The nation on Sunday paid homage to Swami Vivekananda on National Youth Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of the iconic philosopher, spiritual leader and one of India’s foremost youth icons.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers led tributes, recalling Swami Vivekananda’s enduring influence on India’s youth and his vision of a spiritually awakened and socially responsible nation.
In her message, President Murmu described Swami Vivekananda as “a timeless visionary and spiritual icon who preached that inner strength and service to humanity were the foundations of a meaningful life”.
Vice President Radhakrishnan said Swami Vivekananda’s life and teachings “emphasised inner strength, self-discipline, and selfless service as the pillars of a purposeful life”.
Prime Minister Modi said Swami Vivekananda remains “a powerful source of inspiration for India’s youth”. He asserted that “Swami Vivekananda’s personality and works continuously infuse new energy into the resolve for a developed India”.
Also read: Modi, Murmu pay homage to Swami Vivekananda on Youth Day
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also paid tributes, underlining the relevance of Vivekananda’s ideas in contemporary India.
National Youth Day is observed annually on January 12 to honour Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary. The day was designated by the Government of India in 1984, recognising his role in inspiring generations of young Indians to pursue character-building, social service and national pride.
Born in 1863 in Kolkata, Swami Vivekananda rose to global prominence after his historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he introduced Indian philosophy and Vedanta to the West. His emphasis on youth empowerment, education, fearlessness and service to humanity continues to shape national discourse.
Across the country, educational institutions, youth organisations and cultural bodies marked the occasion with seminars, lectures, meditation sessions and community service activities, reaffirming Vivekananda’s call to harness youthful energy for nation-building.
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