National Youth Day 2024: Know Date, Theme, History, Celebration, Swami Vivekananda Quotes On His Birthday

National Youth Day, also known as Swami Vivekananda Birthday or Yuva Diwas, is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm in India every year on January 12. This celebration honours the birthday of Swami Vivekananda who played a crucial role in shaping modern India. The Government of India officially declared it as National Youth Day in 1984, and since 1985, it has been celebrated across the country.

The celebration holds great significance as it aims to share the thoughts and principles of Swami Vivekananda among the youth of India. It serves as a means to awaken the enduring energy of the youth and encourage their significant efforts towards the development of the country.

National Youth Day History

Swami Vivekananda | Photo: Freepik

The history of National Youth Day can be traced back to the government's decision to observe it annually on Swami Vivekananda's birthday, aiming to inspire the country's youth with his philosophy and ideals. The goal is to motivate young people to contribute to the betterment of the nation by embracing Swami Vivekananda's way of life and ideas. In 1984, the Indian Government announced that January 12, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, would be celebrated as National Youth Day. Since then, people all over the country have observed this day. This celebration serves as a positive way to energise the youth and promote the development of the country.

About Swami Vivekananda

Born on January 12, 1863, Swami Vivekananda was a prominent Indian philosopher and spiritual leader. Raised in an affluent family in Kolkata, he pursued Western-style education. Deeply impacted by the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna, Vivekananda embraced spirituality. He gained global recognition after his impactful speech at the World's Parliament of Religions in 1893 in Chicago. Known for his emphasis on religious tolerance and the universality of all religions, he played a key role in introducing Hindu philosophy to the Western world. Swami Vivekananda's teachings continue to inspire millions, emphasizing the importance of service to humanity and the pursuit of knowledge.

Why Is National Youth Day Celebrated?

National Youth Day is celebrated to honour the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, a prominent Indian philosopher and spiritual leader. Born on January 12, 1863, Swami Vivekananda played a crucial role in spreading the message of Indian spirituality and philosophy, particularly at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893.

His teachings emphasized the importance of education, self-confidence, and the spiritual development of the youth. Swami Vivekananda believed that the youth of a nation were the key to its progress and prosperity. In recognition of his impact on the youth and his efforts to promote their well-being, National Youth Day is observed on his birthday.

The day serves as a platform to inspire and empower young people, encouraging them to contribute positively to society. Various events, activities, and programs are organized on National Youth Day to promote Swami Vivekananda's ideals and to motivate the youth to strive for personal and societal development.

How to celebrate National Youth Day?

Swami Vivekananda Ji was born on January 12, 1863, during the Pausha Krishna Saptami tithi. Every year, his birthday is joyously celebrated at various centres of the Ramakrishna Math, Ramakrishna Mission, and their branches, following Indian customs. The celebration includes auspicious rituals like mangal aarti, hoom, devotional songs, meditation, religious speeches, and the sandhya aarti.

National Youth Day Activities

National Youth Day, also known as Yuva Diwas or Swami Vivekananda Birthday, is observed by students in schools and colleges across the country. The activities involve parades, speeches about Swami Vivekananda, recitations, music, songs, conventions, Yogasanas, essay-writing competitions, seminars, sports, and more. Students also deliver lectures and writings inspired by Swami Vivekananda's ideas to motivate Indian youth. Various performances are conducted nationwide and internationally to promote education, art, lifestyle, and trust among the youth.

Mission Bhartiyam organizes a two-day event called Basti Yuvo Mahotsav in Uttar Pradesh, featuring numerous activities for all age groups. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporate groups celebrate the day in their unique ways.

The celebration commences with morning prayers for Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Swami Ramakrishnananda. Monks and devotees perform a grand hoom after the prayers. Devotees then offer pushpanjali (flower tribute) and aarti to Swami Vivekananda's statue, concluding with the distribution of Prasad (sacred food).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the 25th National Youth Festival, a five-day event. During the festival, he will speak on Swami Vivekananda's birthday to foster a sense of unity among the varied cultures in the country. The primary goal of the festival is to enhance connections between different cultures, ultimately strengthening the nation's unity.

Additionally, on January 13, 2022, the National Youth Summit took place, aiming to unite the diverse cultures of India under the theme 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' through engaging and interactive methods.

