Guwahati: Terming Swami Vivekananda an epitome of Indian Renaissance, who showed the world the essence of Hinduism, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that Swamiji’s address to the Parliament of World Religions, held in Chicago in 1893, was a defining moment for Bharat and Sanatan Dharma.
Paying rich tributes to Vivekananda to mark his birth anniversary at a program titled Jugadirstee, organized by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Mancha (Assam Pradesh) in the city on Thursday, Sarma also called upon the BJYM workers to arrange for playing and listen to Vivekananda’s iconic speech to make the youth of Assam aware of Swamiji’s message and teachings.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said that the renaissance of the 19th century Bharat was greatly motivated and guided by Swamiji. Vivekananda left an indelible mark in the cultural, social, spiritual, political, academic life of the nation and its people. He stated that India is a great nation which is 5000 years old.
“However, there has been a constant attempt on the part of some vicious elements to distort the original history of the country. The youth should be vigilant to foil any such move. They should take inspiration from the personalities like Vivekananda, Lachit Barphukan to become self confident and self-reliant to defy the evil design of the unscrupulous elements,” added Sarma.
Referring to Vivekananda as one of the worthiest sons of India who introduced the essence of Sanatan Dharma to the world, Sarma said that sacrifice and service should be the ideals of India. He called upon the youth to devote themselves to the work of re-building the nation on these two ideals.
Again referring to Swamiji, who sincerely believed that India has to wake up to address its problems, Sarma said that since the youth are the most powerful components for societal growth, they should love the nation which has done so much for everybody. Calling upon them to be engaged in the work of nation building, Sarma requested them to ignite themselves with fire and enthusiasm.
Emphasizing the needs of self-reliance, Sarma said that the youth should try to become self-reliant and self-confident to strengthen the edifice of Atmanirbhar Asom. He also said that the coming State budget will have stimulus for the youth to become self-dependent and make the state self-reliant. He added that over the last six years, the State has gained a lot, but there should be efforts to sustain the momentum to take Assam altogether to a greater height.
He asked State BJYM leaders and workers to motivate other youth to avail the benefits of  Atmanirbhar  Bharat program and become contributors of growth to their chosen fields. He commented that the youth can reach the zenith of success using tools like education, culture, sports and self-confidence. He also called upon all to study history in the right perspective and learn the contributions of several personalities who fought valiantly against the foreign aggressors.