Somnath, Gujarat, December 2024 – In a ground-breaking step towards the revitalization of India’s border villages, Mr. Nachiket Joshi, Convenor of Manthan, has announced the launch of the Seema Vandan Yatra, a transformative journey by road designed to spotlight and engage with India’s border communities. Scheduled to commence on December 19, 2024, from the sacred town of Somnath, Gujarat, the first phase of this initiative will traverse border villages across Gujarat and Rajasthan, culminating in Sri-Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Eventually they will cover all the borders of India.

The Seema Vandan Yatra will offer participants, including NGOs, social workers, students, an immersive and educational experience as they explore the resilience, lifestyle, and significant contributions of border communities. Organized under the Campaign on Rejuvenation of Border Villages in India, spearheaded by the Seema Jagran Manch, this initiative seeks to foster a deeper understanding of India’s border dynamics while laying the groundwork for sustainable, grassroots development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has  highlighted the importance of India’s border villages, referring to them as the nation’s “first villages” rather than its last. In a speech during the Independence day.

The Seema Vandan Yatra complements this national vision by engaging directly with border residents to collaborate on sustainable development plans originating from the grassroots level and promote border tourism. Throughout the journey, the team will interact with villagers, local leaders, and stakeholders, assessing areas like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihoods to draft actionable development strategies.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Nachiket Joshi said, “Our border villages stand as the first line of defence and represent a source of immense national pride. The Seema Vandan Yatra is not just about acknowledging their sacrifices but actively contributing to their holistic development along with heartfelt gratitude to the villagers for their unwavering contribution towards the nation”

The Seema Vandan Yatra 2024 marks a significant step toward ensuring that India’s border villages receive the attention, resources, and opportunities they deserve, paving the way for sustainable progress and national unity.