JAMMU, Jan 12(KNB): On the directions of Principal Secretary to Government Youth Services and Sports Department, Alok Kumar and Director YS & Sports, Gazanfar Ali, while adhering to Covid protocol, the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) celebrated National Youth Day today on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda with great enthusiasm and national spirit across all the district headquarters of the Union Territory and the Directorate Office, here today.
The 5-day National Youth Festival also took off today at Puducherry, which was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
The officers, the field staff and the youth in particular took part in various activities online as well as offline.
After the PM’s speech, a day-long programme of activities was organised at District Headquarters of twin divisions, which included meditation & yoga; forest bathing- to improve mental wellness and increase awareness towards ecology and climate change; Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for clean and green India; Youth summit by iconic speakers; Keynote address by youth icons; Panel discussion; Indigenous sport (Martial Art) and finally cultural items.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Director Youth Services and Sports Jammu, Jitender Mishra said that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked serve as a great source of inspiration for the Indian youth.
He said the majority of the population of the country comprises youth, so, it is very important that our youth are physically and mentally strong.
“Youth empowerment is all the more necessary so that their positive energies are channelized in such a way that they can contribute their best in nation building,” added Mr Mishra.
He also threw light on Swami Vivekananda’s message for the youth, which is-“Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is achieved”.
The speakers said that it was Aurobindo who carried forward the legacy of Vivekananda.
The participation was limited to 25 persons at each venue owing to the adherence of COVID -19 protocols.
Earlier, the Prime Minister’s virtual inauguration of the programme was attended by the Physical Education Lecturers, Zonal Physical Education Officers, PEM’s, PET’s, ReK’s, NYC’s and students via virtual mode.(KNB)