National Youth Day observed at SOA

Bhubaneswar: Swami Vivekananda’s contribution to the Indian knowledge tradition was highlighted at a programme organised to mark the National Youth Day at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) here on Jan 12.

The main speakers, who addressed the programme held on virtual mode, included Swami Sivachidananda Saraswati, secretary of the Sivananda Centenary Boys’ School in Bhubaneswar and Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, vice-chancellor of SOA.

Swami Sivachidananda Saraswati, in his address, focused on Swami Vivekananda’s clarion call of ‘arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached’ which galvanized a generation of Indians into action. India, he said, had a long tradition where the seekers of knowledge were always held in high esteem.

Prof. Mahapatra cited innumerable instances when positive attitude resulted in wonders in a person’s life while urging the participants to spend at least five minutes every day focusing on positive thoughts. He also took questions from the listeners during a Q&A session.

Prof. Jyoti Ranjan Das, SOA’s dean (Students’ Welfare) addressed the programme saying it was necessary to follow the path shown by Swami Vivekananda in the interest of the nation.

Prof. Nachieketa K. Sharma, director, University Outreach Programme, introduced the speakers while Prof. Saroj Kumar Mohanty, programme officer, NSS, proposed the vote of thanks. The participants in the webinar included deans of different institutes, NSS volunteers and programme officers, faculties, students and guests.