National Youth Day
By Dr Arvind Kumar
12th January is observed as the National Youth Day to commemorate the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, who was born on 12th January 1863. Swami Vivekananda in most of his lecutres and writings devoted plenty of attention on the overall development of youth. He wanted to incite plentiful youth associations, learning surrounds and overhaul assignments concerning the youth. It was in the year 1984 that the Government of India proclaimed that Swami Vivekananda birthday was to be renowned as ‘National Youth Day’ from 1985. The Government of India stated that the allusion ‘the attitude of Swamiji and the principles that he stayed alive and worked could be an enormous source of appreciation for the Indian Youth’. The National Youth Day is celebrated at schools and colleges throughout the country. On this day, the Educational institutions conduct the parades, speeches, narrations, songs, youth conferences, colloquium, Yogasanas, awards, contest in essay-writing, presentations and games in every year.
There are 315 million young people aged 10–24 years in India, representing 30 percent of the country’s population. This cohort is healthier, more urbanized, and better educated than earlier generations. At the same time, these young people face significant risks related to health, education, career choice and many lack the knowledge and power they need to make informed opinion about their future. This solemn occasion reminds society’s responsibility to look after the overall development of youth. The youth of the day shoul emulate Swami’s message: “Choose the highest ideal and live your life upto that. Look at the “ocean” and not at the wave.”
