Central University of Jammu organised a Special Lecture on “Swami Vivekananda’s Message to the Youth: Challenges and Responsibilities”

JAMMU: In honour of the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the Office of Dean Student Welfare and School of Business Studies, Central University of Jammu (CUJ), in collaboration with the Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari (Jammu Branch), organised an insightful special lecture at the Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium, CUJ. This event provided a platform to revisit Vivekananda’s philosophy in light of contemporary challenges, encouraging the youth to embrace the values of character-building and selfless service.

The program began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the shift from ignorance to enlightenment. Prof. Ritu Bakshi, Dean of Student Welfare at CUJ, delivered the welcome address, setting a solemn tone for the afternoon, which was devoted to intellectual and spiritual awakening. She welcomed all the dignitaries and expressed gratitude for their presence at this special talk on Swami Ji’s life and values. The program continued with a special session on the "Work and Vision of Vivekananda Kendra," presented by Anurag Sharma, Nagar Parmukh of Vivekananda Kendra, Jammu Branch. He emphasised that Swamiji’s philosophy is not just a subject for study but a "Practical Vedanta" to be lived. Highlighting Vivekananda’s belief that "Man making is nation building and the responsibility of youth is to serve the nation," he underscored the importance of self-awareness, tolerance, and universal acceptance, advocating organised social service as a means of national regeneration.

In the keynote address, Shakti Kumar Pathak, IPS, Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K, delivered an inspiring lecture titled "Swami Vivekananda's Message to the Youth: Challenges and Responsibilities." He began by discussing the philosophy and core values of Swami Ji and Shankaracharya, emphasising how Swami Ji differed from Shankaracharya in addressing the uncertainties of their respective times. He highlighted three key virtues: dissatisfaction, vision, and the first step that youth should adopt from Swami Ji’s values. Explaining the role of youth, he asserted that “Youth is the soul of Bharat and the soul is eternal.” On the topics of Rashtra (Nation) and Dharma, he argued that Dharma defines the functioning of Rashtra and is the disciplinary force that youth must carry forward. He noted that the true responsibility of the youth lies in cultivating their minds while serving the nation.

In his special remarks, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Honourable Vice Chancellor of CUJ, emphasised the concept of “curiosity” and the individual’s responsibility in nation-building. He urged students to look beyond academic success toward the goal of "Man-making" and character-building. Finally, he congratulated the university for celebrating Youth Day on January 12 and for its ongoing efforts to embed Swami Ji’s values among the students.

The event concluded with a formal acknowledgement of the guests and a vote of thanks by Dr Rakesh Raina, Sah Nagar Pramukh, Vivekanda Kendra, Jammu Branch, who expressed his gratitude to all the dignitaries, faculty members, and students who contributed to the event's success. This was followed by an emotional tone of the National Anthem, leaving the attendees with a renewed commitment to Swamiji's clarion call: "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached."