On the occasion of the 161st anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik, Maharashtra. Addressing the Rashtriya Yuva Mahotsav at Tapovan Ground, PM Modi said: "Today is a day of the youth power of India. This day is dedicated to the great man who filled India with new energy in the days of slavery... I am glad to be here on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand... My greetings on Rashtriya Yuva Divas. Today is the birth anniversary of Rajmata Jija Bai, who is the symbol of 'Nari Shakti' in India."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called India's current youth as the most fortunate generation of the twenty-first century, set to lead the country to greater heights during "Amrit Kaal," and urged them to vote in order to "reduce" the impact of dynasty politics.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, PM Modi stated that dynasty politics has done enormous harm to the country and urged the youth to register to vote as soon as feasible.
“India is the mother of democracy. If youth express their political views by casting their votes, the future of the country will be good," he said. According to him, first-time voters may provide new vitality and power to India's democracy.
Invoking Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda, he stated that the young have the potential to make history in Amrit Kaal due to their dedication and intellect.
"This is not just a coincidence that many great personalities of India are related to the land of Maharashtra. It is the effect of this 'Punya Bhoomi, Veer Bhoomi, and Tapo Bhoomi'," he stated.
According to PM Modi, India is among the top five global economies because of its youth power, which is its greatest strength. "We have to become world’s third largest economy," he stated.
India’s youth is becoming brand ambassadors of yoga and Ayurveda, said PM Modi.
According to PM Modi, the cheapest mobile data in India astounds people throughout the world.
Hailing Maharashtra, PM Modi said: "Various great personalities of India are connected to Maharashtra... Lord Ram spent a long time in Nashik's Panchvati."
Speaking about "pranpratishtha in the Ram Temple," PM Modi urged people to carry out a cleanliness campaign in all temples and shrines of the country. "Our saints and sages have always considered the youth power as the most important one... The youth has to move forward with an independent mentality for India to reach its goals... India's hopes are dependent on the strong character of the youth of India," he stated.
Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary is observed as National Youth Day on January 12, 2024. The Department of Youth Affairs is preparing for National Youth Day with a novel and comprehensive approach aimed at engaging and empowering every segment of the country's youthful population.