National Youth Day 2026

January 12 marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, celebrated as National Youth Day across India with the theme “Ignite the Self, Impact the World”.

• Relevant for UPSC Prelims
• Useful for Mains GS-I (Society, role of youth, social reformers)
• Useful for Mains GS-IV (Ethics, values, character building, youth ideals and leadership)
• Valuable for Essay Papers

“My hope of the future lies in the youths of character, intelligent, renouncing all for the service of others, and obedient – good to themselves and the country at large.”- Swami Vivekananda

National Youth Day, also known as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas, is celebrated annually on January 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, one of India's greatest philosophers and spiritual leaders. 

More than a commemorative occasion, National Youth Day is a moment to reflect on the aspirations, energies, and responsibilities of India’s youth, who form the backbone of the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.

• Declared as National Youth Day by the Government of India in 1984, and has been officially observed since 1985.
• Also known as Vivekananda Jayanti in India.
• Celebrated across schools, colleges, universities, and youth organisations throughout the country.
• Over 3,000 youth participated in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders' Dialogue (VBYLD) held during this period in 2026.
• India has a youthful demographic with nearly 65% population below 35 years, offering immense potential for development

Also read: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2026 (NRI Day)

National Youth Day, celebrated on Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, inspires young people to grow in character, courage, and knowledge, and to serve humanity.

• Honouring a Visionary: Celebrating the birth of Swami Vivekananda, who championed education, character-building, and social service as pathways to national development.
• Inspiration from Ideals: Drawing from Vivekananda's philosophy that strong individuals create strong nations through character and moral courage.
• Youth Empowerment: Recognising the critical role of youth in achieving India's development goals and national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Civic Participation: Encouraging young citizens to engage actively in the social, political, and economic transformation of the country.
• Character Development: Emphasising that nation-building begins with building individuals of strong character, integrity, and courage.
• National Integration: Fostering communal harmony, brotherhood, and unity among youth from diverse regions, religions, and backgrounds.

Also read: Vishwa Hindi Diwas 2026 (World Hindi Day)

Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) was an Indian spiritual leader, social reformer and philosopher who dedicated his life to social reform, education, and spreading Indian philosophy to the world.

• Born as Narendra Datta in Kolkata, he became the chief disciple of the mystic Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
  Became the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa at a young age.
• Died on 4 July 1902 at Belur Math in West Bengal at the age of 39.
• Introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, making them recognised global philosophical traditions.
• Advocated for religious unity and interfaith harmony, rejecting dogmatism and superstition.
• Championed the idea that spirituality and material progress must move together, creating balanced development.
• Relentlessly opposed the caste system, calling for its elimination from Indian society
• Advocated for women's rights and education, recognising their crucial role in nation-building
• Delivered his famous speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, introducing Hindu philosophy to Western audiences.
• Established the Vedanta Society of New York and the Vedanta Society of San Francisco.
• Founded the Ramakrishna Math (1897), a monastic institution for spiritual training.
• Established the Ramakrishna Mission (1897), dedicated to social services, education, and humanitarian work.
• His famous call, "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached”, continues to inspire young Indians.
• His quote, "The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world," encapsulates his belief in youth potential.

Also read: Good Governance Day 2025 | UPSC Notes

National Youth Day is not merely a commemorative occasion but a vibrant, week-long celebration showcasing the energy and aspirations of India's youth.

• School and College Activities: Processions, debates, essay competitions, recitations, and sports competitions showcasing student talents.
• Cultural Programs: Music, dance, and drama performances celebrating India's rich heritage and Vivekananda's ideals.
• Youth Conferences: Platforms where young people discuss leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.
• Community Service: Volunteer activities through organisations like NSS (National Service Scheme), NCC, and youth groups.
• National Youth Festival: A week-long celebration (beginning January 12) featuring competitive and non-competitive cultural events, martial arts, and adventure programs.
• National Youth Awards: Recognition of young individuals making significant contributions to their communities.

The Government of India has created strong youth programs for participation, skills, health, entrepreneurship, and national service, showing its commitment to empowering young people.

1. Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)

• National technology-driven platform launched by PM Modi on October 31, 2023.
• Connects youth with volunteering, experiential learning, leadership, and skill development opportunities.
• MY Bharat Mobile App launched in October 2025 with AI-driven chatbots and Smart CV Builder tools.
• MY Bharat 2.0 was launched on June 30, 2025, in collaboration with Digital India Corporation.
• Collaboration with the School of Ultimate Leadership Foundation to train one lakh youth leaders over three years (August 2025).

2. Skill Development Programs

• Skill India Mission: Empowered over 6 crore Indians since 2014.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): 17,611,055 candidates enrolled and 16,433,033 trained (up to October 31, 2025)
• PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation): Launched in October 2025 with ₹60,000 crore investment to upgrade 1,000 Government ITIs.
  • 200 hub ITIs to serve as advanced skills and innovation centres.
  • 800 spoke ITIs to extend access to smaller towns and remote areas.
  • 1,200 vocational skill labs in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools.

3. Employment and Entrepreneurship

• Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: Announced August 15, 2025, with ₹1 lakh crore outlay to create over 3.5 crore jobs in two years.
• Startup India: 1,97,692 entities recognised as startups as of October 31, 2025.
• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme: 219 incubators approved with ₹945 crore funding (as of June 30, 2025).
• Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY): 53.85 crore loans sanctioned, with ₹35.13 lakh crore amount disbursed, benefiting women and minority entrepreneurs.

​4. Military and Service Opportunities

• Agnipath Scheme: Recruits youth aged 17.5–21 as Agniveers for four-year military service; 1.5 lakh Agniveers enrolled till February 2025.
• National Service Scheme (NSS): Covers 657 universities, 20,669 colleges, and 11,988 senior secondary schools with 3.9 million annual volunteers.

5. Health and Wellness

• Fit India Movement: Launched August 29, 2019, to promote physical fitness as an integral part of daily life.
• Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK): Addresses holistic health needs of adolescents aged 10–19 across rural and urban areas.
• Youth Spiritual Summit & Kashi Declaration: July 2025 initiative promoting mental health, wellness, and drug-free living.

6. Youth Participation and Leadership

• Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS): Provides non-formal vocational training; 32.53 lakh beneficiaries trained since 2018.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY): 16.90 lakh candidates trained and 10.97 lakh placed in gainful employment.
• Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs): 56.69 lakh candidates trained in 2025–26.

Viksit Bharat @2047 vision depends on the strength of India’s youth. By using government schemes, gaining skills, and following Swami Vivekananda’s ideals of courage, character, education, and service, young people can help build a developed and inclusive India.

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