Ramakrishna Saradashrama, Ponnampet, celebrated National Youth Day on Monday, January 12, 2026, marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda with a grand procession and a high-impact Youth Convention. The event saw the active participation of approximately 1,400 students and youth.
Commemorative Procession
The festivities began at the Government Pre-University College Grounds:
- Floral Tributes: Ceremonial offerings were made at the feet of a beautifully decorated portrait of Swami Vivekananda mounted on a mobile chariot.
- The Rally: Following the official flagging-off ceremony, students from ten different educational institutions marched through the main roads. The procession was energized by a band set, devotional hymns, and spirited Jaikaras (slogans) in honor of Swamiji, eventually culminating at the Ashrama auditorium.
Youth Convention
At 11:00 a.m., the main convention was held at the Swami Shambhavanandaji Auditorium. The program featured cultural performances and motivational addresses:
- Cultural & Spiritual Opening: The event opened with a Welcome Dance by students of Sarvadaivata School and an Invocation by noted singer Chi. Anvith Kumar C. V. The formal inauguration was marked by the traditional lighting of the lamp.
- Distinguished Speakers:
- Swami Parahitananda delivered the inaugural address.
- Sri Karthick Sargur M.P. (Director of the film “Vivekananda by Vivekananda”) delivered the keynote address, providing unique insights into Swamiji’s life.
- Smt. Vismyee (Assistant Director, Dept. of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Madikeri) and Sri Arun Machaiah (Former MLC & Vice-President, SAI) addressed the youth on empowerment and nation-building.
- Kum. Rithamy C. P. shared a student’s perspective on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
Awards and Scholarships
In a significant effort to support the educational journey of the youth, the Ashrama conducted the following distributions:
- Vivekananda Scholarships: Financial aid amounting to more than ₹2,00,000 was distributed to meritorious students from various local institutions.
- Competition Prizes: Winners of previously conducted Essay and Painting competitions centered on the theme of Swami Vivekananda were honored with prizes and certificates.
Conclusion
The program reached its solemn conclusion with the collective chanting of the Swadesh Mantra, a Vote of Thanks, and the National Anthem. Following the ceremony, Lunch Prasad was served to all 1,400 participants.
