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The birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is celebrated as National Youth Day in India in most educational institutions. In 1984, the Indian government had declared that his birthday which falls on the 12th of January should be celebrated nationwide. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and philosophy has been an inspiration to millions especially the youths of our nation. Here’s a report by Mira, exclusively for Different Truths.
To commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, installed his sculpture in front of the FTII entrance on the 12th of January 2018. The unveiling of the sculpture of Swami Vivekananda was done by the Capt and coach of Women’s Football Team of J & K State Afshan Ashiq who is currently playing for PIFA-COLABA (Mumbai) as a goalkeeper. The ceremony was presided by Bhupendra Kainthola, the Director of FTII Pune. Also present at the occasion were Swami Kripaghanananda from Ramkrishna Mission Pune, Prof. Gill Bettman – a Fulbright Scholar – currently on a teaching assignment in FTII and four students from La Femis, Paris.
After the inauguration, a traditional lamp lighting ceremony was conducted at the main theatre of FTII 
where Afshan Ashiq shared some more inspiring experiences with the audience. As a professional footballer, she represents the aspiration of many young women who despite coming from arduous background have succeeded in creating an identity of their own. On this day, Afsha Ashiq’s message to the youth of this country was that “they should pursue their goals and work hard towards achieving it as they are the future of the country”. Swami Kripaghanananda also shared some inspiring thoughts of Swami Vivekananda.
The birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is celebrated as National Youth Day in India in most educational institutions. In 1984, the Indian government had declared that Swami Vivekananda’s birthday which falls on the 12th of January should be celebrated nationwide. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and philosophy has been an inspiration to millions especially the youths of our nation. One of his famous quote that inspires us all is, “You have to grow from inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul”.
The idea of celebrating the National Youth Day in India is to ensure that the youths across the country are encouraged to learn about the life, ideology, and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda and are inspired to make efforts for the upliftment of the country. Swamiji’s teaching and philosophy are considered as national assets from the cultural and traditional point of view. Swami Vivekananda was born in 1863 in an aristocratic family. At birth, he was named Narendranath Datta. Later on, he became the disciple 
of Indian Mystic Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Vivekananda was the founder of Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math. In a short span of a lifetime, Swamiji’s achievements have been remarkable. He passed away on the 4th of July 1902 at an early age of 39.
This day is celebrated all over India in schools and colleges and cultural institutions. The activities mostly carried out on this day; revolve around speeches, recitations, youth conventions, youth fests and yoga sessions. This event is also celebrated at various branches of Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Maths.
©Mira Pawar
Photos from FTII sourced from the author
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