The Delhi branch of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari launched Young India: Know Thyself (YIKT) Program on 5th February 2023 at their Chanakyapuri Center, New Delhi. According to Shri Nikhil Yadav, Prant Yuva Pramukh, Vivekananda Kendra, Uttar Prant, the purpose of YIKT is to initiate into the younger generation a purposeful and spiritual way of life. The Launch program was attended by more than 300 students and teachers from different educational institutions in Delhi and NCR. The program started with Vedic chantings followed by patriotic songs, a Presentation of the YIKT module, and experience sharing by Kendra Volunteers.
He special guest for the day was Prof. Sushma Yadav, presently the Pro. Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Haryana and Prof. Madhav Govind, Chairperson, Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University. While addressing the gathering, Prof. Sushma Yadav focused on why it is essential to know oneself before knowing anything else. She also narrated the Guru and Shishya enlightening discussion between Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda. Prof. Madhav Govind spoke on the importance of time and energy in one's life. He said that by channeling time and energy in the right direction, an individual could do wonders.
Making the concluding remarks, Shri Nikhil Yadav elaborated on the Vision and mission of Swami Vivekananda, which every student can contribute by being part of the YIKT program. The program was concluded by Shanti Mantra.
What is Young India: Know Thyself Program?
The young India program is a 4-a-pronged process, which is as follows:
1. Registration: Physically in college with one-to-one interaction. Any young person between the age of 16-23 can register.
2. Online test: Based on Indian culture, civilization, and the life of Swami Vivekananda to test awareness and sincerity. It consists of 40 questions. (20 points)
3. Workshop: It consists of games, group discussions, and a presentation, skit presentation to check the group dynamics, discipline, and initiative. (50 points)
4. Residential camp: Selected participants are invited to a five-day residential camp. All activities are done in groups. It consists of games, yoga, Surya Namaskar, Agyabhyas for martial spirit, intellectual lectures, group discussions, Vedic chanting, and many more activities. Participants can utilize around 16 hours in a day. The whole process is designed to impact all the dimensions of one's personality, such as physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual.
