Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 12: The 163rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was befittingly celebrated today across A&N Islands with great enthusiasm and reverence. The main function was held near the statue of Swami Vivekananda at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) lending a solemn and inspiring ambience to the occasion.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Ms. Chanchal Yadav, IAS, graced the function as the chief guest. The Director of Education and Sports, Shri Vikram Singh, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Sri Vijaya Puram, Swami Omkaratmananda, Swamijis of Ramakrishna Mission, students from schools and colleges, general public also graced the occasion. The chief guest paid floral tributes at the statue of Swami Vivekananda, which was followed by others present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Chanchal Yadav highlighted the timeless principles and teachings of Swami Vivekananda and emphasized their relevance in present times. She said, Swami Vivekananda had unwavering faith in the strength, energy, and potential of the youth of our nation. He strongly believed that the youth would lead India towards progress and prosperity. His timeless message, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” urges us to awaken our inner strength and strive relentlessly for nation’s development. She stated that the younger generation, as the future of the country, must draw inspirations from Swami Vivekananda’s ideals and actively contribute to nation-building. She further emphasized that the books and quotes of Swami Vivekananda continue to inspire and empower people even today. Everyone should read his works to gain strength, clarity of purpose, and motivation, she added.
In his address, the Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Sri Vijaya Puram, Swami Omkaratmananda spoke on the life and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, inspiring the gathering to follow the path of knowledge, courage and character.
Meanwhile, as part of the celebration, a rally was organized in which large number of students/officials participated. The rally which started from Netaji Stadium passed through Clock Tower – Model School – Post Office – Bengali Club – CEO Office – LIC Building – Gandhi Statue – Clock Tower – Narayan Chowk – Swimming Pool – Girls School – R.K. Mission and culminated at Vivekananda Statue at JNRM.
The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, A&N Administration in association with Department of Education, JNRM, NYK, SAI and Ramakrishna Mission organized the programme to celebrate the ‘National Youth Day’ which concluded with a collective resolve to uphold Swamiji’s message for building a strong, enlightened and progressive society.