National Youth Day 2022: Date, History, and Why is Rashtriya Yuva Diwas Celebrated on Swami Vivekananda Birth Anniversary?

 

National Youth Day 2022: “Man is born to conquer nature and not to follow it” - this quote by philosopher Swami Vivekananda still reverberates in the ears of every individual who wishes to overcome any difficulty with their fearless attitude. Swami Vivekananda’s life and teachings have encouraged millions across the world.

In 1985, the Government of India declared Swami Vivekananda’s birthday – January 12 - National Youth Day in honor of the great philosopher and monk. Since 1985, this day is celebrated as National Youth Day all over India.

As we observe National Youth day on Swami Vivekananda’s 159th birth anniversary, let’s remember him and his teachings that changed our lives for good:

Swami Vivekananda was born Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, West Bengal. He was always inclined towards spirituality. He practiced meditation from a very early age and also joined the Brahmo Samaj movement for a certain period. One of the greatest patriots, he was also credited for introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world.

A true Karma Yogi, he had full faith in the youth of this country. He had a very strong belief that youth can transform the fate of India through their hard work, dedication, and spiritual power.

His message to the youth was, “What I want is muscles of iron and nerves of steel, inside which dwells a mind of the same material as that of which the thunderbolt is made.” Through messages like this, he wished to instill basic values into the youth.

Swami Vivekananda had believed that anything which makes us weak spiritually, physically, or mentally should be rejected like poison. Weak thoughts should be replaced with optimism with the help of yoga and meditation.