Swami Vivekananda infused new energy among the youth of the nation through his thoughts : CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Swami Vivekananda infused new energy among the youth of the nation through his thoughts. He was a great national thinker and was youthful not only in body but also in action. He said that yoga is an integral part of our Indian tradition. The yogic practices of Surya Namaskar are the essence of our entire life. It is not merely a physical exercise, but a powerful medium to take our lives from normalcy to excellence. By practicing the 12 yogic postures included in Surya Namaskar daily, we can keep our bodies healthy and live happily.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the state-level mass Surya Namaskar and Pranayama programme organised on the occasion of National Youth Day (12 January) at Government Subhash Model Higher Secondary School, Bhopal, on Monday.

Under the guidance of yoga instructors, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav performed three rounds of Surya Namaskar, each comprising 12 postures, and various Pranayama asanas along with all the students of Subhash School. He said that yoga has been an inseparable part of our culture for centuries. Prior to this, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and other dignitaries formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp and offering floral tributes to the portraits of Goddess Saraswati and Swami Vivekananda.

Life finds its true meaning through the radiance of the Sun God

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Sun God transmits energy by illuminating the entire universe. All festivals and celebrations in Indian culture begin with the lighting of a lamp, which symbolises the worship of the Sun God. It is through the radiance of the Sun God that life attains meaning and the body becomes filled with energy.

The Chief Minister called upon the people of the state to prepare themselves for building a developed and self-reliant India. He urged innovation and new creation to take the state forward, preservation of the ancient rich culture and heritage, promotion of indigenous products, and encouraging children to read books. Addressing students, he said they should not limit themselves only to their academic curriculum, but also acquaint themselves with the practical aspects of life.

Stay away from addiction and junk food

  Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that self-study is also a powerful means of acquiring knowledge and everyone should practise it. He urged people to stay away permanently from all kinds of addiction and junk food, as junk food leads the body towards degeneration, and should be consumed as little as possible. He appealed to plant trees, devote at least half an hour daily to physical exercise, and play at least one favourite sport.

He also called for sensitivity towards women, children and the elderly, and emphasised building character along with personality. He advised sharing emotions with family and friends, remaining hopeful rather than discouraged, and using modern technology with full understanding and sensitivity. The Chief Minister said that Indian culture is based on the altruistic spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He urged everyone to live each moment of life with joy and move forward with the spirit of making life better for humanity, society, nature and oneself, along with others.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that about 1,000 years ago, Mahmud of Ghazni attempted to destroy the Somnath Temple. Today, we take pride that this living symbol of Indian culture stands firm like a rock with full glory even now.

Mass Surya Namaskar and Pranayama performed together at one signal

The state-level mass Surya Namaskar programme at Subhash School began in the morning with the singing of the national song Vande Mataram. During the programme, the historic address delivered by Swami Vivekananda at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, USA, was also broadcast. Thereafter, at the same time and on a single signal, everyone performed mass Surya Namaskar and Pranayama together.

The programme was broadcast live to schools across the state through all centres of All India Radio. In the districts as well, yoga practitioners, teachers and students practised mass Surya Namaskar and Pranayama as per the given guidance. The programme concluded with the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.

It is noteworthy that on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary (National Youth Day), the state-level Surya Namaskar programme was organised for the first time in 2007. Since then, this event has been organised continuously.

At the state-level mass Surya Namaskar programme held in Bhopal, Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Smt. Krishna Gaur, MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, Municipal Corporation President Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, Shri Ravindra Yati, Secretary School Education Dr. Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner of Public Instruction Smt. Shilpa Gupta, Director of Public Instruction Shri D.S. Kushwaha, along with teachers and a large number of school students, were present.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav offered floral tribute to the portrait of Swami Vivekananda

On Monday, on the occasion of the 163rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav paid humble tributes by offering floral garlands andflowers to the portrait of Swami Vivekananda at a brief programme organised at Polytechnic Square. He said that Swami Vivekananda possessed an extraordinary personality and worked to give Indian culture global recognition. He was a graduate in science, but after coming under the influence of his Guru, he took upon himself the responsibility of awakening social consciousness through the Ramakrishna Mission. For this noble work, all Indians will always remain indebted to him.

Senior MLA Shri Hemant Khandelwal said that the welfare of all lies in following the paths and ideals shown by Swami Vivekananda. On this occasion, senior social worker Shri Hitanand Sharma, MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, Shri Shyam Tailor, Shri Ajay Patidar, other public representatives and a large number of youth were present.