Sri Vijaya Puram, January 13, 2026
The 163rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Monday, marking National Youth Day. The main function was held near the statue of Swami Vivekananda at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), creating a solemn and inspiring atmosphere.
The programme was graced by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Ms. Chanchal Yadav, IAS, as the chief guest. Also present on the occasion were the Director of Education and Sports, Mr. Vikram Singh; Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Sri Vijaya Puram, Swami Omkaratmananda; Swamijis of the Ramakrishna Mission; students from various schools and colleges; and members of the general public. The chief guest paid floral tributes at the statue of Swami Vivekananda, followed by other dignitaries and participants.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Chanchal Yadav highlighted the enduring relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings in contemporary times. She said that Swami Vivekananda had immense faith in the strength, energy and potential of India’s youth and believed they would lead the nation towards progress and prosperity. Quoting his famous exhortation, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” she urged the younger generation to draw inspiration from his ideals and actively contribute to nation-building. She further emphasized that Swami Vivekananda’s books and teachings continue to inspire and empower people, encouraging everyone to read his works for strength, clarity of purpose and motivation.
Swami Omkaratmananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, Sri Vijaya Puram, spoke on the life and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, inspiring the audience to follow the path of knowledge, courage and character.
As part of the celebrations, a rally was organized with the participation of a large number of students and officials. The rally commenced from Netaji Stadium and passed through Clock Tower, Model School, Post Office, Bengali Club, CEO Office, LIC Building, Gandhi Statue, Narayan Chowk, Swimming Pool and Girls School, before culminating at the Vivekananda Statue at JNRM.
The programme was organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, A&N Administration, in association with the Department of Education, JNRM, Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ramakrishna Mission. The celebration concluded with a collective resolve to uphold Swami Vivekananda’s message for building a strong, enlightened and progressive society.
