Reading Time: 3 minutes
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 idea of celebrating the National Youth Day in India is to ensure that the youths across the country are
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
#NationalYouthDay #SwamiVivekanada #RamakrihnnaMkission #RamakrishnaMaths #BirthAnniversaryOfVivekanda #Tribute #DifferentTruths