Governor Shri Acharya highlights role of border villages in building Viksit Bharat
Governor visits Patkijuli along India–Bhutan border; underscores women’s empowerment, youth development and rural self-reliance
Shri Acharya distributes certificates to women trained in beautician skills; flags off Bharat Darshan tour for border-area students
Guwahati,Rongili Barta: Underscoring that the strength of the nation lies in empowered communities and self-reliant villages, Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya today visited Patkijuli, a village along the India–Bhutan border in Tamulpur district, and called for collective efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods, empower women and provide greater opportunities to the youth. He observed that the vision of Viksit Bharat can be realised only when border villages become centres of inclusive development, economic self-reliance and social harmony.
On the occasion the Governor attended a programme organised by the 64th Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Patkijuli High School under the Namo Matribhoomi Suraksha avam Swavalamban Sankalp Saptah. The initiative, organised by Lok Bhavan, Assam, in association with the SSB under the Vibrant Villages Programme, focused on public welfare, healthcare awareness, women’s empowerment and the educational advancement of young people living in border areas.
Interacting with local residents, students and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Shri Acharya said that the development of border villages is integral to the vision of Viksit Bharat. He said that empowered villages and capable, confident villagers are essential to building a strong and self-reliant India. He also appreciated the dedication of the SSB personnel serving along the international border and acknowledged their contribution to the security of the nation and the welfare of border communities.
Extending his greetings to the people of Tamulpur on the eve of Navratri, the Governor highlighted the district’s rich ethnic traditions, tribal heritage and cultural diversity. He observed that the harmonious coexistence of different communities reflected the living spirit of Indian civilisation and demonstrated how unity in diversity strengthens the nation’s social fabric.
Speaking on nation-building, Shri Acharya called upon citizens to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, discipline and dedication. He said that meaningful national service began with contributing to the development of one’s village, supporting fellow citizens and working sincerely for the welfare of society. Reaffirming the spirit of ‘Nation First’, he urged upon the people to focus on what they could contribute to the country’s progress.
The Governor underscored the importance of the Vibrant Villages Programme in improving the quality of life in border areas, creating livelihood opportunities and promoting inclusive growth. He noted that villages along international borders are integral to India’s social, cultural and national life, and that their development is essential to strengthening local communities and ensuring that the benefits of progress reached people at the grassroots.
Highlighting women’s empowerment as a key driver of rural development, Shri Acharya appreciated the role of SHGs in promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening livelihoods and contributing to the rural economy. During the programme, he distributed certificates to women from the border areas who had successfully completed beautician training organised by the 64th Battalion of the SSB at the Border Out Post (BOP), Patkijuli. He encouraged the women to utilise their newly acquired skills to pursue self-employment, achieve financial independence and become active contributors to their families’ and communities’ prosperity.
Speaking on the importance of education and exposure for young people, the Governor urged students to dream big, pursue their studies with dedication, embrace emerging technologies and cultivate discipline and hard work. He stressed that girls must receive equal opportunities to access education, develop their capabilities and realise their aspirations.
As part of its youth outreach initiative, the SSB organised a Bharat Darshan tour for boys and girls from border areas. The Governor flagged off the contingent for its visit to Kolkata from October 10 to 15, 2026. The initiative is intended to provide students with opportunities to broaden their horizons, gain exposure to the country’s cultural diversity and strengthen their sense of national integration.
The programme also featured several community-oriented activities organised by the SSB, including a Medical Civic Action Programme and a Millets Mela to promote healthcare awareness, community well-being and knowledge of nutritious food. An oath under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was also administered for a drug-free society.
Earlier,Minister Biswajit Daimary delivered the welcome address. Following the programme at Patkijuli, the Governor proceeded to BOP Darranga, where he interacted with the jawans and shared Barakhana with them.
MLA Victor Das, Executive Members of the Bodoland Territorial Council Ganesh Kachari and Lakhi Das, Inspector General of SSB Sudhir Verma, Deputy Inspector General SSB, Rangia, Manoj Kumar, Deputy Inspector General of SSB Shri Neeraj Chand, Commandant of the 64th Battalion, SSB, Anuj Kumar, District Commissioner Tamulpur Simi Karan; SSP Tamulpur Suman Chakraborty; officers and jawans of the SSB, students and faculty members of Patkijuli High School; and other dignitaries and local residents were present on the occasion.