Students of Bhubaneswar schools take part in a procession to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on Saturday. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 12: Students donning the saffron attire of Swami Vivekananda and carrying placards inscribed with his moral messages today went around the city in a procession to celebrate the 151st birth anniversary of the spiritual leader.

A state-level function was organised by the Swami Vivekananda Sardha Sati Samaroha Samiti at the Unit-III Capital School ground to mark the occasion. The girls dressed themselves up as Mother India at the event.

Students of nearly 12 schools, apart from youths and other citizens, took part in the rally. Sishu Mandir School of Niladri Bihar was awarded the first prize.

Speaking on the occasion, heart surgeon and Jagannath cult researcher Dr Kabi Prasad Mishra said: “Efforts should be made to inculcate a sense of spiritualism in the minds of children.”

Regional co-ordinator of the Chinmoy Mission Sree Sadanandaji also spoke on the occasion and stressed on charter building. All the speakers highlighted the message of Swamiji to awaken the people of India to serve the motherland and also the message of Hinduism being a humane religion.

The Ramakrishna Mutt in Bhubaneswar also celebrated the birth anniversary of Swamiji by organising various functions.