PM Modi addresses the gathering during the inauguration of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre, in Mysuru, Karnataka
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre – Viveka Smaraka in Karnataka’s Mysuru, describing it as a centre that would inspire young Indians to embrace the ideals of nation-building, service and character development.The Prime Minister was accompanied by Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar during the inauguration.Before unveiling the centre, PM Modi visited the Viveka Smaraka, offered prayers, planted a sapling on the premises and watched a short film on the life, teachings and legacy of Swami Vivekananda. The youth centre has been built by the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru, at the site where Swami Vivekananda stayed during his visit to Mysuru in November 1892, a visit regarded as significant because it was here that he first decided to participate in the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.
‘Youth strength is driving India’s growth’
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said India’s future depended on empowering young people through education, opportunities and confidence to achieve their aspirations within the country.”In any country, the potential of the youth transforms into national strength only when they receive the right opportunities and direction, and the confidence to dream big and realise those dreams on their own soil. Our educational institutions play a pivotal role in this regard,” the Prime Minister said. Highlighting the government’s focus on higher education, PM Modi said India now has around 1.4 lakh MBBS seats, while the number of medical colleges has increased to 823. He also said the National Education Policy (NEP) was preparing Indian youth for the demands of the 21st century.”The youth of India, once in chains, today are accelerating the world’s development. Today, India’s economy is growing at the fastest pace because of the strength of India’s youth. Today, India has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem because of the strength of India’s youth,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi recalls Swami Vivekananda’s connection with Mysuru
The Prime Minister said Mysuru held a special place in Swami Vivekananda’s life and described the city as a centre of India’s cultural consciousness.”Today on this sacred land of Mysuru, I am experiencing a different kind of energy. I humbly bow at the feet of all saints. Mysuru has been a centre of India’s ancient cultural consciousness. India’s heritage is ingrained in every part of this city,” he said.Recalling Vivekananda’s visit more than 130 years ago, PM Modi said the then Maharaja of Mysuru recognised the young monk’s potential and extended support to him.”Mysuru played an important role in the life of Swami Vivekananda ji. About 130 years ago, Swami ji, as a young monk, came to Mysuru while travelling. Among those who recognised him then and associated with him, a prominent name is that of the then Maharaja of Mysuru. When Swami Vivekananda ji was in America, he wrote a letter from there to the then Maharaja of Mysuru. In it, he himself mentioned the Maharaja’s support,” PM Modi said.He added that the government was modernising educational infrastructure and reshaping the education system to meet emerging requirements.
‘Viveka Smaraka will inspire generations’
Calling the newly inaugurated centre a future hub for spiritual and cultural learning, PM Modi expressed confidence that it would become a destination for young people seeking inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s ideals.”I am confident that the Viveka Smaraka will become a pilgrimage site for spiritual upliftment for seekers and devotees,” he said. He urged that the institution should nurture youth who place the interests of society and the nation above personal gains.”Through this Viveka Smaraka, we must mould young people who place the interests of society and the nation, as well as the suffering of the poor and the underprivileged, above their own personal joys and sorrows. Youth for whom ‘Nation First’ is the supreme guiding principle, and whose life’s mission is the service of Mother India,” PM Modi said.
Education in mother tongue, local products
The Prime Minister also stressed that equal access to education was central to national development and said the government was promoting education in Indian languages.”Swami Vivekananda considered equality to be just as crucial as education for the upliftment of the nation. Ensuring there is no discrimination in education or opportunities has now become the nation’s vision. Facilities are now available to pursue studies in fields like medicine and engineering in one’s mother tongue. This is helping to curb discrimination in opportunities based on language,” he said. He also appealed to people to promote Indian culture by supporting local artisans and purchasing Indian-made products, specifically mentioning Mysuru’s silk and handicrafts as suitable gifts.
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About the youth centre
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre has been established with support from the Government of India, the Karnataka government, private organisations, devotees and other well-wishers.The youth-centric institution aims to impart life skills, behavioural excellence, higher values and essential knowledge to help young people realise their full potential while promoting Swami Vivekananda’s ideals of character-building and nation-building.The facility includes a 650-seat amphitheatre, an immersive museum on Swami Vivekananda’s life and teachings, classrooms for short-term courses, a yoga and meditation hall, a library, a competitive examination study centre, conference rooms, an exhibition centre and administrative offices. Go to Source
