National Youth Day 21': taking inspiration from the teachings of Swami Vivekananda

About National Youth Day

National Youth Day or Rashtriya Yuva Diwas is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, who was born on January 12, 1863. 

Swami Vivekananda was a disciple of the mystic and yogi, Ramakrishna Paramhansa who started a worldwide spiritual movement known as the Ramakrishna Mission. In 1983, Vivekananda was invited to speak at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago, at which he represented Hinduism. That speech changed everything. He had a massive impact and went on to become India’s spiritual ambassador in America. 

He is also widely known for being a great inspiration to Indian youth. This is why the Government of India decided in 1984 that January 12 would be marked as National Youth Day. The same day was also declared as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti on January 12, 1985.

Now, National Youth Day is celebrated all over the country with much excitement and vigour. Various schools and colleges organise several events ranging from speeches, seminars, competitions, recitations, sports, yoga sessions, and youth conventions. However, since the pandemic struck, most celebrations have been done virtually.  

Why do we celebrate Youth Day on Swami Vivekananda's birthday?

Swami Vivekananda was one of the most prolific figures, especially among the youth of India. He dedicated his life to teaching and guiding young minds during his life. 

By celebrating Youth Day, Indians get the chance to honour his contributions while encouraging others to follow the path of righteousness and hard work. This is the reason why National Youth Day is widely celebrated in schools, colleges, and universities. 

When is it Celebrated?

In India, National Youth Day is celebrated on 12 January every year. 

Importance of National Youth Day for students

With about 65 percent of the population being under 35 years of age, India is one of the youngest nations in the world. And when a nation has such a huge number of youngsters, it becomes a melting pot of great potential and prosperity. Nation Youth Day is a day when people can celebrate and encourage young minds to work hard and create a bright future. This is where the importance of National Youth Day lies. 

Today, lakhs of students and youths are inspired by the great teachings of Swami Vivekananda and National Youth Day is an excellent way to recall those teachings and lessons. 

Historical and key facts about National Youth Day

Here are a few interesting facts about Youth Day: 

• The first National Youth Day was celebrated in 1985. 
• The government of India changes the theme of National Youth Day every year, based on what's going on in the country. 
• National Youth Day is also celebrated widely by Ramakrishna Math and Mission via devotional programs, prayers, meditation, etc. 
• The theme of 2022 National Youth Day is ‘It’s all in the mind.’

Teachings Of Swami Vivekananda that every student should follow- H2

Below are some of the most popular and inspirational teachings by Swami Vivekananda: 

• “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”
• “In a day, when you don’t come across any problems - you can be sure that you are travelling on the wrong path.”
• “The greatest sin is to think yourself weak.”
• “The best thermometer to the progress of a nation is its treatment of its women.”
• “Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead, if you lose, you can guide.”
• “The reason for every misunderstanding is that we see the people as we are but not as they are.”
• “If money helps a man to do good to others, it is of some value; but if not, it is simply a mass of evil, and the sooner it is got rid of, the better.”
• “We are responsible for what we are, and whatever we wish ourselves to be, we have the power to make ourselves. If what we are now has been the result of our past actions, it certainly follows that whatever we wish to be in future can be produced by our present actions; so we have to know how to act.”
• “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”

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