*Alok Deshwal
Every year since 1985, the Government of India
observes 12th January, the Birth Anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda as National Youth Day. To quote from the Government of India's
Communication, “it was felt 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.”
India is one of the youngest nations in the world,
with about 65 percent population under 35 years of age. It is
expected that by the year 2020, the population of India would have a median age
of 28 years only as against 38 years for US, 42 years for China and 48 years
for Japan. The youth are indeed the most dynamic and vibrant segment of the
population in any country.
Swami Vivekananda once said, “Whatever you think,
that you will be. If you think yourselves weak, weak you will be; if you think
yourselves strong, strong you will be.”
He also said, “See for the highest, aim at
that highest, and you shall reach the highest.”
His message was simple yet powerful. Vivekananda conveyed
his ideas directly to the people, especially to the youth. His message broke through
the shackles of caste and creed and spoke of a language of universal
brotherhood. What he said captures
the great importance of his ideas and ideals among the youth in our country
today. He personified the eternal energy of the youth and their restless quest
for truth. It is entirely fitting that 12th January, the birth
anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, is observed as National
Youth Day to rekindle the eternal message of this great patriot and son of
India.
But how to make youth realise the relevance of Swami
Vivekananda in these exciting and challenging times, when on the
one hand people and nations are engaged in the noble task of developing the
personality and leadership qualities of the youth by involving them in various
nation-building activities, while on the other hand there are challenges of
hunger, poverty, unemployment, corruption and terrorism.
Among
the various ways which Swami Vivekananda suggested to rebuild the Indian
society, Education was the primary means for empowering the people. He once
said, “The education which does not help the common mass of people to equip
themselves for the struggle for life, which does not bring out strength of
character, a spirit of philanthropy, and the courage of a lion – is it worth
the name? Real education is that which enables one to stand on one’s own legs.” For him,
education meant secular learning that built character and instilled human
values in students.
The Government
of India while commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda sanctioned a “Value Education Project” of the Ramakrishna Mission
(an organisation established by Swami Vivekananda which is widely recognized
for its commendable work in the areas of value based education, culture,
health, women’s empowerment, youth and tribal welfare and relief and
rehabilitation), to help to inculcate in children a moral compass and a value
system against the tide of commercialism and consumerism that is sweeping our
societies.
It
also gave an endowment of US$ 1.5 million to the University of Chicago, for
establishing the Swami Vivekananda Chair to focus on Vivekananda, through
lectures, seminars and suitable related academic activities on Indian Culture
and Indian Studies. The Chair will be held by each scholar for a period of two
years. The University of Chicago will also facilitate exchange of research
scholars between the University of Chicago and the Government of India. This
permanent endowment will help spread the message of harmony of religions,
understanding between nations and the spiritual oneness of humanity, which
Swami Vivekananda worked for.
According
to Swami Vivekananda, “Teach yourselves, teach everyone his real nature, call
upon the sleeping soul and see how it awakes. Power will come, glory will come,
goodness will come, purity will come, and everything that is excellent will
come when this sleeping soul is roused to self-conscious activity.”
The
Government is also making efforts to convert teachings of Swami Vivekananda
into practice in the current context. To meet the need and aspirations of more
than a billion people is not an easy task unless some integrated action is
taken in areas where the country has a core competence. Agriculture, Education,
Healthcare, Reliable and Quality Electric power, Surface transport and
Infrastructure for all parts of the country, Information and Communication
Technology and Strategic sector are the areas closely inter-related and if the
work on these areas for an integrated action start in the right earnest it will
lead to food, economic and national security of India.
The Government has
embarked on the mission of building a united, strong and modern India to fulfil
the vision of the great thinkers like Vivekananda. “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha
Bharat”, following the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.
These are not merely slogans but a commitment to the people particularly to
youth to take the nation to new heights. A number of path-breaking initiatives
have been introduced recently. ‘Make in India’ campaign has been launched to
develop India as a global manufacturing hub. ‘Digital India’ initiative seeks
to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
‘Skill India’ is being launched to impart necessary skills to prepare Indians
for the opportunities in Indian Economy as also the opportunities abroad. A
number of initiatives, including Smart Cities Project, have been launched for
developing infrastructure. In all these ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ and ‘Clean
Ganga’ Mission have been launched for building a clean and green India.
All these initiatives of the Government require
active involvement and support of youth as they are the major stakeholders of
future of this country. Skill development and Entrepreneurship is the flagship
programme to put India on the road to become developed nation. Government is
making all efforts to invest hugely in youth of the country because it is
necessary in the ambitious task of building a modern and prosperous India. And
as Swami Vivekananda once exhorted, “Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal
is reached”, let us all unite and work for the country with Purity, patience,
and perseverance as the Swami felt long ago that these three are essentials to
success.
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*Dy. Director
(M&C), PIB New Delhi