National Youth Day.. Why is it Celebrated ?

National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti, is celebrated on 12 January, being the birthday of Swami Vivekananda.

Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk from India. His teachings and philosophy are a reinterpretation and synthesis of various strands of Hindu thought, most notably classical yoga and (Advanta) Vedanta, with western esotericism and Universalism.

It was a decision of the Government of India taken in 1984 to celebrate the birthday of great Swami Vivekananda, i.e. 12 January, as National Youth Day every year.

The Government of India quoted that 'the philosophy of Swami and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth Day

The National Youth Day is observed all over India at schools and colleges, with processions, speeches, music, youth conventions, seminars, Yoga Asanas, presentations, competitions in essay-writing, recitations and sports on 12 January every year.