National Youth Day- January 12, 2017

National Youth Day also known as Yuva Diwas is celebrated every year with the great joy and enthusiasm in India on January 12 since 1985 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the maker of the modern India.

• This year January 12, 2017 marks the 154th birth anniversary of most respected spiritual leader, Swami Vivekananda.

History of National Youth Day

• The Government of India in 1984 declared for the first time to celebrate the birthday of Swami Vivekananda as the National Youth Day and so since 1985 the day is celebrated as the National Youth Day all over the country.
• Many activities are organised on the Day in schools and colleges, all across India including, speeches, youth conventions, youth fests, seminars, Yogasanas, recitations, presentations, competitions, surya namaskar, yoga, sports and music events etc.

About Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863 in Calcutta as Narendra Nath Datta in an affluent Bengali family. He died at a young age of 39. He took great interest in spirituality and philosophy and in his short life managed to inspire millions. Vivekananda is also an inspiration to youth all over the world.

• Swami Vivekananda always believed in the power of the youth. National Youth Day was started with an aim to encourage and inspire the youth of the country and motivate them by the life and ideas of Swami Vivekananda.
• Vivekananda believed that the youth can lead and nourish the historical culture of the country. He felt that the youth is the key to solve various problems that India is facing. He inspired people to live for others not just for one’s own self.

National Youth Festival 2017

Every year the Department of Youth Affairs under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organizes the National Youth Festival on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda from 12 to 16 January.

• This year also the Department has organized the 21st National Youth Festival at Rohtak, Haryana from January 12-16, 2017.
• The theme of this year’s Festival is ‘Youth for Digital India’.
• The Mascot of the festival is Lado. It reflects sensitivity of the state government towards the gender inequality in the state to bring women at par with men.
• On the occasion of the opeing ceremony of the festival Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the participants of the festival through video conference.
• Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh was the Chief Guest on the occasion along with the presence of Shri Mahohar Lal, Chief Minister, Haryana.
• It is expected that about 5000 youth delegates from different States/UTs will participate in the festival to share their knowledge and experience and also take along with them the rich culture and heritage of the Nation.
• The opening ceremony would be marked by a performance by renowned artist on the life and ideology of Swami Vivekanand.
• Besides, the festival will encounter a variety of cultural programme form January 12 to January 16 2017 including Youth Convention, Suvichar-lectures, Exhibitions and adventure programmes, Hasya Kavi Sammelan, Haryanavi Nights, Cultural Evening by Hansraj Hans and Raftaar.
• The Festival will also witness a Defence exhibition where various aspects and initiatives of the defence forces, display of equipment and avenues for recruitment into Armed Forces will be projected for the benefits of thousands of young participant.