As part of Govt of India’s initiative of Vibrant Village Program for fostering a sense of vibrancy in the border villages a Vibrant Village Camp was conducted under the aegis of Director General National Cadet Corps (NCC) by Darjeeling & Sikkim Group of West Bengal & Sikkim NCC Directorate in border village of Changu, in East Sikkim. The four day camp was conducted from 25th to 28th April 2025, focused on eco-tourism, community development and national integration.
Senior Girl and Boy cadets of National Cadet Corps from 1 and 3 Sikkim Battalion NCC, Gangtok, participated in the camp, engaging with the local community, promoting eco-tourism, and showcasing their skills in various activities.The cadets visited Changu and Chipsu villages, interacting with locals, and conducting cleanliness and tree plantation drives. They also organized an awareness campaign on eco-tourism, distributed pamphlets and interacted with yak herdsmen and other tourism stakeholders.
The final day of the camp a lecture on agniveer recruitment into the army was conducted, a veterinary camp for yaks, and a cultural program by the cadets. The event was attended by the local population including the Zila panchayat members of Gnathang sarpanch of villages of Changu, Chipsu and Thegu. The local police and forest officials were also in attendance during the event.
Speaking to media after the event Mr Mingma Sherpa of Changu village appreciated the NCC cadets for their efforts for bringing vibrancy to the remote village and was thankful to the Govt of India for the initiative. He also mentioned that such programs should continue for more holistic development in the remote border villages.
The cadets also interacted with soldiers and got an insight into the lives of soldiers in border areas. A display of gun firing drills was also conducted at Artillery gun position near Changu.
The camp was conducted in coordination with Black Cat Artillery Brigade and was a resounding success, with cadets contributing wholeheartedly to the camp. The NCC is committed to promoting national integration and bringing vibrancy in the border areas and this camp has been an important step in that direction.
