Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Sunday emphasized on the potential of the youth of India saying there is a need to instill the ideals of Swami Vivekananda in today’s youth in order to fulfill the dream of a resurgent India, with the principles of tolerance and common good. He was addressing a virtual event as the Chief Guest to mark 22nd Foundation Day of Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence, Hyderabad and 128th anniversary of historic Chicago address of Swami Vivekananda.
Justice Ramana said the character of the nation is dependent upon, the character of its youth, young minds are usually more reflective, young hearts more reactive. These emotions can be often molded to achieve greatness, but the greater challenge in this path is the ability to differentiate between, right and wrong choices.
Aiming at Swami Vivekananda’s vision of life-building, character-making and nation-building, through education and training, CJI Ramana said education and awareness constitute key components of empowerment. I come from a rural background. We struggled to educate ourselves. Today resources are available at your fingertips. There is unlimited access to a world of information.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, CJI Ramana said, ”My hope of the future lies in the character of the youths, intelligent, renouncing all for the service of others.”
“All the force in the universe is already ours, it is we, who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.”
CJI Ramana highlighted the contributions of the youth in the Indian Independence struggle, his lordship lauded the efforts of various young freedom fighters such as Birsa Munda, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and Alluri Sitarama Raju.
Justice Ramana stressed on need for the youth, to maintain a balance between the pursuit of economic success and the duty towards one’s family, community and nation, furthermore, his lordship advised the youth to be aware and conscious about the social realities and challenges.
The CJI said, “Persistence and Perseverance are the two mantras of success, education and awareness constitute key components of empowerment.”
Referring to Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago address at the World Parliament of Religions, CJI Ramana said the address gave India a respectable recognition, which uptill that point, was identified as a mere colony, furthermore, he highlighted the contribution of the Chicago address in drawing the world’s attention to the ancient Indian philosophy of Vedanta, hence popularizing a practical approach towards Vedanta.
India is a fast-growing nation with a vibrant economy. A survey has revealed that more than 45% of India’s population is youth. Nearly 65% of our country’s total population is between the age group of 15 to 35. This age group constitutes the youth, which is the age of discovery and dreams. Swami Vivekananda believed that youngsters in India are the chain that binds our past to a greater future. He believed that anything is possible if one has the required belief. Even impossible things will become possible if a person has self-belief and the motivation to achieve the same.
CJI Ramana concluded by quoting Swami Vivekananda: “In a day, when you don’t come across any problems – you can be sure that you are travelling in a wrong path.”
The event was also attended by Rev. Srimat Swami Gautamanandji Maharaj Vice President of Ramakrishna Math & Mission at Belur Math in West Bengal, Rev. SwamiSuviranandaji Maharaj General Secretary of Ramakrishna Math & Mission at Belur Math in West Bengal, Rev. SwamiJnanadanandaji Maharaj Adhyaksha of Ramakrishna Math at Hyderabad and other esteemed dignitaries.