Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a virtual interaction with participants of the Seva Sankalp Yatra, acknowledging their ongoing journey between Vadnagar and Varanasi and emphasizing the role of grassroots engagement in nation-building.
The motorcycle-based initiative brings together youth and volunteers who are travelling across towns, districts, talukas and villages while conducting service activities and engaging with local communities. The journey is being undertaken in 10 groups between Vadnagar and Varanasi from September 17 to October 7.
During the interaction, Modi spoke about the practical challenges associated with long-distance yatras, including changing weather, locations and logistical requirements. Referring to his earlier organizational work within the BJP, he said his experience of organizing and participating in such journeys had given him an understanding of the difficulties involved.
The Prime Minister also linked the concept of seva, or service, with various welfare initiatives. He cited food-grain distribution and the Ayushman Bharat health scheme as examples of efforts aimed at supporting people in need. He said politics, elections and governance have their respective roles, while service-oriented initiatives can contribute to broader efforts toward national development.
Modi also underlined the importance of youth in the country’s long-term development goals. He said young people need to understand India beyond what they encounter in their immediate surroundings by travelling across regions, interacting with different communities and learning about their aspirations and concerns.
According to the Prime Minister, the Seva Sankalp Yatra can provide participants with an opportunity to experience the country’s social and cultural diversity firsthand. He described Vadnagar as his birthplace and Varanasi as his karmabhumi, or place of service, while highlighting the historical and cultural significance associated with both cities.
Modi said he has been following photographs and videos shared by participants during the journey and expressed appreciation for their involvement in service activities. He particularly noted the participation of young people, including women, in the initiative.
The Seva Yatra includes several forms of community engagement, such as Gram Sabha discussions, interactions with welfare beneficiaries, tree plantation, cleanliness campaigns, cultural programs and conversations with local social media influencers.
Participants are also undertaking activities tailored to local needs, including cleanliness drives around ponds, temples, schools, parks and hospitals, youth dialogues, Gram Sabha samvad and Gau Seva. Tree plantation activities are being conducted under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Through these activities, the organizers aim to combine public participation, social welfare, cultural interaction and youth involvement while carrying the message of seva to communities along the route.
