The future and growth of a nation depend on its youth. They play a crucial role in this fast-changing world regardless of the society they live in. But, why Swami Vivekananda is an inspiration for youth?
Consciously or not, young people transform the world through their contribution in various ways and places like universities, workplaces, and other settings. Young people have the power to change society and advocate for their views in the best way possible.
India comprises 27.2% youth population in the age group of 15-29 years as per the Youth in India Report and has proven to be one of the most powerful countries in the world. If provided with ample opportunities and necessary nourishment, the 261 million-strong young force of India can easily create a ‘demographic dividend’ which the United Nations define as economic growth resulting from a shift in population’s structure.
Why is Swami Vivekananda Birthday Celebrated as Youth Day?
One of the greatest philosophers and spiritual leaders of India, Swami Vivekananda believed that youth hold the power of a nation. He regarded the youth as the nation’s potential powerhouse and had immense faith that if we channel our power constructively, we will see tremendous growth and prosperity.
The Government of India declared the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda as the day dedicated to the youth in 1984 in order to honor the youth of the nation and uplift their spirits. Since then, the 12th of January has been marked as National Youth Day.
Importance of National Youth Day
The youth is a dynamic and significant section of the population of our country. India currently has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 54% of its population being under 25 and 67% of its people falling into the working demographic. When it comes to development parameters, this is both a strength and a possibility.
Youth are the greatest agents of change in a society. For the country to advance, it is essential to harness and put to good use the power of the young. Empowerment of youth enables positive change to be made in the major issues of the country which includes various challenging matters like poverty, pollution, hunger, education, unemployment and much more. There are a number of non-profit organizations at larger and smaller scales working on different challenges of India where the young minds must contribute to work towards a better tomorrow.
How to celebrate National Youth Day in school?
The National Youth Day is celebrated to honor the important roles that young people play in the development and progress of a nation. It is a day for the young minds to come together, recognize their potential, and take inspiration from successful role models.
This National Youth Day, let us pledge to contribute to at least one social cause. Here are some ways through which one can make a contribution:
1. Spreading Awareness
Awareness is the first step to change. No positive action has ever been taken when there is not enough awareness. Starting from the individual level, it is important to raise awareness for the implementation of youth-focused projects and programmes. This can be done through active participation of the young people using various creative and innovative activities such as street performances, dance forms, musical acts, etc. This creates a ripple effect, awakening more and more youthful minds. Initiatives must be led by youth since they have immense potential to draw other young people to the field of development.
2. Support a cause
A constructive way to celebrate this occasion is by supporting a social cause and helping the people in need. Mention may be made of one of the many non-profit organizations, Wishes and Blessings, a Delhi-based NGO which works on several causes. By providing food for the less fortunate for at least a year, one can assist the organization’s effort #HungerFree2023, which aims to combat hunger and malnutrition. The voice of the young minds can reach more and more people; thus, one can participate in this effort to make the initiative successful.
3. Facilitate Education
Numerous non-profits run education sponsorship programmes that help in giving underprivileged children an opportunity to access basic education and support them in realising their ambitions. The Wishes and Blessings’ Sponsor A Childhood Programme aims to uplift the underprivileged children by providing holistic support which includes quality education, food, health care, basic needs for their development. This will enable the children to improve their futures with the assistance of donors and supporters. One can always be a part of this noble cause.
4. Make a lesser privileged smile
With age the need for love and care increases, Wishes and Blessings’ old age home, Mann Ka Tilak is an initiative dedicated to assisting and caring for the abandoned elderly to help them age gracefully. Engagement and participation in causes like this would not just spread happiness but transform the lives of the lesser privileged.
5. Volunteer for a cause
One can also choose to volunteer and devote their valuable time to youth-focused programmes. Most volunteering projects are youth-led; hence the youthful environment makes the process of bringing about positive change, a viable process. Wishes and Blessings executes various such initiatives through their volunteering wing, Squad For Change.
The youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow and as a progressive society, it is all of our collective responsibility to encourage good nutrition, the finest medical treatment, and the best educational opportunities. To change our society for the better, we should all step forward and do our part.
Each one of us together can make this possible because we believe in you(th)!
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