Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 12: "Swami Vivekananda used to lay added thrust on the need to conserve humanitarian values. His call to the nation for opening up to the modern world and give importance to technology have proved to be relevant now. Right from Gandhiji to the current Prime Minister, Modi, Vivekananda has remained relevant all through," said BJP national spokesperson, Meenakshi Lekhi.

She was speaking at a 'National Youth Day' programme organized at Ganapati PU College premises on Wednesday January 11 under the aegis of Saraswat group of educational institutions and Ganapati group of concerns.

"Even after 70 years since we became independent, basic facilities are yet to reach many people. Vivekananda had dreamt of seeing even the last citizen of the country prosper. It is the duty of political leaders to realize his dreams," Lekhi felt. Noting that this city has been picked for smart city project, she said developing basic amenities and infrastructure should be taken up on priority.

Swami Dharmavritanandaji of Ramakrishna Math here, who presided over the programme, recollected that Swami Vivekananda wanted people to give more importance to refinement and personality development in one's life. "Humanity is the first attribute one should have as part of his or her personality. We should always have a soft corner towards poor people, destitute, and the illiterate," he advised.

Chief executive officer of the institution, Alekkal Ramachandra Rao, delivered the introductory address. Secretary of the institution, Mahesh L Bondal, principal, Ratnakar Bannadi, head teachers, Bharati and Ranjeeta Joshi, as well as principal of Parijnana College Someshwara, Vikram, were present.