"Ellarigu Nanna Namaskaragalu."

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Belur Math President Most Revered Swami Gautamananda Ji Maharaj, Shri Ramakrishna Ashram Mysuru President Revered Swami Muktidananda Ji, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Trustee Revered Swami Yadvendrananda Ji, Governor Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot Ji, Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar Ji, Member of Parliament Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar Ji, MLA Vijayendra Yediyurappa Ji, K. Harish Gowda Ji, other dignitaries, revered saints, and brothers and sisters.

First of all, I bow to Mother Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru. Just two days ago, we all also celebrated Guru Purnima. As you all know, where my journey began and where I am today, Ramakrishna Mission has a very important contribution to it. Three months ago, I went to Belur Math in Howrah. I had the opportunity to engage in satsang with all the revered saints. It is my good fortune that today I have again received the opportunity to meet the saints associated with Shri Ramakrishna Ashram in Mysuru, my guru-brothers, and to take their blessings. Because of the presence of all of you, today on this holy land of Mysuru, I am experiencing a completely different energy. I respectfully bow at the feet of all you saints.

Friends,

Mysuru has been a center of India's eternal cultural consciousness. The temples here, the traditions and festivals here, the Mysuru Dasara, its grand palaces, its music and literature, India's heritage is embedded in every particle of this city. And it brings great satisfaction to see this. This city has preserved and nurtured this heritage with equal skill. The memories of Shri Ramakrishna Ashram and Swami Vivekananda Ji are also a rich part of Mysuru's heritage. A little while ago, I also went to that historic building where Swami Vivekananda Ji spent some time during his stay. So many scholars and thinkers of Karnataka have been associated with this place. When great personalities like Rashtrakavi Kuvempu were in Mysuru, he also had a deep connection with Shri Ramakrishna Ashram. Today, through the inauguration of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Center, that is, Viveka Smaraka, we are giving a new expansion to this mission. For this, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shri Ramakrishna Ashram and all the scholars associated with it.

Friends,

The transformation from an individual into a great personality does not happen all of a sudden. For this, we have to give countless tests of life. One has to do sadhana, undergo penance, burn oneself, and consume oneself. After gaining fame, the world stands behind you. But, at the time of penance, it is not easy to recognize great personalities. The one who recognizes the seeker in their penance also becomes a partner in their success.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, Mysuru had such an important contribution in the life of Swami Vivekananda. About 130 years ago, Swami Ji came to Mysuru while traveling as a young sannyasi. At that time, his fame was not like this. But the thoughts were equally high. Among the people who recognized him at that time and joined him, one prominent name was that of the then Maharaja of Mysuru. When Swami Vivekananda Ji was in America, he wrote a letter from there to the then Maharaja of Mysuru. In that, he himself mentioned the support of the Maharaja.

Friends,

Swami Vivekananda Ji had assimilated Indian consciousness. He had assimilated the scriptures which say - “Para paropakarartham yo jivati sa jivati”. That is, in reality, only he lives who lives for others. Walking on this very mantra, this Shri Ramakrishna Ashram of Mysuru completed its hundred years last year. Whether it is services related to education and health, or relief work during natural disasters, Shri Ramakrishna Ashram has kept the legacy of Swami Vivekananda Ji alive. I believe that Viveka Smaraka will become a pilgrimage site for spiritual elevation for seekers and devotees. Swami Vivekananda Ji's inspiration was - ‘Shiva jnane jiva seva’. That is, service to living beings is service to Shiva. Therefore, in this Viveka Smaraka, we have to shape such youth for whom the interest of society and nation, the pain of the poor and underprivileged, are above their own happiness and sorrow. Youth for whom 'Nation First' is the supreme mantra, and service to Mother India is their life goal.

Friends,

Swami Vivekananda Ji considered youth education to be the strong foundation of nation-building. He himself had seen how countries of the world were educating their youth. But unfortunately, India was enslaved then. India's youth were also bound in the chains of slavery. From that era until now, the youth of India have covered a long journey. The youth of India who were once in chains are today giving momentum to the world's development. Today, India's economy is growing at the fastest pace. Because of whom? Because of the capability of India's youth. Today, India has the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. Because of whom? Because of the capability of India's youth. Today, India has become the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Because of whom? Because of the capability of India's youth. Today, the Digital solutions made in India are becoming an inspiration for many countries around the world. Because of whom? Because of the capability of India's youth. Today, India is moving forward rapidly on a new journey of semiconductor manufacturing. Because of whom? Because of the capability of India's youth. Today, India is writing new chapters in AI, Deep Tech, Space Technology, and Innovation. Because of whom? Because of the capability of India's youth.

