National Youth Day 2023: History, significance; theme, celebrations this year

NEW DELHI: National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12 to commemorate Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary. This year, prime minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 26th National Youth Day in Hubballi, Karnataka at 4 pm. The theme for National Youth Day 2023 is “Viksit Yuva - Viksit Bharat”.

In 1984, the Government of India declared January 12 as National Youth Day and since 1985 the day has been celebrated in India every year as National Youth Day. “The philosophy of Swami and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth Day,” the government said.

The National Youth Day 2023 festival will be held from today, January 12 to January 14. It will witness the youth summit, which will include discussions on five themes stemming from G20 and Y20 events – future of work, industry, innovation and 21st century skills; climate change and disaster risk reduction; peace building and reconciliation; shared future-youth in democracy and governance; and health & well-being.

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The summit will witness participation of over 60 experts. Several competitive and non-competitive events will also be held during the event. Competitive events will include folk dances and songs, and will be held to provide an impetus to local traditional cultures. Non-competitive events will include yogathon which aims to mobilise around 10 lakh people to do Yoga.

Eight indigenous sports and martial arts will also be presented during the event by national level performers. Other events include food festival, young artist camp, adventure sports activities, special know your army, navy and air force camps, etc.

On the occasion of National Youth Day 2023, PM Modi tweeted in Hindi, “Tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary. His life always inspires for patriotism, spirituality and hard work. His great thoughts and ideals will continue to guide the countrymen.”

स्वामी विवेकानंद को उनकी जयंती पर सादर नमन। उनका जीवन राष्ट्रभक्ति, आध्यात्मिकता और कर्मठता के लिए सदैव प्रेरित करता है। उनके महान विचार और आदर्श देशवासियों का मार्गदर्शन करते रहेंगे।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2023

Union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan said in a tweet, “Swami Vivekananda ji wanted such an education system which builds character, mental development and develops man for service.By including Swami ji's ideas in NEP 2020, Prime Minister narendramodi ji is building a student-centric and equitable education system.”

स्वामी विवेकानंद जी एक ऐसी शिक्षा व्यवस्था चाहते थे जिससे चरित्र बने, मानसिक विकास हो और जो मनुष्य को सेवा के लिए विकसित करे।

स्वामी जी के विचारों को NEP 2020 में समाहित कर प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi जी एक विद्यार्थी-केंद्रित और न्यायसंगत शिक्षा व्यवस्था का निर्माण कर रहे हैं।

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) January 12, 2023

“The National Education Policy 2020 is a pious philosophy to prepare the youth of India and the next generations as “World Humans”.The literal implementation of the National Education Policy is the true tribute to an era promoter like Swami Vivekananda,” the education minister added.

Karnataka school education minister B C Nagesh said in a tweet, “Salutations to Sri Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary as a spiritual master, philosopher, author, great saint, Indian culture, historical heritage, inspiration of young people who introduced messages of Indian culture, historical heritage, world welfare in the country and abroad. Happy National Youth Day.”