Born as Narendranath Datta, Vivekanand was a philosopher, author, and religious teacher, credited for raising interfaith awareness and bringing Hinduism to the world’s major religions.
His iconic speech in Chicago, where he introduced Hinduism to the world, still fills the country’s youth with pride.
The chief disciple of the Indian mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swamiji even introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.
National Youth Day’s History
In 1984, the Government of India declared the birthday of the Hindu monk Swami Vivekanand as National Youth Day. Since January 12, 1985, the day has been celebrated in India every year as National Youth Day.
The Government of India believed that this way, Swamiji’s idealistic philosophies and principles for which he lived and practised would become a great source of inspiration for the Indian youth.
This day gives much importance to Swami Vivekananda’s lectures and writings based on the broad outlook of his master, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, and the Indian spiritual traditions, for inspiring the young people of the country.
Vivekanand also founded the Ramakrishna Mission at Belur, near Kolkata.
The theme of the National Youth Day 2025
Every year, the theme encourages young people to embrace Vivekanand’s teachings and urges them to work towards a progressive nation. Fearlessness, strength, unity, religious harmony, spiritual growth, and service to humanity used to be some of the key points of the day’s theme.
The official theme of the National Youth Day 2025 is yet to be announced.
National Youth Day’s Significance
Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, aka National Youth Day, is widely celebrated in Indian schools and colleges, paying honour to his contributions to national well-being.
Every year, speeches, processions, seminars, yoga asanas, meditation, recitations of his quotes, devotional songs, religious discourses, and sports competitions take place around the country involving the youth to make them aware of the legendary spiritual leader.
This helps in uniting India’s youth to take part in the development of the society, for instance, cleanliness of the locality.
National Youth Day also promotes holistic learning with the help of various workshops, cultural events, and educational sessions.
