Shri Narendra Modi addressed the closing ceremony of the state-wide 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda. The ceremony was held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar and was attended by top ministers, seers and several youngsters. Shri Modi paid rich tributes to Swami Vivekananda and described the two year long celebrations as an endeavour to contribute towards society and the nation and at the same time enable the youth to understand Swami Vivekananda.
Speaking about Swami Vivekananda, Shri Modi said, “Swami Vivekananda’s aim was to serve Bharat Mata and to serve the Daridra Narayan. He did not do things for himself. When he went to USA, he showcased the true strength and identity of India in front of the world. It was Swami ji’s words ‘Sister and Brothers’ that demonstrated India’s values to the world.”
Shri Modi described Swami Vivekananda as a true visionary who leaves behind a monumental contribution to society and the nation despite the fact that he left us at the age of 49. Shri Modi recalled that Swami ji knew he would leave the Earth at the age of 49. Swami ji also said that leave aside all deities for 50 years and only devote yourself to Bharat Mata and exactly 50 years later India attained freedom. Likewise, Shri Modi said that the great Swami Vivekananda dreamt that India would once again become the Jagat Guru (leader of the world) and that the youth of India would be the drivers of this change. He added that Swami Vivekananda was always opposed to bad ritualism and bad practices in society.
During his speech, Shri Modi talked about how Gujarat celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda including Shri Modi’s Yatra, in which he covered the entire state and spread Swami Vivekananda’s message among the youth.
On the youth of India, Shri Modi avowed that India is one of the most youthful countries in the world and that our youth can give a lot to the world. But, for that it is essential to consider our youth as our strength, Shri Modi added. In this regard, Shri Modi talked about the importance given by the Gujarat Government towards skill development initiatives for the youth. Shri Modi affirmed that the future does not lie in the number of degrees one holds but on the skill one has. He shared that the Gujarat Government’s Kaushalya Vardhan Kendras were awarded by the Prime Minister of India. He also said that he envisioned the India where the daughters are also equal participants in the journey towards Rashtra Nirman.
Shri Narendra Modi also released 2 books on the occasion. Shri Modi also presented prizes to several youngsters.
