Dilip Guha ★ Sasraya News, Lucknow: On the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram, Lucknow, a one-day Regional Youth Conference and Cultural Programme was organised with great enthusiasm on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at Ramakrishna Math, Nirala Nagar. More than 400 youths and devotees from Lucknow and nearby districts participated in the event. The programme was live-streamed through the YouTube channel Ramakrishna Math Lucknow.
The conference began with silent prayer, Vedic chanting, and guided meditation under the leadership of Swami Muktinathananda Ji Maharaj, President of Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow. This was followed by devotional singing and refreshments for participants. The formal sessions commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and invocation songs by renowned artists, along with readings from the works of Swami Vivekananda.
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Addressing the youth on the theme “Be and Make”, Swami Bodhamayananda Ji, President of Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad, emphasised Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-development and selfless service. He explained that true transformation begins with inner strength, discipline, and character, which must then be directed toward the welfare of society. Personality development expert Dr Vivek Modi highlighted how youth can contribute to nation-building by adopting fearlessness, discipline, service, continuous learning, and a positive outlook.
Speaking on “The Secret of Success according to Swami Vivekananda,” Swami Muktinathananda Ji Maharaj, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram, Lucknow, urged youth to focus on one noble idea, work selflessly without expectation of reward, develop strong willpower, and face challenges with patience and determination. An interactive question-and-answer session and a film screening on Swami Vivekananda further enriched the programme.
In the concluding session, speakers highlighted Swami Vivekananda’s expectations from youth, including self-confidence, courage, adherence to duty, education, moral values, social service, and spirituality. In his closing address, Swami Muktinathananda Ji stated that Swami Vivekananda’s life was a true example of courage and dedication, reminding youth that the future of the nation rests in their hands. He urged them to live by Vivekananda’s inspiring message: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
Following the evening Aarti, the Centenary Inauguration Ceremony of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram was held. Speakers reflected on the mission’s legacy of service, spirituality, and universal brotherhood inspired by Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. The programme concluded with devotional music, felicitation of artists, and distribution of prasadam among devotees.
