PM Modi's address at the inauguration of Viveka Smaraka, Mysuru | English Subtitles

Duration: 21:48 1770 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Viveka Smaraka in Mysuru, a cultural youth center dedicated to the legacy of Swami Vivekananda, while paying deep respect to the presiding deity Mother Chamundeshwari and the revered saints of the Ramakrishna Mission. He highlighted how Mysore has always been a central hub for India's cultural consciousness, preserving its rich heritage through temples, traditions, and festivals. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet his guru brothers at the Sri Ramakrishna Ashram in Mysore, noting that the city played a pivotal role in Swami Vivekananda's life over 130 years ago when he visited as a young monk and received support from the then Maharaja. The address emphasized that true greatness is forged through personal discipline and penance, a principle embodied by Swami Vivekananda who assimilated Indian scriptures and taught that serving living beings is service to Shiva. The Prime Minister celebrated the remarkable achievements of India's youth, attributing the nation's rapid economic growth, its status as a global startup hub, and advancements in mobile manufacturing and semiconductor technology directly to their energy and innovation. He pointed out recent milestones such as private sector rockets reaching space and the success of digital solutions, asserting that these breakthroughs are driven by the power of Indian youth who now lead the country's development across various sectors. Furthermore, the Prime Minister outlined significant strides in education and social equity, noting the establishment of over 650 new universities, 14,000 colleges, and numerous specialized institutions like IITs and medical colleges in the last decade alone. He stressed that modernizing the education system through the National Education Policy and initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs fosters scientific temper and innovation among children, while also promoting inclusivity by allowing daughters to join military academies and offering courses in mother tongues. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of sports for nation-building, citing events like Khelo India that help identify talent from villages and improve India's performance on the global stage, alongside a call to preserve cleanliness and natural resources in Mysore. In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Modi appealed to the youth to uphold Swami Vivekananda's vision by prioritizing the welfare of society over personal happiness and to embrace their potential with confidence and big dreams. He encouraged the preservation of local culture by promoting Indian-made goods like silk and handicrafts, ensuring that gifts given reflect national pride and support for local artisans. The Prime Minister also celebrated the release of the Kannada translation of Valmiki Ramayana and urged the younger generation to deepen their connection with regional literature in this digital age. He ended his speech by pledging a commitment to environmental conservation, water preservation, and the cultivation of a self-reliant India, expressing confidence that the Viveka Smaraka will serve as an enduring source of spiritual and national inspiration for seekers and devotees alike.