Just a few days ago, we saw that the youth of India did wonders in space. For the first time, a rocket of a private company built by youth reached space. Today, whatever the sector may be, Indian youth are demonstrating their strength. We are all seeing around us that today a youth engaged in even the smallest business is driving India's digital economy forward. He is making a new start through Mudra loans. He is leading the country's startup revolution. Whether it is the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign or the Make in India campaign, behind its success is the strength of India's youth.

Friends,

In any country, the capability of youth becomes the power of that nation only when they get the right opportunities, when they get the right direction, and when they get the confidence to dream big on their own land and fulfill them. And in this, our educational institutions play a very big role. I am happy that today the number of educational institutions in India is continuously increasing. In the last 12 years, more than 650 new universities have been built. In the last 12 years, about 14 thousand new colleges have been built. More than 4 thousand new ITIs have been created. 9 new IIMs, 7 new IITs, and 13 new AIIMS have also been established. Today, MBBS seats in the country have reached around 1 lakh 40 thousand. The number of medical colleges has increased to 823.

Friends,

On one hand, we are modernizing the education infrastructure. At the same time, the education system is also being molded according to modern needs. The National Education Policy is becoming a medium to prepare the youth of India according to the 21st century.

Friends,

Work has also been done on a large scale in school education. More than 14 thousand PM SHRI schools have been developed across the country. So that education does not remain merely bookish and innovation and scientific temperament develop in children, for this, more than 10 thousand Atal Tinkering Labs have been established.

Friends,

Along with education, Swami Vivekananda Ji considered equality equally important for national upliftment. That there should be no discrimination in education, no discrimination in opportunities, today this has become the vision of the country. Today, daughters are also taking admissions in Sainik Schools. Daughters are contributing to the nation in NDA. Today, facilities have been made to study medicine and engineering in the mother tongue. Because of this, discrimination in opportunities based on language is being curbed.

Friends,

It is equally necessary for youth power to remain healthy, disciplined, and full of self-confidence. In countries that give importance to sports, the youth there develop these three qualities rapidly. Therefore, today sports are being seen as an important stream of nation-building. Events like Khelo India Youth Games, University Games, Para Games, and Winter Games have given a platform to youth across the country to showcase their talent. Today, modern sports infrastructure is expanding across the country, facilities are increasing through Khelo India Centers, and new talent is being identified from villages to small towns.

And friends,

Today, the results of this campaign are also clearly visible. India's performance in international sports competitions is improving. Our players are creating new records, our daughters are increasing the pride of the country.

Friends,

Like Swami Vivekananda Ji, Viveka Smaraka inspires us to work for a larger purpose. At such a place, I want to make a few requests to our youth.

Friends,

Mysuru has often been ranked among India's cleanest cities. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people here for this. On this occasion, can we take a pledge that in the future we will continuously strengthen the resolve for cleanliness? We should conserve the natural resources here. We should take pledges related to the environment. We will have to work in mission mode to save every drop of water.

Friends,

Today itself, the Kannada translation of 'Valmiki Ramayana' has also been released here. I also want to make an appeal related to the Kannada language. Karnataka is the land of great writers and poets. Kannada-speaking people have always been known for their reading culture. In this era of smartphones, this nature should be encouraged further. Can we inspire the younger generation to connect deeply with Kannada literature?

Friends,

Mysuru is famous for its silk, sandalwood, and handicrafts. Whenever we gift someone, can we ensure that it is made by the hands and sweat of an Indian? This will promote our culture, and at the same time, another family will also get financial support.

Friends,

The responsibility to fulfill the dream of the India that Swami Vivekananda Ji saw lies on today's generation. I believe Viveka Smaraka will work as an energy source for this. Once again, bowing to the revered saints, guru-brothers, and the people of Mysuru gathered here, I pause my words. Thank you very much to all of you.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s address. Original address was delivered in Hindi. 

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MJPS/SS/VJ/SS