National Youth Day
National Youth Day Celebration
Introduction:
In 1984, Swamiji's birthday was declared by the government as 'National Youth Day.' The day is celebrated to inspire the youth generation and to awaken the religious thoughts of Swami Vivekananda in our future generations. The age between 15-25 years is considered youth, and in India, about 40% of the total population falls under this generation. As per the advice of Swami Vivekananda Ji, “The supreme value of youth is incalculable and indescribable. Youth is the most precious part of human life. The way you utilize this time will determine the nature of your future years. Your happiness, success, respect, and good name all depend on the path you choose now.” This day is celebrated with great devotion in the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission as well as their branch centers. Also, this day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in almost all educational institutions of the country.
Table of contents:
- What is National Youth Day?
- When is National Youth Day celebrated in India?
- What is the theme of National youth Day, 2024?
- Signification of National Youth Day
1) What is National Youth Day?
Every year, National Youth Day is celebrated on 12th January on the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the father of the Ramakrishna Mission. The Indian government has declared Swamiji's birthday as National Youth Day in 1984. Till then, from 1985, 12th January is celebrated as National Youth Day.
2)When is National Youth Day celebrated in India?
National Youth Day marks the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, the first Hindu monk, who had gone to the West and introduced eastern thought at the World Parliament of Religions in the connection of the World Fair in Chicago in 1893. The government declared the 12th of January as National Youth Day in 1984, and from 1985, each year, this day is celebrated as National Youth Day.
3)What is the theme of National Youth Day, 2024?
A new theme is set for every year to celebrate this day. The theme set for National Youth Day of 2024 is 'Arise, Awake, and Realize the Power You Hold.' Every year, 12 to 16 January is celebrated as National Youth Week. During this time, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, holds the National Youth Festival. It is a joint venture and is celebrated annually in one of the states with the aim to propagate the concept of national integration, the spirit of communal harmony, brotherhood, courage, and adventure.
4) Signification of National Youth Days:
India's most influential national leader and thinker, Swami Vivekananda's birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day. Basically, this day is celebrated to recognize the potential and power of India's youth. The significance of National Youth Day includes:
- Celebrating the youth: The youth generation plays a vital role in building the nation. This day emphasizes the potential of the young as the executors of social change.
- Inspiring the youth: The day inspires the youth with the philosophy, teaching, and ideals of Swami Vivekananda.
- Promoting harmony: The cultural and educational activities performed this day promote solidarity across the country.
- Encouraging self-realization: It helps to boost self-realization in every young person to navigate societal pressures.
- Acknowledging youth contributions: It acknowledges the positive contributions of young people to society, such as community service, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Empowering the youth: The day is celebrated to empower the youth to drive social change and development.