UJJAIN: On the occasion of Vishwa Bandhutva Diwas, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pramukh Parag Abhyankar said that young people have energy, capability, and talent, but values, wisdom, and a sense of national consciousness are essential to channel this strength in the right direction.
Speaking at a programme organised at the Kalidas Academy premises by the Ujjain branch of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, on the theme “Swami Vivekananda Is Still Relevant Today”, he said Bharat’s identity is rooted not only in its ancient culture and spiritual traditions but also in its spirit of sacrifice and service.
Bharatiya civilisation has always placed the welfare of society, the nation and humanity above the self, he said. This is why Bharat gave the world a message of harmony, coexistence, compassion and brotherhood, rather than conflict.
He said service is the fundamental nature of Indian culture, while sacrifice is its strength. Swami Vivekananda worked to awaken this spirit among the youth. His life demonstrates that the highest use of knowledge and capability lies in serving society and the nation.
On September 11, 1893, at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, Swami Vivekananda introduced the world to Bharat’s great tradition, which goes beyond mere tolerance among different faiths and traditions to embrace acceptance and respect for one another.
He said Bharat has always wished for the welfare of the entire humanity with the spirit of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”. This, he said, represents the true spirit of world brotherhood.
He said the biggest challenge before today’s youth is not limited to employment or careers. They must also understand who they are, what their country represents, what their culture stands for and what Bharat’s thousands-of-years-old knowledge tradition teaches.
He called upon young people to study Bharat’s history, culture, great personalities and traditions of knowledge and science, and stand before the world with confidence.
Parag Abhyankar said young people must be conscious of their duties along with their rights. Restraint must accompany anger, wisdom must accompany strength, and values must accompany knowledge.
Swami Vivekananda wanted a youth force that was intellectually capable, physically strong and spiritually awakened. Referring to this vision, he recalled Swami Vivekananda’s famous exhortation to read the Gita and play football as well.
Cautioning young people in the present social media era, Abhyankar said the challenge today is not a lack of information but distinguishing between correct and incorrect information.
He said every piece of information encountered on social media should not be accepted as the ultimate truth. Its authenticity must be examined through study, reasoning and discernment.
He said Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts should not remain confined to speeches but must be translated into life and action.
If the strength of youth is connected with sacrifice, service, discipline and patriotism, Bharat can emerge as a force capable of providing a new direction to the world, he said.
