National Youth Day 2022: Why is this day important to us?
There’s a saying that today’s youth is tomorrow’s nation builder. In the spirit of this thought, National Youth Day is celebrated every year on 12th January. The day marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, one of the most spiritual and greatest philosophical leaders of our country. The day is celebrated to honour this great thinker and social reformer and preach his ideas about how young people should be allowed to actively take part in the modern world while upholding their values and principles.
Theme of National Youth Day 2022
On this day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be virtually inaugurating the 25th National Youth Festival being held in Puducherry. As part of this festival, several panel discussions have been scheduled on four identified themes, namely: Environment, climate and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals)-led growth; tech, entrepreneurship and innovation; indigenous and ancient wisdom; and national character and nation-building.
The Prime Minister will also launch chosen essays on the two themes ‘Mere Sapno Ka Bharat’ and ‘Unsung Heroes of Indian Freedom Movement.’ Over 1 lakh youths have sent their submissions on these two themes.
History of National Youth Day
In the year 1984, the central government of India, led by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, had first declared that Vivekananda’s birthday will be celebrated as National Youth Day. However, it was the following year on 12th January 1985 that this day was officially introduced. The aim was to spread Swamiji’s philosophies and ideals as a source of inspiration of the nation’s youth population.
Swami Vivekananda and his belief in the power of youth
The power of youth in building nation is undeniable. Swami Vivekananda strongly believed that Indian youth has the ability to transform the country’s destiny through their utmost dedication and diligence. Swamiji’s ideals, principles and philosophies have been a driving force in the progress of the nation. He was also the founding father of modern Hinduism and spiritualism. In fact, his entire life and contributions still stand as the great source of inspiration for all youths, not only in India but across the world. His famous speech at the Chicago World Parliament of Religions in 1893 where he not only preached Hinduism to the Western World but also unity and brotherhood still reverberates among today’s youths.