Students at the youth conference in Ranchi on Friday. (Hardeep Singh)

Ranchi, April 29: It may be a belated Anna Hazare effect, but here, the inspiration was Swami Vivekananda.

About 350 youngsters from various schools of the capital pledged to fight against corruption at a daylong awareness camp today at Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) auditorium.

The RKM secretary, Swami Sashakanandji, who was the chief guest, said: “To bring about a metamorphosis in our country, we should first build our character modelled on the teachings of Swami Vivekanandji,” he said.

He said Swami Vivekananda was remembered as an Indian youth icon for his commanding intellect and fight against corruption. “Swamiji always believed in building a corruption-free society. He has been a fountain of inspiration for us,” he added.

Swami Nikhileswarananda, secretary of RKM, all the way from Vadodara, Gujarat, said youthful energy could be harnessed for nation building. “Youths are the pivotal driving force to amputate corruption, which is the actual cancer in our society.”

Addressing students, he made them realise their responsibilities when he said: “Children can be a catalyst to change the mindsets of even their straying fathers. You should tell your father not to tread the path of corruption.”

He added Swami Vivekananda not only inspired youths but also spurred the country’s leaders such as Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi to achieve Independence. “He also inspired us to conquer the world through spiritual power. But this is not possible unless we uproot poverty, illiteracy and corruption,” he said.

As curtains drew, students said camps like this should be held regularly. Rajat Singh of Surendranath Centenary School said corruption could be erased only through value-based education. “Many people are learned but resort to graft. This can be checked if values are taught seriously,” he said.