National Youth Day Celebrated at Kalinga Stadium; Sports Minister Exhorts Youth to Embrace Swami Vivekananda’s Ideals

Bhubaneswar, January 2026: The Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, celebrated the birth anniversary of the legendary Swami Vivekananda, observed as National Youth Day, today at the Kalinga Stadium.

The event was graced by the Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Shri Suraj hailed Swami Vivekananda as a global youth icon whose ideals continue to inspire millions. He remarked that Swamiji’s historic address at the Chicago Convention, where he addressed the audience as “Brothers and Sisters,” remains a proud chapter in history, symbolizing the message of universal brotherhood.

Emphasizing the vital role of the younger generation, the Minister stated that the cooperation of the youth is indispensable for building a prosperous nation. He noted that discipline and inner strength are the cornerstones of success. Quoting Swamiji’s famous words, “All power is within you,” he encouraged the youth to believe in their own potential.

Shri Suraj particularly reached out to the athletes, urging them to adopt Swamiji’s clarion call—”Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached”—as their life’s motto, especially when facing challenges on the field.

Swami Atmaprabhananda Maharaj (Representative of Ramakrishna Mission): Attending as the Guest of Honor, he highlighted Swamiji’s spiritual philosophy. He emphasized that Vivekananda’s teachings focus on character building and self-confidence, asserting that a healthy society can only be formed through the spirit of service and sacrifice.

Dr. Snehanshu Dey (Psychiatrist, SUM Hospital): He spoke on the critical importance of mental health and resilience. He advised the youth to view failures not as setbacks but as stepping stones to success, urging them to replace negativity with a positive mindset to navigate modern-day competition.

The event also saw the presence of Shri Bijay Kumar Swain, Additional Secretary, and Shri Ashok Kumar Panda, Additional Secretary, who delivered the welcome address. The proceedings were conducted by Shri Padmacharan Sahu, Deputy Secretary of the Department.

The celebration featured
Cultural Performances where Students from the Government College of Physical Education (GCPE), Tamando, Sports Hostel, and various High-Performance Centres (HPCs) showcased their talents.

The day concluded with friendly Football and Hockey matches played at Kalinga Stadium to promote the spirit of sportsmanship.

Avinash Sagar