Despite the mercury plummeting to the all time low of 2 degrees Celsius, the National Youth Day marking the156th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was observed enthusiastically in schools, colleges and religious institutions across the district on Friday. Various welfare activities and motivational programmes were undertaken by the organisations to mark the day.
Vivekananda Vichar Manch based in Shivalik Nagar organised a symposium on the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda attended by industrialists and social workers among others. A small drama was staged by the students of Vivekananda Vichar Manch on the childhood days of the swami.
Speaking to The Pioneer, patron of Vivekananda Vichar Manc, Arun Saraswat said, “Vivekananda embodies fearlessness and strength. He is inspiration incarnate for all as he preaches determination to reach the goal, braving all adversities, however daunting. His message is- strength is life and weakness is death. Whenever any weakening thought grips our minds we look up to the monk for inspiration, for strength,” he said.
He further said that one can learn about the principles of management from Vivekananda who embodies the mantra of success based on the path of dharma.
In his introductory address, Naresh Mohan quoted Tagore- If you want to know India, study Vivekananda; in him everything is positive and nothing negative. “This was said by Romain Rolland in a letter written to Swami Ashokananda. He said he heard Tagore using such words about the monk while talking to him,” he said.
From Rishikesh, Swami Chidanand Saraswati in a message said Swami Vivekananda had made a clarion call for a large- hearted Bharat, an inclusive, assimilative Bharat which stands for oneness of humanity in the divinity.