Media Release
Udupi, Jan 28: The MIT MAHE NSS unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education in collaboration with MIT Manipal, celebrated National Youth Day 2025 on January 12 at the MIT AB 2 MV Seminar Hall.
The event featured a series of inspiring activities and was inaugurated by Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, COO of MAHE. The celebration marked the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, honouring his teachings on youth empowerment, self-reliance, and nation-building
The event commenced with inauguration by Dr Raviraja highlighted how Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the 1893 Parliament of Religions, impacted the students and volunteers to follow his principles of integrity, compassion, and dedication. Not only did he emphasise the lasting significance of Vivekananda’s philosophy, but also encouraged young individuals, NCC cadets, and NSS volunteers to adopt these ideals to build a united and stronger India.
The chief guest, Lopamudra Priyadarshani, AVP CSR at Aditya Birla Corporation, graced the occasion and highlighted how Vivekananda's inclusive approach to Hinduism serves as a vital lesson for today's polarised society. Her words reinforced his universal message of compassion and acceptance, inspiring the youth to uphold these values for a harmonious future.
Kishor Alva, president and executive director of the Adani Group stressed the foundational role of family and friendships in shaping effective leaders. He spoke about how trust, empathy, and collaboration translate into impactful leadership qualities by nurturing through strong personal relationships. His insights also highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence in guiding and inspiring others.
Dr Commander Anil Rana, director of the Manipal Institute of Technology, addressed the students and volunteers on the significance of cultivating leadership skills. He outlined strategies like taking on leadership roles, being accountable, and honing communication abilities. He emphasised that leadership is developed through consistent practice and a strong sense of responsibility, aligning his thoughts with Vivekananda’s belief in education fostering inner strength and self-reliance.
Dr Somashekara Bhat, joint director of MIT, shared his journey of hard work and perseverance in academia, demonstrating how these qualities have been instrumental in his growth as a leader. His narrative echoed Vivekananda's principles of self-reliance and character-building, inspiring students to strive for both personal excellence and meaningful societal contributions.
Dr Dasharathraj K Shetty, associate professor at MIT Manipal, delivered a compelling keynote address on leadership, blending education, farming, and storytelling. He introduced gamification as an innovative tool for engaging and developing leadership skills, making his lessons both interactive and memorable. His unique journey emphasized the values of adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning, reflecting Vivekananda’s philosophy of humility and service.
Dr Abhishek Chaturvedi, programme coordinator NSS-MAHE-Cell asked the students to plan their career with a strategic approach and get inspired by the celebration of National Youth Day which shall bring all the thoughts and latest technologies to drive this beautiful earth.
Dr Balakrishna Maddodi, NSS programme officer, gave an enlightening speech on the NSS motto and objectives, emphasising the role of youth in social service and nation-building. The event was anchored by Dr Poornima Bhagavath, NSS programme officer. The programme began with a soulful prayer by Sanjana, an NSS volunteer.
The celebrations concluded with a heartfelt Vote of thanks by Dr Maha Shwetha, NSS programme officer, expressing gratitude to all participants and organisers. Special recognition was given to Dr Lakshman Rao and Dr Harshani Dasari for their efforts in guiding the NSS volunteers, with Vijayansh Chourasia, NSS volunteer head, leading the team effectively.
The event was seamless organisation and collective spirit of the event resonated with Swami Vivekananda’s ideals, leaving an indelible impression on everyone present.
About Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams; through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.
With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally.
In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently, ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.