National Youth Day 2023, Vivekananda Jayanti: History, Significance and all you need to know

India celebrates National Youth Day on January 12 every year to commemorate Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary.

Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk, philosopher and one of India’s greatest leaders who believed in the youth empowerment.

He was a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He played a major role in the contemporary Hindu reform movements in India, contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India and also founded the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.

History

Honoring Swami Vivekananda’s contribution towards the country and its youth, the Government of India, in 1984, took the decision to celebrate his birthday on January 12 as National Youth Day every year. “The philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth Day,” the Government of India quoted.

Following the announcement, from 1985, Vivekananda’s birthday was celebrated in the country and all Ramakrishna Mission branch centres worldwide, as National Youth Day.

Significance

National Youth Day is celebrated every year in memories of Swami Vivekananda and also to encourage the youth in the country so they could gradually evolve in various aspects and later contribute to  the development of the country.

Celebrations

National Youth Day is observed across the country, especially at educational institutions. The event includes several activities like processions, seminars, speeches, youth conventions, music, yoga asanas, sports and essay-writing competitions. Various Ramakrishna Mission branch centres celebrate the day with mangal arati, special worship, fire-ritual, meditation and devotional song recitation.