“Teaching of Vivekananda would help us to decipher the universal consciousness”, said Sri Dattatreya Hosabale, Sah-Sarkaryawah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as Guest of Honour in the Inaugural Function of International Youth Conference on Youth for Integral Humanism, the first conference of its kind to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’ s 150th birth anniversary (1863-2013) at Pantnagar.
While addressing the delegates, Sri Dattatrey said, “Swami Vivekananda loudly proclaimed that India is a country which has given spirituality to the world and therefore, India has to lead the path of spiritual refinement. Swami Ji always said that according to the old religion, the one who does not believe in god is an atheist but the new religion says that one who does not believe in himself is an atheist! For a county like India, outward journey is necessary for us and there has to be a harmony between body, mind and soul. These thoughts of SwamiJi emphasized to generate and utilize the spiritual energy to generate an equitable and just Indian society”. He spoke in stretch about about Vedantic Socialism and its importance in present context.
Vivekananda Swadhyay Mandal at G . B. Pant University of Agriculture Technology, Pantnagar organized this International Youth Conference to bring the learned scholars and youth on same platform to discuss the relevance of Swami Vivekananda and his thoughts in present context. The conference witnessed more than 300 participants along with few foreign delegates. The participant group was varied ranging from professionals across the country to students representing universities covering whole of India from Meghalaya in East to Rajasthan in West and Tamil Nadu in South to Punjab in North to foreign delegates from neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya and Uganda.
Inaugurating the conference, Dr.Pranav Pandya, the Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Viswavidyalaya, Haridwar expressed his thoughts by acknowledging the Vedas and the ancient culture of this vast country, where the greatest saint of all times have lived. “Vivekananda was a product of this vast land, whose words echo even till today. Strength lies in Swamiji’s words- “Believe in yourself !” Through this, Swamiji discovered the soul of India. He further stressed that some day we have to begin with our inward journey. Humanity is the bedrock of universe. Swami Vivekananda said that real men have nerves of steel and heart of lion! That it is only through sheer perseverance and constant struggle that one achieves a mammoth will power which moves the entire universe. Generosity and a compassionate spirit would be helpful in achieving this goal. We have to enlighten this candle and spread the light to all those who are cursing the darkness of ignorance & inactivity, Dr. Pandya said.
The conference was intended to bring Integrated and Holistic Development of Youth to identify the gaps and grey areas in the society and thus to bring out opportunities and solutions through Swami Vivekananda’s teachings in the modern perspective.
While addressing the august audience, Guest of Honour Sushri Nivedita Bhide, Vice President, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari said that human is an integral part of the universe just like a wave which is an attribute of the ocean. She focused on the oneness and immortality of human soul. She also emphasized the delegates to take the path of selfless service to enlighten ourselves and help us reach the ultimate goal of salvation.
Vice-Chancellor Dr.B.S.Bisht, while giving his presidential address in the inaugural ceremony, said that Pantnagar University has been a torch-bearer in green revolution and is committed to lead the revolution of man-making and youth development as well. “Economic development becomes unilateral and paralysed in long run without the generation of true human beings with a spirit of universal surveillance and collective growth”, he added. He put his gratitude for the dignitaries for their Pantnagar visit and declared it a rare moment for academia to churn on such a relevant issue of youth development and Swami Vivekananda.
Dr. Ashok N. Bhaskarwar, Head of Chemical Engg.- IIT Delhi, Shri Jagdish Upasane, former Executive Editor, IndiaToday (Hindi), Shri Rajendra Chaddha, National Joint Convener, Prajna Pravah, Shri Ravi Iyyer, Global Convener, Sewa International; Professor Shashi Dhiman, Vice chancellor of Himanchal Pradesh Technical University; Dr. Nandita Pathak, Deendayal Research Institute, Chitrakoot; Shri Manoj Joshi, Managing Director Shikhar group, Sri Ajay Rastogi, Sri Raghav Garg, Dr. M.M.verma, Acharya Agyatdarshan and other eminent scholars presented their well-conceived thoughts and papers in the conference alongwith the youth delegates from all over country.
Various literatures published by Vivekananda Swadhyay Mandal, based on Swamiji’s thoughts titled ‘Saving Humanity: Swami Vivekanand Perspective’; ‘Motivational Leadership: The Vivekananda Way’ and a collection of poems named ‘Anubhuti’ published by Vivekanand Swadhyay Mandal were unveiled on this occasion.
The conference discussed in-depth about the life and works of Swami Vivekananda and correlated them with present quest of integrated development, happiness and satisfaction, universal harmony and protecting mother earth. The delegates also displayed their detailed papers in form of poster to acquaint the audience with their views.The conference culminated with important recommendations for individuals, institutions, civic bodies, government sector and world bodies. The deliberated papers have been published in form an edited volume, “Saving Humanity: Swami Vivekananda Perspective”, available with Vivekananda Swadhyay Mandal ("www.vsmpantnagar.org") for wider circulation for which request can be made on vsmpantnagar [AT] gmail.com. Sri Jagdish Upasane, the former Sr. Editor of India Today was the Chief Guest of Valedictory ceremony of the conference.
While discussing about the impact of this conference, Dean Student Welfare of Pantnagar University Dr A.K.Karnatak said that the influence of thoughts of Swami Vivekananda on youth mentality is immense and Vivekananda Swadhyay Mandal at Pantnagar University has taken an exemplary lead to serve humanity by bringing the thoughts of Swamiji in action through generating a band of dedicated youth committed to do good for human values. “This event is commendable and other universities should also move ahead for such conferences and other intellectual activities to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in befitting manner”, he added.
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