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National Youth Day Or Rashtriya Yuva Diwas 2024: Date, Background, and Theme

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National Youth Day or Rashtriya Yuva Diwas is observed in India every year on January 12 to honour the teachings and ideals of Swami Vivekananda.

National Youth Day Or Rashtriya Yuva Diwas 2024: Date, Background, and Theme

Context: National Youth Day or Rashtriya Yuva Diwas is observed in India every year on January 12 to honour the teachings and ideals of Swami Vivekananda.

National Youth Day: Swami Vivekananda Jayanti

Date: National Youth Day is observed in India every year on January 12 to honour the teachings and ideals of Swami Vivekananda who was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata.

  • 12th of January 2024 marks the 161st  birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, and is celebrated as National Youth Day. 

Background: The decision to celebrate Vivekananda’s birthday as National Youth Day was taken in 1984, and it was first marked on January 12, 1985. 

  • The government had then said that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked “could be a great source of inspiration” for the Indian youth.

About National Youth Festival 2024: 

On National Youth Day, Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is celebrating National Youth Festival in Nashik, Maharashtra.

  • Theme of the National Youth Festival 2024: MYBharat-ViksitBharat@2047- By the Youth, For the Youth.
  • Vision of Festival: To engage and empower every corner of the country’s young demographic.
  • Event will showcase the Youth power of the country and Youth of the country  will take a vow to make India developed by the year 2047, which will be the 100th year of Indian independence.
    • A cultural program showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the district and talents of the youth with the participation of winners of Yuva Utsav as well as teams/individuals from the host institutions to be presented at the end of the program.

About Swami Vivekananda

Initially his name was Narendra Nath Dutta, born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata. Swami Vivekananda was the chief disciple of 19th century mystic and yogi Ramakrishna Paramhansa who founded the Ramakrishna Math, a monastic order based on his guru’s teachings in Kolkata and a worldwide spiritual movement known as the Ramakrishna Mission based on the ancient Hindu philosophy of Vedanta.

  • Swami Vivekananda is considered one of the great Indian monks who enlightened the Western world about Hinduism. 
  • As a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, he pushed for national integration in colonial India and is credited with reviving Hinduism in the nation.

National Youth Day

Swami Vivekananda’s Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

  • Showed an early interest in Western philosophy, history, religion, and spirituality. Swami Vivekananda was Well-read in various subjects and meditated in front of Hindu deities’ images.
  • Met Ramakrishna Paramhansa, who became his Guru, and remained devoted to him until Ramakrishna’s death in 1886.
  • Adopted the name ‘Vivekananda’ in 1893 at the request of Maharaja Ajit Singh of the Khetri State, changing from his previous name ‘Sachidananda.’
  • Literary Works: Wrote books like Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Karma Yoga.
  • Death: Passed away on July 4, 1902.

Contributions Of Swami Vivekananda 

Swami Vivekananda’s achievements left a lasting impact on society. He worked tirelessly to improve humanity, promote spiritual enlightenment, and cultivate harmony, social justice, and interfaith understanding.

  • Introduction of Indian Philosophies: Swami Vivekananda played a crucial role in introducing the world to Indian philosophies, particularly Vedanta and Yoga. 
    • He preached a philosophy called “neo-Vedanta,” which provided an interpretation of Hinduism through a Western lens. 
    • Vivekananda believed in the harmony between spirituality and material progress.
  • Emphasis on Education: Swami Vivekananda laid significant emphasis on education as a means of regenerating India. 
    • He advocated for a holistic and character-building education system that aimed at shaping individuals to become self-reliant and morally upright.
  • World Parliament of Religions: Swami Vivekananda gained global recognition for his remarkable speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. 
    • His address highlighted the universality of religions, emphasizing the need for religious tolerance, harmony, and the unity of humanity.
  • Pathways to Liberation: In his books, Swami Vivekananda expounded on the four paths to attaining liberation (moksha) from worldly attachments and pleasures: 
    • Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. 
    • He provided practical insights into these paths to guide individuals on their spiritual journeys.
  • Influence on Modern India: Swami Vivekananda’s ideas and teachings deeply influenced modern India. 
    • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose referred to him as the “maker of modern India.” 
    • Vivekananda’s emphasis on self-confidence, national pride, and spirituality instilled a sense of purpose and revitalized the nation.

Associated Organizations Of Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda’s organizations spread his teachings, ideals, and vision for humanity and spiritual enlightenment. Here are some of them:

  • Ramakrishna Mission: As the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897. 
    • This organization focuses on value-based education, cultural preservation, healthcare, women’s empowerment, youth and tribal welfare, and relief and rehabilitation efforts.
  • Belur Math: In 1899, Swami Vivekananda established Belur Math as his permanent abode. 
    • Belur Math serves as the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, providing a spiritual sanctuary and a hub for disseminating Vivekananda’s teachings.
  • Advaita Ashrama: Swami Vivekananda founded the Advaita Ashrama in Mayavati, Uttarakhand, to encourage the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. 
    • The ashrama concentrates on book printing and distribution, spiritual retreats, and educational and healthcare initiatives.
  • Vedanta Society: Swami Vivekananda inspired the establishment of Vedanta Societies in the United States and other regions of the world. 
    • These organizations endeavor to improve their understanding of Vedanta philosophy and to provide a forum for spiritual seekers to investigate its teachings.
  • Bharat Sevashram Sangha: Swami Vivekananda encouraged the formation of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, despite the fact that it was not created by him. 
    • This group places an emphasis on altruistic service to humanity, addressing societal issues through educational, medical, and relief efforts.

Conclusion

Vivekananda is credited with contributing to a revival of modern Hinduism and inspiring nationalist consciousness during colonial rule but he is best known for his famous 1893 speech where he introduced Hinduism to the Western world in Chicago.

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National Youth Day FAQs

National Youth Day is observed on January 12 annually, honoring Swami Vivekananda Jayanti (birth anniversary).

The theme is "MYBharat-ViksitBharat@2047- By the Youth, For the Youth," focusing on national development.

Introduced Indian philosophies globally, emphasized education, spoke at the World Parliament of Religions, and influenced modern India.

Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, Advaita Ashrama, Vedanta Society, and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are key organizations spreading his teachings.

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