Bhubaneswar, Jan. 12: From seminars to rallies, youngsters in the state took part in various activities to commemorate the 153rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
The day is also observed as National Youth Day.
Over 400 youths from various colleges and universities in the twin cities took part in various events organised by the Ramakrishna Mission.
The students marched from the mission till Ravi Talkies Square, holding placards to spread the message of youth power. They then took to the stage and spoke on the significance of the day and youth power.
The students also chanted hymns from the Vedas and recited poems relating to the role of youths in a nation.
Youth is the power of nation, Mission secretary Swami Atmaprabhananda said, as he urged the young guns to follow Vivekananda's teachings.
Utkal University student M. Anuradha, who attended the event, shared her ideas on the need among the youngsters to maintain a fine balance between traditional values and modern standards.
"Vivekananda is credited with raising inter-faith awareness among the people of different religions, and I try to imbibe that ideal in the people around me," said Anuradha.
In a separate event, over 500 youngsters from across the state took part in a mass rally organised by the state youth and sports department. They youths marched from Kalinga Stadium to Powerhouse Square here.
Youth group Sambhaba clicked selfies with the statue of Vivekananda and posted them on social networking sites.
"Youths these days are obsessed with selfies, and it is a must for them on every occasion. We click selfies on every random occasion. But today, we clicked pictures as a symbolic way to encourage youngsters to follow Vivekananda's ideals," said Priti Ranjan Nayak, a member of the organisation.
The youth wing of the Odisha Red Cross Society conducted a signature campaign to raise awareness about the importance of youth in civic management. Besides, essay and debate competitions were also conducted.
Events such as seminars, competitions and deliberations were held in Rourkela, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Puri and several other places across the state.