National Youth Day: Theme

According to PTI, The theme of National Youth Day 2024 is, ¡°Viksit Bharat@ 2047: Yuva ke liye, yuva ke dwara¡±

Year	Theme
National Youth Day 2024 Theme	¡°Viksit Bharat@ 2047: Yuva ke liye, yuva ke dwara¡±
National Youth Day 2023 Theme	"Viksit Yuva-Viksit Bharat."
National Youth Day 2022 Theme	"It's all in the mind."
National Youth Day 2021 Theme	"YUVAAH ¨C Utsah Naye Bharat Ka"
National Youth Day 2020 Theme	"Channelizing Youth Power for Nation Building"
National Youth Day 2018 Theme	"Sankalp Se Siddhi."
National Youth Day 2017 Theme	"Youth for Digital India."
National Youth Day 2016 Theme	"Indian Youth for Development, Skill, and Harmony."

Swami Vivekananda quotes for inspiration and motivation:

As we celebrate his birthday on Friday, January 12, here are some of his quotes that remain relevant even today.

• ¡°The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves.¡±
• "Talk to yourself once in a day, otherwise you may miss meeting an intelligent person in this world."
• "You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself."
• "Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true."
• ¡°Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life; dream of it; think of it; live on that idea. Let the brain, the body, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, and this is the way great spiritual giants are produced.¡±
• ¡°In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart. ¡±
• "Be the servant while leading. Be unselfish. Have infinite patience, and success is yours."
• ¡°In a day, when you don't come across any problems - you can be sure that you are travelling on the wrong path¡±
• ¡°The great secret of true success, of true happiness, is this: the man or woman who asks for no return, the perfectly unselfish person, is the most successful.¡±
• ¡°You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.¡±
• "We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far."
• "Ask nothing; want nothing in return. Give what you have to give; it will come back to you but do not think of that now."
• "Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true."
• "Arise! Awake! And stop not until the goal is reached."
• "Each work has to pass through these stages ¡ª ridicule, opposition, and then acceptance. Those who think ahead of their time are sure to be misunderstood."
• ¡°Arise, awake, stop not till the goal is reached.¡±
• ¡°Anything that makes weak - physically, intellectually and spiritually, reject it as poison.¡±

National Youth Day FAQs

Q: What is the significance of National Youth Day?

National Youth Day holds paramount importance in recognizing and celebrating the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity of the youth. It serves as a reminder of Swami Vivekananda's teachings and philosophy.

Q: Why is National Youth Day celebrated on January 12th?

National Youth Day is celebrated on [January 12th every year to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a revered spiritual leader and youth icon.

Q: How can I participate in National Youth Day events?

To participate in National Youth Day events, stay updated on local announcements, join community activities, and engage with organisations promoting youth development.

Q: Are there any specific themes for National Youth Day celebrations?

Themes for National Youth Day celebrations may vary each year. Check with local organisers or governmental bodies to know the designated theme for the current year.

Q: Can individuals organise their National Youth Day events?

Yes, individuals and organisations can organize their National Youth Day events. It's encouraged to align these events with the overall theme and objectives of the day.

Q: What role did Swami Vivekananda play in inspiring National Youth Day?

Swami Vivekananda's teachings and philosophy laid the foundation for National Youth Day. His vision of a dynamic and socially responsible youth is a guiding force for the celebrations.

Q: What is Swami Vivekananda's significance in National Youth Day?

Swami Vivekananda is the central figure in National Youth Day, being the inspiration behind its celebration. His teachings emphasize the importance of youth in shaping the nation's destiny.

Q: How did Swami Vivekananda's philosophy influence National Youth Day?

Swami Vivekananda's philosophy, emphasizing self-confidence, fearlessness, and service to humanity, became the guiding force for National Youth Day. The day seeks to instil these values in the youth.

Q: What was Swami Vivekananda's vision for the youth?

Swami Vivekananda envisioned a youth that is not only intellectually competent but also morally upright. His vision included youth actively participating in the betterment of society.

Q: Why is Swami Vivekananda considered a youth icon?

Swami Vivekananda's charisma, eloquence, and dedication to youth empowerment make him a timeless youth icon. His teachings continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.

Q: How can one incorporate Swami Vivekananda's teachings in daily life?

Incorporating Swami Vivekananda's teachings involves cultivating self-discipline, embracing fearlessness, and actively contributing to societal well-being. It's about realizing one's potential for positive change.

Q: Are there any specific events dedicated to Swami Vivekananda on National Youth Day?

Yes, National Youth Day often includes events specifically dedicated to Swami Vivekananda. These may include lectures, discussions, and cultural programs reflecting his ideals.

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