The 152nd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated as National Youth Day across the city on January 12. Ramakrishna Mission at Khar began the day with early morning prayers and garlanding of Swami's idols at Gateway of India and at Vivekananda Maidan in Mahim. It is said that the birth anniversary has coincided with the Hindu and the English calendar after 19 years.
The 152nd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated as National Youth Day across the city on January 12. Ramakrishna Mission at Khar began the day with early morning prayers and garlanding of Swami's idols at Gateway of India and at Vivekananda Maidan in Mahim. It is said that the birth anniversary has coincided with the Hindu and the English calendar after 19 years.
At Vikhroli, around 28 colleges and 15 youth clubs participated in the second edition of 'Yuvanaad' to observe the youth day. More than 1,000 youngsters participated in 17 events which included dance, street plays, debates, poster making and face painting, with the central theme being 'de-addiction' and related issues at the park site ground.
Organised by SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education & Health Action) foundation in collaboration with SHOUT (Students Helping Others Understand Tobacco), Yuvanaad saw youngsters from vernacular-medium schools and colleges, retail and hotel management institutes, slum children and youngsters who did not get a chance at higher education.
A member of Umang, a youth organisation from Juhu Koliwada, 16-year-old Sahil Nishad participated in a street play against eve-teasing. "I am participating in such an event for the first time and learned how to make better posters. We keep conducting rallies and, whatever we learned here, we will apply in our group. Through an event like this, we learn what we can improve, and gain exposure. We get to showcase our skills, for which we usually don't get an opportunity," he said.
Ramakrishna Mission had a day full of activities, which ended with a cultural performance of Odisi dance form on the journey of Swami Vivekananda's life. Around 600 college students attended the final seminar where actress Kangana Ranaut spoke about the lessons she imbibed, and how Swami's teachings had an impact her personal growth.
The head of volunteers at the Mission, Ratan Chaudhary spoke of the positive changes he is seeing in the youth today. He said that Swami Vivekananda always spoke about education that makes the man and builds the character, which in turn makes the nation.
Chaudhary added: "Students who enrolled in our projects have come back as teachers after 15 years. Every year, we see a 30% increase in participation from youngsters who want to serve society. The sense of responsibility has increased. There is no better youth icon than Swami Vivekananda."
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