A Report

On

National Youth Day, 12-01-2016

(Celebrating the 164^th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekanand Ji)

(Swadeshi Sankalp Run-Run for Swadeshi)

National Service Scheme (NSS) University of Kashmir Observes National Youth Day with Thought-Provoking Deliberations on Swami Vivekananda’s Ideals- Swadeshi and Self Reliance)

The National Service Scheme (NSS), University of Kashmir, Under the Nationwide initiative (Run for Swadeshi-Swadeshi Sankalp Run) organized a day long comprehensive and intellectually enriching programme to commemorate National Youth Day, marking the 164^th  Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda Ji  in  the Gandhi Bhawan of the University of Kashmir on 12^th January 2026. The event aimed to engage youth in meaningful dialogue on self-reliance, ethical leadership, social responsibility, and nation-building—core values propagated by Swami Vivekananda Ji. Despite being held during the winter vacation, the programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from NSS volunteers,Youth club members, students, faculty members and invited speakers, reflecting the commitment of young minds towards social awareness, civic responsibility, and national development. The programme featured a series of insightful lectures and deliberations delivered by academicians, youth leaders, and NSS functionaries, focusing on the contempora relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy in addressing present-day social, moral, and cultural challenges.

After welcoming the participants and speakers Programme Coordinator NSS, University of Kashmir Dr.Wakar Amin introduced the aims and objectives of the programme. The programme was dived into two part.First part of the programme involved motivational lectures while the other part was to inspire and encourage youth towards self reliance and swadeshi.

In her message the Honourable Vice Chancellor and the registrar of the university highlighted the relevance of National Youth Day in shaping the social consciousness and responsibility of the youth.Honourable Vice Chanceelor in her message further added that Swami Vivekanand Ji’s  ideas continue to guide generations of young people towards self belief,discipline and social service.Such events insire our youth to reflect on their role as agents of change,self reliance and swadeshi movement..

Dr. Farukh Faheem (Invited Speaker) while addressing the gathering, spoke on the traditional practices of our society highlighting their historical social relevance and examining how these practices have evolved over time. He drew attention to the concerns of marginalized communities and emphasized the significant role students and youth can play in fostering inclusivity, social justice, and positive transformation in order  be able to steer the nation towards self reliance.

Dr. Javaid-ul-Aziz (Invited Speaker) delivered an engaging lecture on the historical context of Swami Vivekananda, with special emphasis on his vision of self-reliance, Swadeshi, and character building. He underlined how Vivekananda’s teachings continue to offer guidance for youth empowerment and nation-building in the contemporary era. The speaker highlighted the great contribution of our freedom fighters towards making independence of our country a reality.

Adding a dynamic and motivational dimension to the programme, Mr. Muzamil Mehmood, a prominent youth leader and icon, inspired the participants by urging them to embrace leadership, community service, and active citizenship. His address resonated strongly with NSS volunteers and students. Describing Swami Vivekanad ji a guiding light and a great philosopher, he urged the youth to learn and develop love for country and  take pride in the idea of  swadeshi.

Mr. Altaf Khan, NSS Programme Officer, delivered a thoughtful address highlighting the importance of role models such as Swami Vivekananda in shaping the moral and intellectual foundations of youth. He discussed the contributions of Swami Ji in mentoring young minds and reflected on the challenges of the present era, including excessive reliance on technology, attention deficits, and moral dilemmas.

The programme also benefited from the presence of Dr. Tariq Abdul from EMMRC, who ensured comprehensive media coverage of the event. In his address, he reflected on Swami Vivekananda’s ideals, the growing disconnect among youth, and the “missing of soul” in contemporary life.

The valedictory session was addressed by Prof. Pervez Ahmad (Chief Guest), Dean Students Welfare, University of Kashmir, who appreciated the initiative and shared his valuable insights on the programme and its broader significance. He emphasized the vital role of youth in driving social change and highlighted the importance of making India a  self reliant and  developed nation.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks offered by Dr. Yasir Hamid, NSS Programme Officer, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, organizers, NSS functionaries, volunteers, media personnel, and participants for their valuable presence and cooperation, which ensured the successful conduct of the programme. Sincere thanks were also extended to NSS Programme Officers  namely Dr.Humaira Showkat, Mr. Farooq Ahmad, Dr. Aejaz Ahmad Wani for their presence, cooperation, and valuable contributions towards the successful conduct of the programme.

The programme ended with the certificate distribution by the dignitaries during the valedictory function.

The event served as a meaningful tribute to Swami Vivekananda’s enduring message of youth empowerment, ethical living, and service to humanity.