Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Mar 13: Even today we remember Swami Vivekananda and his achievements and contribution to this country; though our forefathers were there during the time of Swami Vivekananda, we are not able to recall their names because they led life for themselves but personalities like Swami Vivekananda led their life for society,” said Adarsh Gokhale his speech while congratulating Swami Jithakananda of Ramakrishna Math on receiving the Erya Lakshminarayana Alva Award at Rathna Bai Memorial Seminar Hall at Canara College on Tuesday March 12.

Gokhale, lauding both Swami Vivekananda as well as Alva said that the award after whom it is named after and the one who is receiving the award are both eminent persons who have contributed a lot to society. “Today, Ramakrishna Math has indulged in various social services, even giving value-based education to the youth, and it is strengthening the nation with spirituality. It is really appreciable,” he added. Quoting the words of Swami Vivekananda, Gokhale said our youths are not hopeless, but they are less hoped for, our youths are not useless but less used, and our youth are not aimless but aim less.

After receiving the felicitation Swami Jithakananda said that it really belonged to Swami Vivekananda who inspired several people to achieve their goals. “Every individual should develop the quality of sacrifice and service to the society. The whole world existed in the concept of sacrifices and service hence, the country can become stronger by these two paths, and we can make this country supreme. The human brain is more powerful than computers and even our brain will be affected by virus (negative thoughts). So the thoughts of Swami Vivekananda should be used as anti-virus for all our negative thoughts,” he added.

On this occasion, S S Kamath, president, Canara High School, felicitated and conferred the Award on Swami Jithakananda. Erya Lakshminarayana Alva presented the keynote address.