National Youth Day

Held on : 12th January

Youth is the period between childhood and adulthood. It is the the period of physical and psychological development from the onset of puberty to maturity and early adulthood. The youth of today is the driving force of tomorrow. It has some responsibility towards its country, which it must acknowledge and practice. The youth need to learn from yesterday and live with hope for a better tomorrow. They have the potential to uplift the country to great levels in all areas. Talking of youth, Swami Vivekananda is quite synonymous with them, Swami Vivekananda born Narendranath Dutta was a great Indian Revolutionary. He was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the founder of Ramakrishna Mission. Swami Vivekananda's ideas have had a great influence on the Indian youth. In many institutes, students have come together and formed organizations meant for promoting discussion of spiritual ideas and the practice of such high principles.

History - The day 12th January, the National Youth Day is commemorated in India. This is also the birthday of Swami Vivekananda. He was born on 12th Jan 1863 and  lived merely 39 years. Swami Vivekananda was a colossal philosopher. He is motivation to the youth, the incarnation of Indian ethnicity and astuteness. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the Master of Swami Vivekananda taught him to give lectures and writings about Indian Spiritual Culture. He wanted to incite plentiful youth associations, learning surrounds and overhaul assignments concerning the youth. In the year 1984, the Government of India proclaimed that Swami Vivekananda birthday should be observed as ‘National Youth Day’ from the year 1985 onwards. 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’.

Events - National Youth Day is observed with great devotion towards Swami Vivekananda at headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission as well as their branch centres. Members of the organizations observe birthday of Swami Vivekananda in different manner. Celebrations of Swami’s birthday, according to Hindu calendar follow typical Hindu manner of celebrations. This include mangalarati, homa (Special worship of fire), meditation, devotional songs, religious discourses, sandhyarti. The National Youth Day is also celebrated at various schools and colleges. On 12th January, various educational institutions conduct parades, speeches, narrations, songs, youth conferences, colloquium, yogasanas, award ceremonies, contest in essay-writing, presentations, games etc.

Alternate Name - Swami Vivekananda's birthday.

Holiday Status - It is not a public holiday under the gazetted holiday calendar of India.