Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, marking National Youth Day with tributes that highlighted the enduring influence of the revered monk on his public life and approach to governance.
A handwritten note from Modi’s personal diary, accessed and shared by the social media handle Modi Archive on platform X, offered insight into the Prime Minister’s personal reverence for Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy. The post said the note reflects Modi’s belief in the principle of “service over self,” a value closely associated with Vivekananda’s teachings.
Sharing a quote attributed to Swami Vivekananda, the Modi Archive highlighted the monk’s emphasis on sacrifice and selfless service, noting that such ideals continue to guide the Prime Minister’s outlook. The post added that National Youth Day 2026 should be an occasion for the country to honour Vivekananda’s vision by embracing service as a guiding principle in public and personal life.
Earlier in the day, Modi paid tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, which is observed annually as National Youth Day. In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister said Vivekananda remains a powerful source of inspiration for India’s youth and that his life and work continue to energise the national resolve towards building a developed India.
Modi expressed hope that National Youth Day would bring renewed strength and self-confidence, particularly among young citizens. He said the occasion serves as a reminder of Vivekananda’s enduring influence on society and the values he championed.
In a video message, the Prime Minister said Vivekananda’s contributions transcend time and geography, inspiring successive generations. He noted that Vivekananda had envisioned fearless, selfless and courageous youth as the foundation of a nation’s future and placed immense faith in their ability to drive change.
Calling upon young people to live up to that faith, Modi said India’s growing global stature is closely linked to the energy and enthusiasm of its youth. He extended his greetings to young citizens across villages, towns and cities on the occasion of National Youth Day.
January 12 was declared National Youth Day in 1984 by the government with the objective of motivating young people by connecting them to Swami Vivekananda’s ideas and encouraging their participation in nation-building.
Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata. He is widely recognised for introducing Indian philosophical traditions such as Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. His address at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago is regarded as a landmark moment in global interfaith dialogue.
Vivekananda also championed Indian nationalism, social reform and unity, urging youth to serve humanity. He later established the Ramakrishna Mission, which continues to work in the fields of education and social service.
