Calling upon students to follow the path shown by Swami Vivekananda, Minister of State for Information, Education and Culture, Priya Sethi said the life of Swami Ji is a lesson for all youngsters and the ideals of nationalism and spirituality preached by the young monk should be followed in letter and spirit.She said Vivekananda was also one of the great social reformers of the country who during his short span of life introduced Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world.“On this moment we have to also duly recognize the role Eknath ji played in spreading the message of Swami ji to every nook and corner of the country,” she added.Priya said this while inaugurating Eknath Ranade centenary celebrations at Tiny Aspirants Higher Secondary School, Jourian, Akhnoor.The Minister was chief guest at the function and MLA Rajeev Sharma was the guest of honour.
Describing Eknath Ranade as social activist and leader, Priya said everybody knows Eknath Ji as the founder of Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, adding that Eknath ji had great organizational capabilities who also published selection of Vivekananda writings.She said young students should get inspiration from the dedication and commitment towards goal as shown by Eknath ji. Youngsters should strive to be best in their field and learn spiritual philosophies of the land which promote universal brotherhood and bonhomie among all the living beings, she added.“Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is also working hard to take the country to new heights and he has started ambitious projects and schemes like skill development, social security schemes, Jan Dhan Yojna and other innovative programmes,” she added.
The MLA in his address lauded efforts of the organizers for celebrating the birth centenary of one of the great leaders of the country and called upon students to follow the teachings of Swami Ji.On the occasion, students from various government and private schools of Jourian and adjoining areas spoke about the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Cultural items were also presented by the students which were highly applauded by the audience.Later, the Minister also rewarded the students who participated in the event and spoke on the life and mission of the great leaders.Among others, Renowned Spiritual Scholar Pt Shiv Prasad Raina, Col. Retd Bana Ram Sharma, Principal of the School Seema Sharma, Convener Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Jammu O P Gupta, Convenor, Uttarkshetra Gyan Chand and other dignitaries, students, teachers and members of civil society attended the event.