border villages remain vibrant, self-reliant, and strategically important.
Mein praised the programme, saying it provides young people with an opportunity to understand the unique lifestyle and traditions of border residents while strengthening their sense of responsibility towards society and the nation. He expressed encouragement at seeing students from Tawang gain firsthand exposure to the traditions, culture, and way of life of border communities through the programme.
The deputy chief minister emphasized that such initiatives help nurture future leaders, deepen appreciation of the country’s cultural diversity, and encourage young people to play a meaningful role in nation-building. By promoting sustainable livelihoods, improving connectivity, and preserving the cultural identity of border communities, the VVVP aims to encourage greater participation of local people in the country’s development process.
Mein’s comments were made in a social media post, where he described the border villages as ‘living repositories of culture, resilience, and heritage.’ He reiterated the importance of initiatives like the VVVP in building a stronger, more vibrant nation.
