Vinay Kumar Sorake, Urban Development Minister, said on Monday that no political party should twist the message given by Swami Vivekananda and use it for political purposes.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of the Youth Week to mark the National Youth Day organised by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports and G. Shankar Women’s First Grade College, here.
Mr. Sorake said that India had the largest population of youth in the age-group from 18 to 35 years in the world. Swami Vivekananda gave a clear idea of history, beliefs, culture of India to the West. He showed the right path to the youth.
It was necessary to develop leadership qualities among the youth. The country and the society would benefit only if the youth power was channelised in the right direction. It was also essential to empower women in the country, Mr. Sorake said.
Pramod Madhwaraj, MLA, said that Swami Vivekananda had given the message of tolerance and universal acceptance at the World Parliament of Religions at Chicago in the U.S. on September 11, 1893. He wanted the youth to fight against superstitions and social evils, he said.
Roshan Kumar Shetty, District Officer for Youth Empowerment and Sports, welcomed the gathering. Jayalakshmi, NSS project officer, proposed a vote of thanks.
P. Yuvaraj, President of Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) and Jagadish Rao, college principal, were present.
