Education
National Youth Day: Would Swami Vivekananda Be Proud of Indian Youth Today?
On 12 January each year, India celebrates National Youth Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda—a visionary whose ideals continue to inspire generations. His emphasis on courage, self-discipline, and selflessness laid the foundation for building a nation of empowered youth. Yet, as we reflect on his teachings, a poignant question arises: if Swami Vivekananda were alive today, would he be proud of the state of India’s youth?
A Disturbing Landscape
Despite remarkable strides in education, technology, and global recognition, troubling statistics reveal a different narrative. Reports show a disheartening rise in suicides among young students, with academic pressure, bullying, and mental health struggles emerging as significant factors. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, India recorded over 13,000 student suicides in 2022—a grim reminder of the challenges our youth face.
Swami Vivekananda famously said, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” But how do we encourage this awakening in an environment that often prioritises grades over mental well-being, competition over collaboration, and individual success over collective growth?
Polarisation and Division
In his landmark address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, Vivekananda envisioned a harmonious world, where mutual respect and inclusivity thrived. Yet, incidents of hate crimes in educational institutions paint a different picture. Instead of fostering understanding, many schools struggle to counter narratives of division and intolerance, which are seeping into the minds of impressionable young individuals.
Vaping is Cool!
Another alarming trend is the increasing prevalence of substance abuse and vaping among teenagers. Easy accessibility and peer influence have made vapes and drugs a growing concern in schools and colleges. Vivekananda’s ideal of youth as paragons of strength and discipline seems to clash with a reality where momentary fun triumphs responsibility.
Are We Listening to the Youth?
One of Vivekananda’s core messages was to listen and understand the needs of the youth, not dictate them. Today’s students crave purpose and authenticity in their pursuits. Yet, our education system largely remains exam-centric, with limited focus on developing emotional resilience, moral values, and critical thinking skills.
The rise of mental health issues highlights the urgent need for robust counselling frameworks in schools. Bullying, academic stress, and societal expectations weigh heavily on students. Swamiji believed in holistic education that nourished the body, mind, and soul—a vision that modern-day institutions must strive to achieve.
The Path Forward
- Mental Health Awareness: Schools must normalise conversations about mental health. Hiring trained counsellors and introducing life skills education can empower students to cope with stress and trauma.
- Fostering Inclusivity: Combatting polarisation starts with creating safe spaces for dialogue. Schools can champion diversity and empathy through collaborative activities and community-driven projects.
- Balanced Education: Beyond academic excellence, education must focus on creativity, moral values, and societal contributions—aligning with Vivekananda’s philosophy of balanced personal and communal growth.
- Youth Empowerment: Engage students in decision-making processes within educational institutions, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility.
- Combatting Addictions: Early intervention and peer education programmes can deter substance abuse. Incorporating discussions on self-control and the consequences of addiction is crucial.
A Call to Action
If Swami Vivekananda were here today, he might be disheartened by some of these realities but would undoubtedly call upon educators, parents, and leaders to rise to the occasion. The Indian youth remain a powerful force capable of leading transformative change, provided they are equipped with the right guidance and support.
As educators and leaders, we must ask ourselves: Are we nurturing the kind of youth Swami Vivekananda dreamed of? Are we empowering them with the tools to think critically, act compassionately, and embrace diversity? Or are we just celebrating the day just for the sake of it? We need to ask real questions. The answers lie in our collective efforts to reshape the educational and societal systems influencing young minds.
Swami Vivekananda’s timeless words echo loudly: “The youth are the pillars of the nation.” It is upon us to ensure that these pillars stand strong, united, and unwavering, ready to lead India toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
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