SHILLONG:
Like previous years National Youth Day 2023, commemorating the 160th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, was celebrated at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre Shillong January 12.
Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Information Technology and Electronics, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, was the Chief Guest on the occasion while former DGP, Govt of Meghalaya, B K Dey Sawian, was the Guest of Honour.
The programme started with the National Anthem followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the opening song in Khasi titled “Tawiar U Sohpet Bneng” presented by the students of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
Chandrasekhar in his speech deliberated upon the aptness of celebrating Swami Vivekananda’s birthday as National Youth Day because of two reasons: Swamiji’s belief in the inevitability of India’s rise and his faith in the essence, power, energy and creativity of young India and its youth. He also mentioned that we are living in a very fortunate time and that present India is ‘Young India’ and every young Indian irrespective of their being in Shillong or Kohima or in Jammu & Kashmir or elsewhere should reap the benefit of the opportunity opening up in every Due to the fast development that is taking place in India, the country has now risen to become the world’s fifth largest economy.
Sawian in his address to the youths, urged them to be responsible citizens not only of the country but also of the immediate society and environment. When the whole world is under the threat of climate change, it is upon the youth to become game changers.
Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Swami Hitakamanandaji Maharaj and Assistant Secretary Ramakrishna Mission Shillong Swami Divyaswarupanandaji Maharaj also addressed the youth calling upon them to draw inspiration from Swamiji’s words and take up more responsibilities in the nation building.
The program concluded with an hour-long cultural programme depicting the diverse cultures of the North East, which was presented by the 98th Batch of Computer trainees of the institute.