The School of Internal Security and SMART Policing (SISSP) at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) recently conducted an educational visit to Himachal Pradesh under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP). The visit was organised in collaboration with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, within the Area of Responsibility of Sector Headquarters, ITBP Shimla.

The programme gave students practical exposure to border area development, internal security challenges, and SMART policing practices in high-altitude regions. An inaugural session at Sector Headquarters, Shimla kicked things off, where officers briefed participants about ITBP’s operational role, organizational structure, and its contribution to India’s border management.

Students explored various remote and strategically important border villages including Shipkila Pass, Lepcha Pass, Chango, Namgia, Chitkul, Sumdo, Moorang, Mastrang, Gue, Tabo, Charang, and Sangla Valley. These visits helped them understand the critical role of border regions in national security and witness the developmental initiatives implemented under the Vibrant Village Programme.

The students interacted with local villagers, Gram Panchayat Pradhans, and ITBP personnel, gaining insights into community engagement, border area challenges, and rural resilience. A memorable highlight was the Diwali celebration with ITBP personnel, symbolizing unity and the shared spirit of service and patriotism.

Students also interacted with senior officers including the Deputy Inspector General, Sector Headquarters Shimla, and the Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, who shared their experiences on leadership, coordination, and people-centric policing in difficult terrains.

The valedictory session, held at Sector Headquarters, ITBP Shimla, marked the programme’s conclusion. Officers appreciated the enthusiasm and discipline of the students and encouraged them to apply their learnings in the field of internal security and community policing.

The visit demonstrated the strong collaboration between Rashtriya Raksha University and ITBP, reinforcing the Government of India’s commitment to preparing future-ready policing professionals through experiential and field-based learning.