“My hope of the future lies in the youths of character, intelligence, renouncing all for the service of others, and obedience-good to themselves and the country at large.” This is a quote from the most extraordinary Indian monk Swami Vivekananda. He not only believed in India when it was going through one of the darkest times of its life-the British rule, but he also believed that India held its future in her own hands and the youth are the carrier of the great India we are seeing today.
His vision, thoughts, and service towards the poor made Swami Vivekananda the most respected spiritual leader from the eastern world.
This great monk emphasized the youth’s role in society in the quote mentioned above. He also said that the young need to build the quality to work for the community and thus work for the country. Seeing the current growth of India in terms of economy and other aspects, we can proudly say that Vivekananda’s vision is becoming a reality.
He also dedicated many of his writings to the young because he believed that the children of India could transform the country into something new. India can become a vision, the greatest country in the world. That is why celebrating Vivekananda Jayanti as National Youth Day is genuinely a matter of great significance.
His words and teachings are the sources of motivation for every Indian, especially for the young generation. This country that tries to stand true to the words of Swami Vivekananda has been silently inspiring the students to become leaders and hold the country’s great future in their hands. All this is because of one man’s belief!
Vivekananda Jayanti as we mentioned is celebrated as National Youth Day. But why is this day so significant for every Indian?
According to the official communication from the Central Government, Swamiji’s philosophy and thoughts using which he worked and lived can become a source of motivation for everyone and specially the young force of this nation. That is why January 12, the birth of Swami Vivekananda, is celebrated as National Youth Day.
But why youth day? This question might come to a lot of people’s minds. But we ask the question, why not? According to a prediction done a little ago, around fifty-three per cent of India’s population will be below thirty in the near future. The remaining forty-seven per cent will be between the ages of thirty and above.
Since the Youth in India report recognizes people aged between eighteen to twenty-nine as a youth, this day, known as Vivekanda Jayanti or National Youth day, becomes relevant.
Also, according to a 2021 parameter, twenty-two per cent of the Indian population is between the ages eighteen to twenty-nine, making this country the youngest country in the world. If we look at the numbers, around 260 million people in India, among 130 crore population, are youth. Looking at these statistics, India is investing in its future by trying to inspire the youth through Vivekananda’s thoughts and vision and the coming era is surely going to be Indian era.
Swami Vivekananda’s world-famous speech at the world’s parliament of Religion in Chicago shows his vision, love and respect for the world. He provided the speech when India was under strict British colonial rule, and its identity was almost nowhere to be seen. He recalled India’s long and significant history and reminded the world how this country always welcomed migrants and thought of them as their own. That may be why every religion is free in this country. Every person can follow their faith without being afraid.
“We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true,” Swamiji said. “I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered the purest remnant of the Israelis in our bosom. Who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the same year their holy temple was shattered by Roman tyranny.”
His speech shows that Vivekananda was a visionary who saw India’s greatness when no one could see it. He talked about personal growth, a strong mindset and universal good, which has become the main motto of India today. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, the world is one family, keeping this thought in mind, we can say that today, Swami Vivekananda’s vision of serving people irrespective of religion and sex indeed becoming true!
National Youth Day, or Vivekananda Jayanti, is a great way to unite and inspire the young people of India and celebrate his teachings. This day is an excellent opportunity for this country’s young generation to think about this great man’s life and try to do something to make a positive change in the world around them.
Every school and college celebrates this day by doing various activities. For example, some conduct seminars, and lectures, while some young people participate in multiple community service projects. Simply put, there is no particular way of celebrating this day, but it has only one purpose, promoting the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, thereby creating a new vision among youngsters.
Swami Vivekananda once addressed the young generation of India and said,” you have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you. None can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your soul.” He always believed in the growth of the soul and that it is nothing but education and the right way of life that can bring the change we all wish to see in this world.
He was a monk, but he never believed in any superstition. He was responsible for his faith and hope; therefore, he became the ideal for the vast youth population of India.
Every year, January 12 comes with a celebration and hope for every citizen of this country. But India is not the only country interested in celebrating the Vivekananda Jayanti. Countries like Canada, Japan, etc., celebrate this day.
Vivekananda’s emphasis on education, social responsibility, and self-teaching has become ideal, and people worldwide have accepted his teachings with open arms.
We live in a world with a lot of grey factors. When the world deals with negative issues like global warming, terrorism, and violence, Swami Vivekananda and his teachings come as a ray of hope, and we start thinking the world would become a better place if we all are wiling to work for it!
To quote the great man “Strength is life, Weakness is death”.
Panchayiti pays homage to the great dynamic leader on his birth anniversary.
Swami Vivekananda Jayanti
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