Agartala, January 12 (TIWN): As part of country-wide programme, National Youth Day was celebrated across Tripura with pomp and gaiety today to commemorate the 152nd Birth Anniversary of social reformer, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda. Following the National Youth Day celebration, the main function took place at the Vivek Udyan in Agartala.

 Ramakrishna Mission in collaboration with Vivek Udyan Sanrakshan Samity and Vivekananda Yuva Mahamandal organized the observance of National Youth Day on Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar inaugurated the programme by lighting Vivek Jyoti while chief guest Dr. Prafullajit Sinha, Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation hosted the Vivek flag. The guests and children including school students offered floral tribute at the feet of Swami Vivekananda’s statue.

In his inaugural speech, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar emphasised the need to emulate the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda particularly by youths. ”Society cannot develop by implementing ideas acquired from academic excellence alone”, said Sarkar.

The welcome address was delivered by the president of Vivek Udyan Sanrakshan Samity- Kanailal Das and presidential address was delivered by secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, Agartala- Swami Hitakamananda.

A vast number of students and teachers from different schools, youths, guardians and followers of Swami Vivekananda thronged at Vivek Udyan to mark the National Youth Day.

Besides, Dr. Prafullajit Sinha and special guest Dr. K Rajeswara Rao, Principal Secretary of School Education Department also delivered their essential speeches.

During the programme, prizes were distributed among the winners of recitation, song and speech competitions sponsored by NYK, West Tripura, Ramakrishna Mission and Vivekananda Study and Welfare Society, Agartala. The closing song was performed by the students of Sachin Deb Barman Government Music College.