Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid rich tributes to Swami Vivekananda on the occasion of National Youth Day, describing him as a visionary who introduced India’s Sanatan culture, spiritual consciousness and intellectual strength to the world. He said Swami Vivekananda’s life and teachings continue to inspire India’s youth to move forward with determination, focus and dedication.
Addressing the state-level National Youth Day programme in Lucknow, the Chief Minister offered floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda’s portrait and honoured youths from across the state with the State-Level Vivekananda Youth Awards for their outstanding contributions in various fields. He also inaugurated five multipurpose sports halls under the Khelo India scheme—two in Lucknow and one each in Hardoi, Kannauj and Saharanpur—and laid foundation stones for three rural stadiums in Saharanpur, Kasganj and Fatehpur.
The Chief Minister said Swami Vivekananda played a pivotal role in restoring India’s self-confidence at a time when the nation had lost its sense of self-awareness due to centuries of foreign rule. “From Narendra to Swami Vivekananda, his journey was that of a seeker transforming into a path-breaking reformer. His message—focus on the goal, firmness in resolve and continuity in action—is a guiding principle for every youth,” he said.
Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Chicago Parliament of Religions, Yogi Adityanath said the saint presented India as a civilisation rooted in human welfare, tolerance and spiritual values. He reiterated Swami Vivekananda’s firm belief that India would once again emerge as a global leader on the strength of its youth, spiritual heritage and self-pride.
Highlighting the role of sports in nation-building, the Chief Minister said the state government is working at a war footing to ensure a playground in every gram panchayat, a mini stadium in every development block and a large stadium in every district. Youth and Mahila Mangal Dals have been provided sports kits so that entire village communities can participate in sports activities. He urged youth groups to actively contribute to campaigns against drug abuse and take part in water conservation efforts, including revival of ponds, wells, check dams and rivers.
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inspired youth participation in sports through initiatives like Khelo India, Fit India Movement and MPs’ sports competitions. Under the double-engine government, Uttar Pradesh has provided transparent government jobs to nearly nine lakh youths under Mission Rozgar and ensured a robust law-and-order environment conducive to investment and employment.
Referring to economic progress, Yogi Adityanath said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy, while Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the country’s second-largest state economy and a revenue surplus state. He added that investments worth over ₹15 lakh crore have been grounded in the state, creating employment opportunities for more than two crore youths through industrial growth, tourism and schemes like One District One Product.
He also highlighted youth-centric initiatives such as free smartphones and tablets under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, the Chief Minister Youth Entrepreneur Development Scheme offering interest-free and guarantee-free loans up to ₹5 lakh, and skill development in emerging technologies like AI, robotics, drones and machine learning.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Minister of State for Sports and Youth Welfare (Independent Charge) Girish Chandra Yadav also addressed the programme. Legislators Neeraj Bora and O.P. Srivastava, along with other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
