“A brave, frank, clean-hearted, courageous and aspiring youth is the only foundation on which the future nation can be built.”- Swami Vivekananda. In the 21st century, when the youth of India are facing new problems, pushing boundaries, and aspiring for a better future, thoughts of Swami Vivekananda have become more relevant. Swami Vivekananda is the greatest youth icon produced by India and one that influenced millions of youths across the world. Bhavans Indian Educational School, Kuwait, in association with ‘Yuva for India’, organized a motivational lecture on the philosophy and ideals of Swami Vivekananda on January 20, 2021, on its virtual platform.
Dr. K.S. Subrahmanyan, M.A, Ph.D., Dean, Art and Humanities, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthan, Bangalore, India, Retired Principal, National Defense Academy, was the speaker of the day. He shared his valuable thoughts on empowering the youth. The occasion was graced by the presence of Dr. Roopesh, President of Yuva for India, Kuwait. The students of grades 7 and 8 were the enthusiastic audience for the session.
Ryan John Samuel of 8D extended a warm welcome to the audience. Ms. Meenakshi Nayyar, Vice Principal, Middle Wing, IES, welcomed the speaker of the day. Dr. K.S Subramanyan expounded the various dimensions of youth empowerment. He said that one could be empowered only if one faced and handled the problems of life with an equanimous mind. He added that being resourceful and being equipped with the right knowledge would enable the youth to solve the problems, and the betterment of humanity should be the ultimate goal of youth empowerment. He observed that when the youth of the present century find themselves gripped by increasing isolation, purposelessness, depression, and mental fatigue, Vivekananda's precepts about greater goals in life emerge vindicated. He urged the youth to go for a spiritual quest while achieving greater goals, to follow a strong moral conduct in all circumstances and to strive hard to instill determination in themselves without relying on external stimuli to elevate their thoughts and action. He also emphasized the role of teachers in motivating the youth with the highest values, knowledge, and awareness of the society governed by a strong sense of purpose.
Ms. Lalitha Premkumar, Vice Principal, Kindergarten and Primary Wing, IES, thanked the speaker for sharing his words of wisdom and awakening the listeners to direct their energy to a higher goal. Ms. Anselma Tessy Judeson, Vice Principal, Senior Wing, IES, stressed the importance of a calm mind in facing challenges and the need to learn new skills, and advised the students to share their skills and talents with others. The session ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Nakshatra Neeraja Binu of 8F. Ms. Muneera Mammikutty, Head of the Department of English, Primary Wing, was the coordinator of the programme. Neha Hareesh Nair of 8D was the emcee of the event.