National Youth Day, also known as ‘Rashtriya Yuva Divas’ in Hindi and ‘Vivekananda Jayanti’, is observed annually across India on 12th January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu spiritual leader, Philosopher and social reformer in India, who played a crucial role in shaping modern India.
- 12 January 2025 marks the 162nd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
- The day aims to inspire and motivate youths by promoting the life and message of him encouraging their participation in nation-building.
Background:
i.In 1984, the Government of India (GoI) declared the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda as National Youth Day to honour his teachings and ideals.
- The first-ever National Youth Day was observed on 12 January 1985.
ii.The day highlights his teachings, inspired by ‘Ramakrishna Paramahansa’, to motivate and guide the youth of India.
About Swami Vivekananda:
i.Swami Vivekananda originally known as Narendranath Dutta was born on 12 January 1863 in Pausha Krishna Saptami Tithi, Calcutta, Bengal Presidency (Now Kolkata, West Bengal, WB).
- He was a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
ii.He dedicated his life to teach and guide the youth on the importance of social service and character-building.
iii.On 1 May 1897, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math (“monastery”), a worldwide, non-political, non-sectarian spiritual organisation with headquarters at Belur, on the banks of the Ganges (River Ganga), Kolkata.
iv.On 4 July 1902, he passed away at the age of 39 at Belur Math in WB.
2025 Events:
On January 11 2025, Union Minister Mansukh L Mandaviya, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports(MYAS), inaugurated the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ and the ‘28th National Youth Festival(NYF)’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi(Delhi).
Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 :
i.The ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025’ organised by the Department of Youth Affairs(DYA) under MYAS, held on 11th and 12th January 2025, reimagines the ‘National Youth Festival’ as a national youth engagement initiative aligned with the PM’s call to involve 100,000 young people in leadership and civic life.
- It aims to break the 25 year old tradition of holding the NYF in a conventional manner.
ii.The event also includes plenary sessions with national and global leaders, exhibitions showcasing youth initiatives, and cultural performances highlighting “Vikas Bhi Virsat Bhi.”
PM Narendra Modi participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025:
On 12th January 2025, PM Narendra Modi participated in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 and interacted with 3,000 dynamic young leaders from across India, selected through a merit-based, multi-level process from over 30 lakh participants.
- The young leaders presented innovative solutions for a developed India in 10 key thematic areas such as technology, sustainability, women empowerment, manufacturing and agriculture.
- The event aims to break the 25-year-old tradition of holding the ‘National Youth Festival’ in a conventional manner.
About National Youth Festival 2025:
i.The NYF began in 1995 as a major activity under the program of the National Integration Camp (NIC).
ii.It is organized by the MYAS, in collaboration with one of the State Governments.
- It is held in a different state each year during National Youth Week, 12 to 16 January every year.
ii.The week commencing from the birthday of Swami Vivekananda is known as National Youth Week.
- As part of National Youth Week celebrations, the Gol holds the NYF every year, and National Youth Day is a part of this festival.
Key Schemes and Initiatives for Youth Empowerment:
i.Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS): Established in 1972, NYKS is one of the largest youth organizations globally, aiming to develop the personality of youth and involve them in nation-building activities.
ii.National Youth Corps (NYC): Launched in 2010-11, this scheme seeks to build a group of disciplined youth dedicated to national development.
iii.National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP): This program fosters leadership and innovation among youth, providing them with a platform to express their views and highlight socio-economic development issues.
iv.National Youth Awards: Recognizing exceptional contributions by youth and non-governmental organizations NGOs in nation-building.
- The awards include cash prizes, medals, and certificates, with Rs. 1 lakh to individual winners and Rs. 3 lakh to voluntary organizations.
v.National Service Scheme (NSS): Established in 1969, NSS encourages students to engage in community service, promoting social responsibility and national integration.
vi.International Cooperation: The MYAS collaborates with United Nations (UNs) Agencies like United National Development Programme (UNDP), Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to address global youth-related issues.
vii.Through these initiatives, the government continues to support youth empowerment, ensuring their active role in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
About the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS):
Union Minister- Mansukh L. Mandaviya (Constituency- Porbandar, Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS)– Raksha Nikhil Khadse (Constituency-Raver, Maharashtra)
