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The Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Sunil Dutt has exhorted the youth and children do their best and contribute their might in the relief measures for the Tsunami affected people in the coastal States. He said, the participation of youth in this task is very important as this would go a long way in inculcating positive qualities in their character and would help make them responsible citizens. He was addressing a gathering of nearly 4000 youth associated with Nehru Yuvak Kendras, National Service Scheme (NSS), and various Schools of Delhi that converged at Dhyanchand National Stadium here today to observe the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The Day is being celebrated as “Yuva Jagriti Divas”.
The occasion provided the participating youth an opportunity to express their solidarity with the Tsunami affected people in the coastal States and also to support the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures in those areas.
Shri Sunil Dutt remembered Swami Vivekananda as the eternal role model of youthful spirit and selfless service. Recalling his recent visit to the Tsuanmi affected areas, the Minister said that the children were the worst affected amongst the victims and even a small contribution by their friends will be a great gesture of solidarity. “One single rupee donated from the saved pocket money of a child will be equal to one lakh rupees,” Shri Sunil Dutt told his young audience.
The Sarvadharam Prarthana at the beginning brought alive the collective grief, solidarity and above all human resilience in the face of devastation. The Event witnessed an outpouring of feelings from the young hearts as children came up with poignant expressions of their genuine feelings on a Board provided to write messages for the affected people. A sample of messages written included, “ Iss Vipada Se Naa ho Niraash, Hum sab Banenge tumhari aas” (Don’t get disheartened, we are always there with you”); “Aapka Dard Hamse Paraya Nahin” (Your pain is our own). A young Mohammed Zahid summed up the dominant mood with telling simplicity when he wrote, “Please…..Himmat Se Kaam Lein” (Please…Have Courage). After seeing these touching messages, the Minister also wrote “ Those who have gone are ours. Those who are living are also ours. Let us help them to begin new life.”
Every year, the Birthday of Swami Vivekanand is celebrated as National Youth Day but this year, in the backdrop of devastation caused by the Tsunami waves, the day is being observed to give a clarion call to the youth of the country to extend their wholehearted support to the Tsunami victims.
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