National Youth Day was celebrated in a grand, disciplined, and spiritually vibrant manner on January 12, 2026, at the iconic Vivekanandar Illam, Chennai. Organized by the Vivekananda Youth Forum (VYF)—the youth wing of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai—the event aimed to reignite the ideals of Swami Vivekananda among the modern generation.
Main Events at Vivekanandar Illam
The celebrations featured several high-energy and devotional activities:
- Ceremonial Tributes: The day began with a solemn garlanding of the statue of Swami Vivekananda.
- National Youth Day Run: A dedicated marathon was organized to promote physical fitness and mental strength among the youth.
- Chariot Procession: A majestic chariot carrying Swamiji’s portrait was taken in a procession, drawing significant public attention and reverence.
- Cultural Competitions: Various events were held to encourage students to express Swamiji’s teachings through art and performance.
- Total Impact: Approximately 2,000 people participated in or witnessed the celebrations at the Illam.
Collegiate Outreach Program
In addition to the central celebrations, VYF volunteers expanded the reach of National Youth Day by organizing dedicated programs across 10 different colleges. These satellite events focused on leadership and character-building, successfully engaging an additional 1,700 students.
The prize distribution ceremony for the National Youth Day 2026 competitions was conducted with great solemnity and grandeur at Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. The event was organized by its specialized units: Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam and the Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence (VIHE). Numerous students from schools and colleges across Tamil Nadu participated in competitions centered on the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
Competition Overview The competitions spanned six categories, successfully blending traditional arts with modern technology. More than 800 students participated in the following areas:
- Category 1 (Age 20–35): 5-minute AI-generated videos on Swami Vivekananda’s life history and significant incidents.
- Category 2 (Age 18–25): AI-generated pictorial stories (minimum 4 pages) depicting scenes from Swamiji’s life.
- Category 3 (Classes 11–12): Crafts based on stories told by Swami Vivekananda.
- Category 4 (Classes 9–10): Physical drawings of Swami Vivekananda.
- Category 5 (Classes 6–8): Group singing featuring devotional and inspirational songs on Swamiji.
- Category 6 (Classes 9–10): Quiz, elocution, and regional drawing competitions.
Proceedings and Presentations The event commenced at 9:30 AM on 9 January 2026 with traditional Arati and Vedic chanting. Following the invocation, selected prize-winning students addressed the gathering, recounting inspiring incidents from Swami Vivekananda’s life. A highlight of the morning was the screening of a top-ranked AI-generated video depicting Swamiji’s life, which served as a testament to the creative use of modern technology by the youth.
Keynote Addresses
- Chief Guest: Mr. Keezhambur Sankara Subramanian (Editor, Kalaimagal) Mr. Subramanian shared personal anecdotes and highlighted the significance of the book Valarntha Bharathathil Valvom (Living in a Developed India), published by the Math. He noted that the volume serves as a comprehensive compilation of speeches delivered by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at the Ramakrishna Math, alongside his articles from Sri Ramakrishna Vijayam and Kalaimagal.
- Special Guest: Dr. Sudha Seshayyan (Former VC, Dr. M.G.R. Medical University) Dr. Seshayyan delivered an empowering address focused on Swamiji’s core philosophy: “All power is within you,” urging students to manifest their inner potential.
Conclusion The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Swami Satyajnanananda, Adhyaksha of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, followed by a closing song and the distribution of awards.
