The week-long Vande Mataram Camp 2026, organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, concluded on 30th June  at Brainware University, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal.

Held from 24th to 30th June 2026, the camp commemorated the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ and brought together 150 youth delegates from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to strengthen the spirit of national integration, cultural exchange and youth leadership.

Throughout the seven-day camp, participants engaged in a wide range of sessions and activities focused on constitutional values, leadership development, civic responsibility and nation-building. Expert-led sessions on the Indian Constitution, Directive Principles of State Policy, Government flagship initiatives and leadership development equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills, while interactive activities encouraged teamwork, critical thinking and collaborative learning.

The camp served as a vibrant platform for promoting the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, with participants taking part in peer learning sessions, cultural exchanges and traditional art demonstrations that celebrated India's rich cultural diversity. Delegates also showcased the customs, traditions and folk heritage of their partner States, fostering mutual understanding and national unity.

One of the highlights of the camp was the educational visit to the ancestral residence and museum of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, where participants explored the historical legacy of the National Song Vande Mataram and gained deeper insights into India's freedom movement and cultural heritage.

In line with the vision of youth-led nation building, participants also undertook community service initiatives, including a cleanliness drive, a plantation drive and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge, reaffirming their commitment towards environmental sustainability, social responsibility and a drug-free India. The camp also encouraged innovation and entrepreneurship through group presentations, where participants proposed solutions addressing rural livelihoods, sustainable development and technology-driven social impact.

The valedictory session was graced by Shri Pijush Kanti Das, Director, Department of Youth Services and Sports, Government of West Bengal, along with senior officials of MY Bharat and Brainware University. The dignitaries appreciated the enthusiasm and active participation of the delegates throughout the camp and reiterated the importance of such initiatives in nurturing responsible, informed and patriotic young citizens.

The camp concluded with a collective rendition of the National Song 'Vande Mataram', symbolising unity, patriotism and the shared resolve of the young participants to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat through service, leadership and active citizenship.

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Pawan Singh Faujdar

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