National Youth Day and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav was celebrated on 12 January 2022 through a programme organized at the auditorium of Ramakrishna Math, Nirala Nagar, Lucknow while maintaining the social distancing norms & all other COVID protocols.
The programme started with Lighting of Lamp amidst Vedic Chanting by the monastic members of Ramakrishna Mission Sevaharama, Lucknow. Opening song was presented by Swami Ishtakripananda. Swamiji’s Swadesh Mantra and Amrit Mantra in chorus was then led by Sri Vivek Pandey, Vivek Bahini, Lucknow.
Sri Vivek Sharma, the Co-ordinator, Vivekananda Yuva Sangha, Lucknow delivered the welcome address it was followed by besides shorts speeches and recitations by the selected youth participants. Special Guest Dr. Vivek Tangri, Vice Chairman Sardar Bhagat Singh College of Technology & Management, Lucknow addressed the audience on ‘‘Swami Vivekananda’s call to the Youth of India”. He said that the youth should follow the advice of Swami Vivekananda to develop their personality as well as serve Mother India.
Guest of Honor Dr. Indu Subhash, Founder & MD, GUIDE, a Social Welfare Organization, Lucknow addressed the audience on “Swami Vivekananda’s message for regeneration of Indian Women”. She said that the youth should follow the advice of Swami Vivekananda to develop their personality as well as serve Mother India.
Thereafter, prizes were distributed to the selected Youths and achievers of Guide. Prof. Dr. Vikram Singh, Chancellor, Noida International University and Former DGP, Uttar Pradesh Chief Guest addressed the audience on the ‘Significance of National Youth Day’. He said that the youth should concentrate to build their character which will should a long way to achieve successful life.
The Presidential Address was delivered by Swami Muktinathananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow who said the youth must have self-confidence, physical strength, mental concentration and an attitude of service to others in order to become successful in life. Swamiji song “Bano aur Banao” – Be and make. He also said that Swami Vivekananda blessed the youth to developing faith (श्रद्धा) in themselves, and make “mussels of iron & norms of steel”. They should also goal the work of Swami Vivekananda to develop their thought in the right direction.
Sri Rajesh Verma, Vice President, Youth Hostel Association of India, Lucknow presented Vote of thanks. The programme ended with the Closing Hymm on Swami Vivekananda by Swami Harishwarananda of Ramakrishna Math Lucknow followed by National Anthem and distribution of holistic literature and food packets to all present.
In the evening after sandhya Arati, Hanuman Chalisha was led by Swami Ishtakripananda. Subsequently, Devotional songs were presented by Sri Ashok Kumar Mukherjee of Kanpur in Tabla accompaniment by Sri Subham Raj, Bhatkhande Sangeet Sansthan, Lucknow. The programme ended with distribution of prasad to all present.
