It’s all in the mind
India celebrates National Youth Day on 12 January. The 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. National Youth Week and Festival is celebrated in the week commencing from National Youth Day. Began in 1995, every year, the festival is celebrated in collaboration with one of the states and institutions like Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and the National Service Scheme. Continue to live with the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year to the festivities is on the digital platform. PM Narendra Modi addressed the youth at the festival held at Puducherry.
Viveka means perception. Ananda is Joy. The joy of perception is Vivekananda.
Sadhguru
There is so much to the name. Swami Vivekananda is an iconic leader who was very vocal about youth’s importance in nation-building. Vivekananda himself personified the boundless energy of the youth and a restless quest for truth. The future of the country rides on the shoulders of youth. Celebrating every occasion to empower young people is so important. Swami Vivekananda’s life and teachings have encouraged millions across the world.
Life of Narendra Before he became Swami Vivekananda’s is an excellent lesson for youth. Narendra Nath Dutta was his name and was born to Vishwanath Dutta and Bhuvaneshwari on 2 January 1863 in Kolkata. The sudden demise of his father changed the family fortunes, pushed them into poverty and struggle. Unemployment almost drove Narendra to despair and become an atheist. His chance meeting of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa at Dakshineshwar’s Kali temple has changed his life and outlook, and Swami Vivekananda was born. While many recall Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, its significance lies in introducing India’s culture, importance, and Hinduism. Swami Vivekananda’s weapons of winning the world were education and peace. No wonder that late Chakravarti Rajagopalachari described Swami Vivekananda as the person who had saved Hinduism and India. Mahatma Gandhi credited Vivekananda for increasing the love for the country thousandfold. Vivekananda’s writings and teachings impacted many of India’s nationalist leaders, fighting against colonial rule.
UN estimates indicate that people between 15 and 24 years of age are 1.21 billion and account for 15.5 % of the global population. India is home to a fifth of the world’s youth population. China, Indonesia, the US, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, and Bangladesh follow the list with the highest youth population. The demographic dividend can be realised when the nations take the necessary steps. Most of the countries where the youth population dominates are developing countries. This can help see their economies prosper, provided they invest heavily in young people’s education and health and protect their rights.
The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm and courage of the young people
Kailash Satyarthi
Celebrating youth day is an occasion to introspect to ensure just and all-around 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 affecting 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 give them the freedom to achieve their goals.
Humans bubble with energy in youth. With increasing youth, demographic dividends can be harnessed if attention is paid to their growth, especially mental health. The challenge is harnessing the same and providing direction. Remembering the writings of Swami Vivekananda is a way to go forward.
Swami Vivekananda said, “Take risks in your life, if you win, you can lead. If you lose, you can guide”. After all, it is all in the mind.
We are what our thoughts have made us; so, take care about what you think. Words are secondary.
Swami Vivekananda
Thoughts live; they travel far
Logs: Sai Baba
ToonLogs written earlier on this theme can be accessed at:
