Swami Vivekananda was born on 12^th January 1863 in Kolkata. Every year India celebrates National Youth Day or Yuva Diwas on 12^th January in the honor of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary. He was one of India’s greatest leaders and believers in youth power. National Youth Day is also celebrated to encourage the youth to become a better person and achieve an honorable life contributing to the development of the country. Swami Ji was a spiritual thinker who always focused on harnessing the potential of the youth and has always been vocal on the same throughout his lifetime. It is of immense importance to understand the role of youth in nation building as India is a nation where one-fifth of its population comprises youth or youngsters.

The government of India decided to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary in 1984 as National Youth Day or Yuva Diwas every year and its first observance took place in the year 1985. The day celebrates and remembers the invaluable contribution of Swami Ji to the country to honor one of the greatest leaders of India. Yuva Diwas helps in inspiring young people by making them know the teachings and lifestyle of Swami Vivekananda. Several national and state-level programs take place on the day, like essay competitions, yoga events, presentations, etc. Schools and colleges organize several cultural activities, plays, lectures, etc with the aim to inspire the youths to do better and extraordinary things in their lives. National Youth Seminars are being organized in local clubs and educational institutes. Many local clubs encourage residents to do blood donation in association with various blood banks or NGOs.