SWAMI VIVEKANANDA’S TEACHINGS MORE RELEVANT TODAY, SAYS SWAMI BODHAMAYANANDA

WEBINAR ON ‘STRONGER YOUTH-STRONGER INDIA’’ CONDUCTED TO MARK NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings are more relevant today and will continue to inspire the youth for the next thousand years, said Swami Bodhamayananda, Director, Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence, Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad. Delivering a Key Note address at the Webinar on “Stronger Youth – Stronger India”, jointly organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Regional Outreach Bureau (ROB), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India, Hyderabad on Wednesday to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda which is celebrated as the National Youth Day, Swami Bodhamayananda said that the youth should take inspiration from the teachings of Swami Vivekananda to become stronger mentally and spiritually. He exhorted the youth to become character-builders to make India stronger and powerful.

Referring to the AzadiKaAmritMahotsav, being celebrated to mark the 75 years of India’s Independence, the Swamijisaid it is the right occasion for us to recollect the contributions of our freedom fighters and define our role in nation’s building. Saying that Swami Vivekananda had emphasized the role of teacher and quality education, he said his ideas were included in the National Education Policy- (NEP -2020), recently introduced by the Government of India. “Present day youth are lacking physical, mental strength and ultimately losing confidence in them.

There is a need to build institutes which give right knowledge at right time in a right way”, he said. Explaining the three gateways to become stronger mentally, spiritually and physically, he said what we listen, what we see and what we read matters a lot. He suggested the youth to practice ‘swadhyayam’ which means self-analysis and practice to read at least 15 to 20 pages of an inspiring book per day. Stressing the importance of teacher, the Swamiji said the Google can merely provide information but not inspiration.

A good teacher brings the best in a student and helps in character building. ‘A trained mind cannot make a mistake’, he said. In her inaugural address, Smt. ShrutiPatil, Director, PIB and ROB, said the birth anniversary of Swamy Vivekananda is celebrated as the National Youth Day keep the youth motivated so that they can contribute to nation-building.

Dr.ManasKrishnakanth, Deputy Director, PIB moderated the session. Several officers and staff members of PIB, ROB and NYK officers and volunteers and followers of Swami Vivekananda participated in the webinar.