National Youth Day is commemorated in India on 12 January to honor the birthday of Swami Vivekananda. In 1984, the Indian Government declared January 12 as National Youth Day, and since 1985, the event has been celebrated in India every year. This day is marked by the great joy and enthusiasm all around the country to honor the Indian Hindu monk. Swami Vivekananda was a chief disciple of the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a crucial figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. Nationalism was a prominent theme in Vivekananda’s thought. He is perhaps best known for his speech, which began, “Sisters and brothers of America …” in which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893.

My hope of the future lies in the youths of character, intelligent, renouncing all for the service of others, and obedient – good to themselves and the country at large.” – Swami Vivekananda

History of National Youth Day

In 1984, the government of India made a great decision to celebrate the birthday of noble Swami Vivekananda as a National Youth Day every year on 12th January. The Government of India had quoted and realized that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be an excellent source of inspiration for the Indian Youth. National Youth Day inspires the younger generation to be more creative, energetic, hardworking, and innovative. A reminder for everybody to read and learn about the eminent Swami Vivekananda. He always believed in the importance of sowing good seeds in youth as youth are the future of the country.

National Youth Day

Quotes Said by Swami Vivekananda

My faith is in the younger generation, the modern generation, out of them will come my workers.” – Swami Vivekananda

Talk to yourself once in a day…Otherwise you may miss meeting an EXCELLENT person in this World.” – Swami Vivekananda

Religion is the manifestation of the Divinity already in man.” – Swami Vivekananda

He who sees Shiva in the poor, in the weak, and in the diseased, really worships Shiva.” – Swami Vivekananda

Feel that you are great and you become great.” – Swami Vivekananda

The earth is enjoyed by heroes—this is the unfailing truth. Be a hero. Always say, “I have no fear.” – Swami Vivekananda

Death being so certain, it is better to die for a good cause.” – Swami Vivekananda

Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached.” – Swami Vivekananda

It is best to work among the youth in whom lies our hope — patiently, steadily, and without noise.” – Swami Vivekananda

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.” – Swami Vivekananda

Other Celebrations on January 12

January 12 is also celebrated as

How to celebrate National Youth Day

The National Youth Day is celebrated all over India at schools and colleges, with speeches, processions, recitations, youth conventions, music,  seminars, Yogasanas, presentations, competitions in essay-writing, readings, and sports on 12 January every year. Swami Vivekananda’s lectures and writings, as the broad outlook of his Master Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, are a source of inspiration and have motivated numerous youth organizations, study circles, and service projects involving the youth. Various political leaders and saints address the crowd all across the country on this day, explaining the significance of National Youth Day. Monks and devotees perform pooja and offer pushpanjali to Swami Vivekananda on National Youth Day. He always believed in the youth’s power to lead and nourish the historical culture of the country and carry some advancement required by the country to be developed. Post pictures and share your thoughts about National Youth Day on social media by using the hashtag #NationalYouthDay.

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