Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 12: Thousands of college students participated in Yuva Saptaha and Bruhat Yuva Jatha organised to mark the 154th birth anniversary of renowned visionary Swami Vivekananda held at District Mahatma Gandhi stadium, Ajjarkad here on Thursday, January 12.

Deputy Commissioner T Venkatesh inaugurated a week-long programme Yuva saptaha, by lighting the lamp. Zilla panchayat president Dinkar Babu released a hand book, consisting thoughts and ideas of Swami Vivekanand.

Resource person Dr Vivek Udupa, founder, Sound Healthcare and Research Centre, took the gathering through Swami Vivekanand’s childhood life and his vision on society. "Vivekanand had no hesitation, apathy, disinterest, imprudence and ego in life. That’s how he achieved greatness and won the hearts of many people," he said.

"Vivekanand had high respect for woman. He taught youth to protect, respect and worship parents. In adddition, Vivekanand spread patriotism across the nation. He had ideas of structuring the nation through youth," he added.

Udupa further urged students to adopt principles of Vivekananda in daily life.

The Bruhat Yuva Jatha held on the occasion turned out to be a huge success. Thousands of students particpated in the rally which commenced from government high school, went through service bus stand and ended at Mahatma Gandhi stadium, Ajjarkad.

Anuradha, additional deputy commissioner; Priyanka Mary Francis, CEO, zilla panchayat; Diwakar Shetty, DDPI; Dr Jagadeesh Rao, principal, Government Women’s first grade College, Ajjarkad; Nalin Pradeep Rao, president, taluk panchayat and others were present.