National Youth Day

National Youth Day is observed on 12 January, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Born Narendranath Datta in 1863, Vivekananda became a disciple of Ramakrishna and later carried Vedanta and Yoga to an international audience. His 1893 address at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago made him widely known, but his longer legacy in India came from his call for character, education, service and confidence among young people. He helped establish the Ramakrishna Mission, combining spiritual practice with organised social service. The Government of India decided in 1984 to observe his birthday as National Youth Day, with celebrations beginning in 1985. Youth programmes, discussions and service activities use his life to emphasise self-development joined with responsibility toward society. The day treats youth not only as an age group but as a period of energy, learning and the capacity to shape public life.

National Youth Day helps remember an important person, institution, event or public value in India.