Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre – Viveka Smaraka in Mysuru, Karnataka, describing Swami Vivekananda as the true embodiment of India’s spirit and asserting that the country’s youth are driving its economic and technological transformation.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the centre, PM Modi said the responsibility of turning Swami Vivekananda’s vision of India into reality now rests with the present generation. He said the memorial should become a centre for nurturing young people committed to national service and social welfare.
The Prime Minister began his address by offering prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari and reflected on his long association with the Ramakrishna Mission, saying its teachings had played a significant role in shaping his personal journey. He also praised Mysuru for preserving its rich cultural heritage, including its traditions, festivals and historical landmarks.
Highlighting the historical connection between Swami Vivekananda and Mysuru, PM Modi recalled that the then Maharaja of Mysuru had recognised and supported the young monk more than 130 years ago, before his global recognition following the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago. He said the newly inaugurated Viveka Smaraka would further strengthen the mission inspired by Vivekananda’s ideals.
The Prime Minister lauded the Ramakrishna Ashrama for its century-long contribution in the fields of education, healthcare and disaster relief, saying the institution has carried forward Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of selfless service.
Focusing on India’s demographic strength, PM Modi said the country’s youth are playing a leading role in shaping global growth. He noted that India now has the world’s fastest-growing major economy, the third-largest startup ecosystem and the second-largest mobile manufacturing industry, while making rapid advances in artificial intelligence, deep technology, space technology and innovation.
Referring to the recent successful launch of a privately developed Indian rocket, he said the achievement reflected the growing capabilities of young innovators and entrepreneurs. The Prime Minister said initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India derive their momentum from the country’s young population.
PM Modi said the government’s role is to provide opportunities, quality education and modern infrastructure so that young people can realise their full potential. He highlighted the expansion of India’s higher education system over the past decade, stating that more than 650 universities and around 14,000 colleges have been established, while the number of MBBS seats has nearly doubled to about 1.4 lakh.
PM Modi also highlighted the implementation of the National Education Policy, saying it is aligning education with the needs of the 21st century. He pointed to the development of more than 14,000 PM SHRI schools and 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs aimed at promoting innovation and scientific thinking among students.
The Prime Minister said reforms have expanded educational opportunities by allowing girls to join Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy, while professional courses are increasingly being offered in Indian languages to improve accessibility.
Emphasising the importance of sports in nation-building, PM Modi said initiatives such as the Khelo India Games have expanded grassroots sporting infrastructure and contributed to improved international performances by Indian athletes, particularly those from smaller towns. He also praised the achievements of women sportspersons in enhancing India’s global sporting profile.
Calling upon the youth to contribute beyond personal ambitions, the Prime Minister urged them to participate in environmental conservation, particularly water conservation, and to help maintain Mysuru’s reputation as one of India’s cleanest cities.
He also encouraged young people to reconnect with Kannada literature, referring to the release of the Kannada translation of the Valmiki Ramayana, and appealed to citizens to support local artisans by purchasing Indian-made handicrafts, silk and sandalwood products under the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.
Expressing confidence in the newly inaugurated centre, PM Modi said the Viveka Smaraka would inspire future generations to work towards building a developed and self-reliant India in line with Swami Vivekananda’s ideals.
