National Youth Day was celebrated by Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Lucknow, on 12th January 2023. A programme was organized at the auditorium of Ramakrishna Math, Nirala Nagar, Lucknow which was live streamed on their YouTube channel.
The celebration of National Youth Day 2023 was special as it had been clubbed with the 125th Anniversary of Ramakrishna Mission.
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 and others.
Swamiji’s Swadesh Mantra and Amrit Mantra in chorus was then led by Sri Samar Nath Nigam, Vivekananda Yuva Sangha, Lucknow.
Sri Hari Om, Resource person of Awakened Citizen Programme, Lucknow Region delivered the welcome address.
After the recitation of a poem (composed by Swami Vivekananda) by Sri Om Prakash, member, Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa (GAP), the dignitaries were felicitated by Swami Muktinathananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow. It was followed by short speeches and recitations by the selected youth participants.
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.
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.
Sri Bhanu Pratap Singh, IPS (Retd.), former Member RERA, Government of 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 “muscles of iron and nerves 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 members of Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa (GAP) Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama, Lucknow followed by National Anthem and distribution of holistic literature and food packets to all present.
In the evening after sandhya arati, devotional songs was presented by Swami Ishtakripananda, in tabla accompaniment by Sri Subham Raj, Bhatkhande Sangeet Sansthan, Lucknow. The programme ended with distribution of prasad to all.
