SHILLONG: National Youth Day was celebrated in Shillong at Ramakrishna Mission with a three-day-long programme from Friday to Sunday.
The main function was held on Saturday at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre where the great Swami delivered his last public lecture.
The chief guest of the occasion, BSF commandant Rajshekhar KN, while addressing to the youth, spoke about the contribution of Swami Vivekananda towards nation-building and called the youth as the soldiers of the nation as Swami Vivekananda would call them. He also said that the Mission and the teachers are doing their best to guide them in the right direction.
Earlier in his welcome address, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong, Swami Sarvabhutanandaji Maharaj asked the youth to face the challenges of modern India with Swamiji’s idea of ‘Renunciation and Service’. The formal session was followed by some wonderful cultural performances displaying varied cultural diaspora of North East India.
A blood donation camp was also organised by Ramakrishna Mission in collaboration with NEIGRIHMS on Saturday where 25 people donated blood.
Earlier on Friday, volunteers of Vivekananda Cultural Centre, including the monks and teachers, participated in a cleaning drive cleaning in and around Quinton Road and the institute as a part of the celebration.
On Sunday, the celebration comprised of discussion the ideals and ideas of Swami Vivekananda.
A cultural group of Laban also offered floral tribute at a plaque present of the land where Swami Vivekananda stayed for a fortnight during his visit to Shillong.