Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday described Swami Vivekananda as the cornerstone of nation-building and a guiding light of moral and spiritual values, calling his teachings deeply relevant for India’s youth.
Addressing a programme at Utkal University on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary and National Youth Day, the Chief Minister said Swami Vivekananda remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration for young Indians. He noted that Swamiji had immense faith in the power of youth and believed they alone could shape the future and destiny of the nation.
Highlighting Swami Vivekananda’s views on education, Majhi said true education goes beyond textbooks and academic learning. “According to Swamiji, education must cultivate discipline, devotion, self-restraint and self-confidence,” he said, adding that such values are essential for building character and strengthening society.
The Chief Minister also underlined Swami Vivekananda’s vision of harmonising Western scientific thought with Vedanta philosophy, calling it a balanced approach that blends material progress with spiritual wisdom.
Meanwhile, Odisha witnessed a massive show of patriotism as lakhs of students across the state participated in a collective rendition of Vande Mataram to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song. The mass singing was organised on the occasion of National Youth Day and Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.
More than 16,000 educational institutions—including schools, colleges and universities—took part in the programme, with over 21 lakh students singing in unison. The event was held simultaneously at 11 am in both government and private institutions across Odisha.
The statewide initiative was jointly organised by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, the Higher Education Department, the School and Mass Education Department, and the Sports and Youth Services Department. Students, teachers and staff members participated in large numbers, creating an atmosphere charged with patriotism and unity.
Expressing satisfaction over the successful conduct of the programme, Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj termed the event a “historic moment.” He said the collective rendition of Vande Mataram by the youth reflected Odisha’s deep commitment and devotion to the nation, and congratulated all participating institutions and individuals for making the event a grand success.
