National Youth Day – January 12, 2021
India celebrates National Youth Day on January 12. This date was chosen to honor the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s greatest spiritual and social leaders. He saw hope for the future in every child and believed that with “muscles of iron” and “nerves of steel” they could bring about social change. Swami himself personified the eternal energy of the youth and a restless quest for truth. Today, almost 50 percent of India’s population is under the age of 25. The future of the country rides on their shoulders — making celebrations that empower young people so important.
- 1863 A Leader is Born
Swami Vivekananda is born into an aristocratic family in Kolkata, India. - 1893 East Meets West
Vivekananda speaks at Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago and introduces the Vedanta philosophy to the West. - 1897 The Ramakrishna Mission For Social Services
Vivekananda founds the Ramakrishna Mission — its ideals are based on karma yoga and the teachings of its guru. - 1902 A Great Soul Departed
Vivekananda retires to his room and passes away peacefully while he is in a meditative state. - Since 1984, 12 January was celebrated as National Youth Day to honor the great spiritual leader, and to encourage the youth in the country.