Children hold a torch to celebrate the birthday of Swami Vivekananda at Rama Mandir in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 12: The National Youth Day was observed at the Ramakrishna Math in the capital today to commemorate the 148th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

On this occasion, a host of programmes and activities involving more than 500 youngsters from various schools, colleges and universities in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Jajpur, were organised. The birthday of Vivekananda has been observed as National Youth Day every year in the country since 1985. The celebrations started with the chanting of hymns from the Vedas by students of the city-based Sathyasai Women’s College.

Three college students spoke on the significance of National Youth Day. “Swamiji’s words have always inspired the young generation to arise and sacrifice in the interests of the nation. Never mind the early failures, he had rightly said: ‘They are only stumbling blocks to success’,” said Nikhil Chandra Behera of Ravenshaw University in his speech.

Students of BJB (autonomous) College, Sangeeta Patnaik and Priyanka Panda, also shared their ideas on how the youth can play a key role in achieving the “shining India” label. “The idea behind the celebration is to bring together the young force on a common platform. Many ideas can be generated through interaction,” said Panda.

The chief guest at the event was minister of sports and youth services, Prabin Chandra Bhanj Deo. He stressed on the role of youth in building the nation.

“The year 2010-11 has been declared as the International Year of Youth. They are our future. So, we are focusing on mobilising and integrating them in developmental activities, be it directly or indirectly,” he said.

Deputy accountant general, Sheela Jog, spoke about character building and time management as integral part of a student’s life.

Quoting Vivekananda, Jog said: “Real education is that by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded and which enables one to stand on his own legs.” In the second session, students, research scholars, lecturers and professors from various educational institutes presented a paper on the topic “Man making and character Building – Education of Swami Vivekananda”.

This lasted for half an hour. “Vivekananda was a youth idol. His ideas about striking a fine balance between traditional values and modern standards are deeply inspiring. Several youth organisations have been motivated to put his ideals to practice,” said Jayashree Sahoo, research scholar, Utkal University.

Later in the evening, members of the Swami Vivekananda Jayanti Samaroh Samiti, along with scores of youngsters organised a torch rally.