By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: On the occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Ramkrishna Mission Shillong organized a youth convention on Saturday at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh was the Chief Guest with NEHU VC, Prof AN Rai as the Guest of Honor. Swami Atmapriyananda Maharaj, VC, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Kolkata presided over the function as Speaker.
Ms Lyngdoh said that Swami Vivekananda is a true ideal of the youth. “Swamiji is still in our minds,” she said adding that this year has been declared by the state government as the “Year of the Youth” to encourage the younger generation.
Quoting the word of Swamiji’s “self confidence”, “faith in self” and “nothing is impossible” she urged the youth of the state, “we should remember these words, always.”
“Today the younger generation is getting more scope like the internet, unlike in the past, as they can access the entire world and needs proper guidance with education,” she said. Informing that the government cannot be held responsible for anything and everything but the youths have to develop their skill and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
Prof Rai spoke about Swamiji’s address at Chicago at a time when India was looked down upon. “Swamiji gave a clear picture about what India is to the west at a time when India was looked down something else,” he said. He also urged the youth to remember India’s past glory as shown by Swamiji in order to make the country’s future bright.
Swami Atmapriyananda Maharaj said that Vivekananda’s ideal of India’s civilization is what is needed in every individual and student should follow his ideals. “Vivekananda is not confined to any particular religion and his ideals are universal in character,” he said.
The youth convention was also attended by 400 students from various schools of the city and Sohra.
