National Youth Day - January 12, 2025

What is National Youth Day?

India celebrates National Youth Day every year on Swami Vivekananda's birthday. It is observed to honor a social reformer, thinker, and person who believed in the youth. He had philosophies and ideas that could teach the youth and guide them toward making a better nation. So, the youth, as well as Swami Vivekananda, are celebrated on this very day.

National Youth Day - All Quick Overview

• Time / Date: January 12
• Category: Cause
• Where It’s Marked: India
• Why It’s Marked: The day marks the birthday of one of India's most incredible spiritual and social leaders, Swami Vivekananda, and commemorates his efforts for the youth.

History of National Youth Day

The Indian government declared January 12 as National Youth Day or Rashtriya Yuva Diwas in 1984. Since 1985, the day has been celebrated every year by all Indians in India.

Vivekananda always had great faith in the youth, as he considered them to be the country's national treasure. He knew the youth were the building blocks of a great nation, so he inspired them to be more confident about their ambitions.

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, West Bengal. His birth name was Narendra Nath Datta. His father was a lawyer, and his mother was a homemaker. But, later, he moved on to be a monk after the death of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, to let go of every worldly pleasure. Then, he started to spread his words of wisdom, peace, and love.

In 1893, the World Parliament of Religion took place in Chicago, where Vivekananda represented India and mentioned the importance of demolishing extremists in all forms. He also introduced Hinduism in the form of love and kindness. His speech touched many hearts at the parliament and received a standing ovation.

Swami Vivekananda died in 1902 at Belur Math in West Bengal. Before that, he established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 at the same place where he died.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also addressed the contributions of Swami Vivekananda in his January 12, 2013, National Youth Day inauguration to celebrate his 150th birth anniversary.

Now, the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 25th Youth Festival virtually and focused on shaping the youth’s minds and helping them build a better future for themselves and the nation.

How to Celebrate National Youth Day

National Youth Day is a big celebration throughout India. Educational institutions, offices, and other businesses stay closed on this day. Schools and colleges celebrate the day by arranging different seminars, youth conventions, music, yogasanas, and presentations.

Many institutions organize competitions of different types, like essay-writing, poetry recitations, speeches, and sports. Swami Vivekananda's lectures and writings are presented to everyone attending the various programs to spread his inspiration about Indian spiritual traditions.

Moreover, the youth is celebrated on this day, and different career path options are presented to them through career programs.

Countries that Observe National Youth Day

India has observed National Youth Day every year since 1985.

Interesting Facts About National Youth Day

Swami Vivekananda has been an inspiration to millions of people around the world. His magnetic aura and motivational morals made him an important educational figure for all of India and worldwide.

We have some facts about National Youth Day and Vivekananda that you will find interesting.

• Vivekananda’s father died when he was young, and his whole family’s financial condition was terrible, which led to poverty.
• Swami Vivekananda scored 56% on his B.A. exam.
• He never had a secure or stable job and used to go door to door for work.
• Swamiji used to borrow books from the library and return them the next day. He had a very sharp memory.
• Vivekananda used to respect women but still didn’t allow them to enter his monastery.
• He suffered from thirty-one illnesses and ailments.
• Vivekananda predicted that he wouldn’t live beyond 40, and that’s what happened. He died at age 39.
• Swami Vivekananda was known to be very poor in English grammar.
• Vivekananda addressed the people at the World Religion Conference as ‘Brothers and Sisters of America.’
• Vivekananda’s guru taught him that serving humans is more remarkable than worshipping God.
• Every year, National Youth day has a theme, and the theme of 2022 National Youth Day was “It’s all in the mind.”
• The first National Youth Festival occurred in Bhopal in 1995 under the National Integration Camp (NIC).
• The government of India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and one of the State Governments organize the National Youth Day annually.
• The 24th Federal Youth Festival was held virtually due to the pandemic of COVID-19.

National Youth Day Quotes

On National Youth Day, wish your fellow friends and the youth to encourage them to be better each day. Here are some quotes to use to wish everyone on this day.

“The future of a nation depends upon the youth of the country. Best wishes on National Youth Day to the young brains and minds of our Nation.”

“Youth is humanity in the making. If something is in the works, the more attention you pay to it, the better the product will be.”

“If the world was guided by youth, it would be a better place. They are the ones who are most alive, idealistic, and energetic.”

FAQ

1. What does National Youth Day highlight?

The day highlights the youth who are the future of the country.

2. When did Swami Vivekananda die?

Swami Vivekananda died on July 4, 1902.

3. Why did Swami Vivekananda change his name?

He changed his name twice—first to Vivekananda and then to Sachidananda—to avoid his brother’s disciples following him.

4. Is there an International Youth Day?

Yes, there is International Youth Day, created by the United Nations and celebrated on August 12 every year.