National Youth Day: January 12

India celebrates National Youth Day on January 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
The National Youth Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of the Swami Vivekananda so that the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth. The government aims to imbibe the students and youth with the philosophy and ideals of Swami Vivekananda, the man who brought a change in the thought process of the Indian youth.

Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was born in 1863. He was a renowned philosopher, poet, writer, social reformer and orator. His works include Jnanayoga’, ‘Bhaktiyoga’, ‘Rajayoga’, ‘To the youth of India’. He also founded the Ramakrishna Math
and Ramakrishna Mission.
Swami Vivekananda was the main force behind the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world. Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religion at Chicago is cherished even today. He is credited with raising interfaith awareness and bringing Hinduism to the status of major world religion in the late 19th century.
He passed away on July 4, 1902, at the age of 39. Within this short span of time, his works, ideals, and ideas became immortal in Indian history. To commemorate the great contribution of the Swami Vivekananda to Indian society and to ensure his ideas, ideals and philosophies continue as guiding light for Indian youth, his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Youth Day.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2019