Channelising Youth Power for Nation Building
Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached
Swami Vivekananda
India celebrates National Youth Day on 12 January. This date was chosen to honour Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, one of India’s most incredible spiritual and social leaders. It is a celebration of the ideals and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda. It was declared by the Government of India in 1985. 2021 will mark the 24th edition of the National Youth Day. It is also called the Yuwa Diwas.
Viveka means perception, Ananda is Joy. The joy of perception is Vivekananda, says Sadhguru. There is so much to the name. Swami Vivekananda is one of the iconic leaders who were very vocal about youth’s importance in nation-building. He saw hope for the future in every child and believed that with “muscles of iron” and “nerves of steel” they could bring about social change. Vivekananda himself personified the boundless energy of the youth and a restless quest for truth. The future of the country rides on their shoulders of youth. Celebrating every occasion to empower young people so important.
Born on 12 January 1863 in Kolkata, the spiritual thinker was unlike any other monk. What Swami Vivekananda achieved overseas played a significant role in reviving India’s image as a land of spirituality. The speech he delivered at the Parliament of World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893 which began with “Sisters and brothers of America” immortalised the ideals the monk believed in globally. Swami Vivekananda’s weapons of winning the world were education and peace.
A National Youth Festival is conducted coinciding the celebration of National Youth Festival and organised during 12-16th January and is a celebration across the country. Due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 pandemic, the festivities are on the digital platform. PM Narendra Modi will address the National Youth Parliament Festival.
With many youths in India, it is vital to propagate national integration, the spirit of communal harmony and brotherhood. This year’s National Youth Festival theme is YUVAAH. It signifies the youthfulness of the youngsters and provides a platform to showcase their talent.
UN report indicates that with 356 million 10-24-year-olds, (28%) India has the world’s largest youth population despite having a smaller population than China. It would be interesting to see which the countries follow India in terms of the youth population. China is second with 269 million young people, followed by Indonesia, the US, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, and Bangladesh. The demographic dividend will be realised when the nations take the necessary steps. Most of the countries where the youth population dominates are developing countries. This can help to see their economies prosper, provided they invest heavily in young people’s education and health and protect their rights.
South is a period of intense energy. In directing and harnessing is the key to a successful life
Sadhguru
@SadhguruJV
Celebrating youth day is an occasion to introspect the steps to ensure just and all-round growth. Another important aspect is to address the often talked “generation gap”- the increased number of mental health issues being faced the world over and effecting the youth more than others. Swami Vivekananda says “The energy and dreams of young people have the potential to sustain the future. Keep a positive outlook and stay happy”. The challenge is to keep the youth, focused and joyful and lead and give them the freedom to achieve their goals.
Toons: Anusha and Reema Jaiswal
Logs: Sai Baba
