January 12 being observed as National Youth Day : Swami Vivekananda's 152nd birth anniversary

In India, January 12 is being observed as National Youth Day.

This day marks birthday anniversary of social reformer, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda.

On this day, numbers of functions are being organised nationwide to celebrate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Background:

• Union Government in 1984 had declared and decided to observe the birthday of Swami Vivekananda i.e. 12 January as a National Youth Day every year from 1985 onwards.

• Significance of day: It will help to propagate the philosophy and the ideals of Swami Vivekananda for which he lived and worked. It will also help and act as a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.

About Swami Vivekananda:

• Swami Vivekananda was born on 12 January 1863 and died on 4 July 1902.

• He was born Narendranath Dutta and was chief disciple of the 19th century saint Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission.

• He was one of the most prominent figures of India who introduced Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the “Western” World.