Read the full video transcript

Ko [voice of encouragement] Nanna Namaskar Go [voice of encouragement] President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Belur Math His Holiness Swami Gautamananda Ji Maharaj President of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram Mysore His Holiness Swami Mukti Dayananda Ji Trustee of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission His Holiness Swami Yadavendra Ji Governor Shri Thaawarch Gehlot Ji Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shiva Kumar Ji MP Yadavveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar Ji [voice of encouragement] MLA Vijendra Yadyurappa Ji [voice of encouragement] K. Harish Gada Ji Other dignitaries Respected saints and brothers and sisters [voice of encouragement] First of all, I pay my respects to Mother Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysore. [Encouraging voice] Just two days ago we all celebrated Guru Purnima. You all know that Ramakrishna Mission has a very important contribution in where my journey started and where I am today. I went to Belur Math in Howrah three months ago. I got the opportunity to have satsang with all the revered saints. I am fortunate that today I have again got the opportunity to meet my guru brothers, the saints associated with Sri Ramakrishna Ashram in Mysore and seek their blessings. Due to the presence of all of you, I am feeling a different energy today on this holy land of Mysore. I respectfully bow at the feet of all you saints. Friends, Mysore has been the centre of India's eternal cultural consciousness. Its temples, its traditions and festivals, the Dussehra of Mysore, its grand palaces, its music and literature, the heritage of India is embedded in every particle of this city. And it is very satisfying to see that the city has preserved and nurtured this heritage with the same skill. Sri Ramakrishna Ashram and the memories of Swami Vivekananda are also a rich part of Mysore's heritage. Some time ago I also visited the historical building where Swami Vivekananda ji had spent some time during his stay. Many scholars and intellectuals of Karnataka were associated with this place. When great men like national poet Kuvapu were in Mysore, they also had a deep connection with Ramakrishna Ashram. Today, through the inauguration of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre i.e. Viveka Smaraka, we are giving new expansion to this mission. For this I heartily congratulate Sri Ramakrishna Ashram and all the scholars associated with it. Friends, the creation of greatness from a person does not happen all at once. For this we have to face countless tests of life. One has to do sadhana. One has to do penance. You have to torture yourself. Have to spend it. After fame the world stands behind you. But it is not easy to recognize great personalities during penance. He who recognizes the seeker in his penance, is also a partner in his accomplishment. That is why, brothers and sisters, Mysore had such an important contribution in the life of Swami Vivekananda. About 130 years ago, Swamiji came to Mysore while travelling as a young monk. He was not that famous then. But the thoughts were just as lofty. At that time, among those who recognized him and joined him, one prominent name was that of the then Maharaja of Mysore. When Swami Vivekananda was in America, he wrote a letter from there to the then Maharaja of Mysore. In that he himself had mentioned the cooperation of the Maharaja. Friends, Swami Vivekananda ji had assimilated the Indian consciousness. He had assimilated the scriptures. Those who say that the ultimate charity is the life of the living, that is, only he truly lives who lives for others. Following this mantra, this Sri Ramakrishna Ashram of Mysore completed its 100 years last year. Be it education and health services or relief work during natural calamities, Sri Ramakrishna Ashram has kept alive the legacy of Swami Vivekananda. I am confident that Vivek's memorial will become a pilgrimage site for spiritual upliftment for seekers and devotees. Swami Vivekananda was the inspiration. Shiv Gyaane Jeev Seva means service to living beings is service to Shiva. Therefore, we have to create such youth in the form of this monument of wisdom for whom the interests of the society and the nation and the sufferings of the poor and deprived are above their own happiness and suffering. For those youth for whom nation first is the supreme mantra. Whose life goal is to serve Mother India. Friends, Swami Vivekananda ji considered the education of youth as a strong foundation for nation building. He himself had seen how countries around the world were educating their youth. But unfortunately India was a slave then. The youth of India were also trapped in the chains of slavery. From that time till now, the youth of India has come a long way. The youth of India, who was once in chains, is today accelerating the development of the world. [Applause] Today India's economy is growing at the fastest pace. Because of whom? With the power of the youth of India. Today India has the third largest startup ecosystem in the world. Because of whom? With the power of the youth of India. Today India has become the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. Because of whom? With the power of the youth of India. Today, digital solutions made in India are becoming an inspiration for many countries of the world. Because of whom? Today, with the strength of India's youth, India is moving rapidly on a new journey of semiconductor manufacturing. Because of whom? With the power of the youth of India. Today India is writing new chapters in AI deeptech space technology and innovation. Because of whom? [Cheering voice] By the power of India's youth. Just a few days ago we saw that the youth of India have done wonders in space. For the first time, a rocket made by young people [praise] and owned by a private company has reached space. Today, be it any sector, the youth of India is showing its strength. We are all looking around us. Today, youth engaged in even the smallest businesses are taking India's digital economy forward. He is making a new beginning through Mudra Loan. He is leading the country's startup revolution. Be it the campaign of self-reliant India or the campaign of Make in India, the strength of the youth of India is behind its success. Friends, the potential of youth in any country becomes the strength of that nation only when they get the right opportunities. When he gets the right direction. And when he gets the confidence to dream big and fulfill them on his own land, our educational institutions play a big role in this. I am happy that today the number of educational institutions in India is continuously increasing. More than 650 new universities have been established in the last 12 years. [Applause] Around 14,000 new colleges have been established in the last 12 years. [Appreciation] More than 4000 new ITI's have been created. Nine new IIMs, seven new IITs and 13 new MBs have been established. Today the number of MBBS seats in the country has reached around 1 lakh 400. The number of medical colleges has increased to 823. Friends, on the other hand, we are modernizing the education infrastructure. Besides, the education system is also being moulded according to modern needs. The National Education Policy is becoming a medium to prepare the youth of India for the 21st century. Friends, a lot of work has been done in school education also. More than 14,000 PM Shri schools have been developed across the country. Education should not remain only bookish. Innovation and scientific temperament should develop in children. For this, more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established. Friends, Swami Vivekananda considered equality as important as education for the upliftment of the nation. There should be no discrimination in education, no discrimination in opportunities. Today it has become the vision of the country. Today daughters are also taking admission in military schools. Daughters in NDA are contributing to the nation. Today there is a facility to pursue studies like medical and engineering in the mother tongue. This is curbing discrimination in opportunities based on language. Friends, it is equally important for the youth to remain healthy, disciplined and full of confidence. Countries that give importance to sports. These three qualities develop rapidly among the youth there. 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 the youth across the country to showcase their talent. Today modern sports infrastructure is expanding across the country. Facilities are increasing through Khelo India Centre. New talents are being identified from villages to small towns. And friends, today the results of this campaign are clearly visible. India's performance in international sports competitions is getting better [laughs]. Our players are creating new records. Our daughters are increasing the pride of the country. Friends, like Swami Vivekananda, the memorial of Vivek inspires us to work for a greater purpose. In such a situation, I want to appeal to our youth. Friends, Mysore has often been ranked among the cleanest cities in India. [Applause] I heartily congratulate the people here for this. Can we take a pledge on this occasion that we will continue to strengthen the resolve for cleanliness in the future? We should preserve the natural resources here. We should take resolutions related to the environment. We have to work in mission mode to save every drop of water. Friends, today the Kannada translation of Valmiki Ramayana has also been released here. I also want to make an appeal regarding the Kannada language. Karnataka is the land of great writers and poets. Kannada Language Kannada speaking people have always been known for their reading culture. Should this nature be further encouraged in this age of smartphones? Can we inspire the younger generation to connect deeply with Kannada literature ? Friends, Mysore is famous for its silk, sandalwood and handicrafts. Whenever we give a gift to someone, can we ensure that it is something made by the hands and sweat of an Indian ? This will promote our culture. Besides, another family will also get financial assistance. Friends, it is the responsibility of today's generation to fulfill the kind of India that Swami Vivekananda had dreamt of. I believe Vivek's memorial will serve as a source of energy for this. I once again conclude my speech by paying my respects to the revered saints, guru brothers and the people of Mysore gathered here. Thank you all so very much.