Commemorating the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Barkatullah University, in collaboration with Pragya Pravah, Madhya Bharat Prant, hosted the thought-provoking event ‘Youth and Dharma 2025’ at the Gyan-Vigyan Auditorium. The program brought together over 1,000 students from across the state, fostering intellectual discussions on Dharma, leadership, and the essentiality of the Indic model of modernism.
The event aimed to guide Bharat’s young population, the largest globally, in navigating contemporary challenges posed by narrative warfare and societal influences. It underscored the need to channel youthful energy towards building a strong, culturally rooted, and progressive society.
Key Highlights of the Event
In the inaugural session, speakers emphasised the significance of equipping Bharat’s youth with a robust perspective to counteract cultural and intellectual challenges. The necessity of anchoring societal development in Indian values was a central theme.
Session 1: Focus on selfless giving and digital detox
Mukul Kanitkar, a prominent thinker, urged the youth to prioritise “what they can give” over “what they can gain” while encouraging them to adopt digital detox practices. He stressed the importance of reducing dependence on social media for holistic growth and a balanced life.
Session 2: Leadership lessons from Rashmi Samant
Rashmi Samant, the first Indian woman to serve as President of the Oxford University Student Union, shared her journey and experiences. Highlighting the Bhagavad Gita as a timeless guide for leadership and self-discovery, she inspired students to explore its teachings for personal and professional growth.
Session 3: Adopting Indic modernism with Prafulla Ketkar
Prafulla Ketkar, editor of Organiser, delved into the philosophy of Krititva—performing actions with the right intent. He stressed that while degrees from foreign universities may symbolise colonial influences, aligning one’s intent with national interests could bridge this gap. Ketkar advocated adopting an Indic model of modernism over Western ideals, urging youth to embrace Bharat’s intellectual heritage for societal upliftment.
In the concluding session, all speakers engaged with students, addressing their questions on contemporary challenges and societal duties. The program also featured a spellbinding performance by Dhruva Band, India’s only Sanskrit music band, which left the audience captivated with its unique presentation.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Ashok Pandey, former Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission; social worker Swapnil Kulkarni; Professor Bharat Sharan Singh; and Vice Chancellor of Barkatullah University, S.K. Jain. Renowned thinkers and philosophers such as Vijay Manohar Tiwari and Radheshyam Malviya also attended, adding intellectual depth to the proceedings.
‘Youth and Dharma 2025’ successfully connected students with India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. By instilling a sense of responsibility and grounding them in Indic values, the event proved to be a pivotal platform for shaping Bharat’s future leaders.
