Shillong, Jan 12: The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre (RMVCC), Shillong, celebrated National Youth Day 2026 on Monday commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
The event, held at the Quinton Road premises, brought together dignitaries, students and youth leaders to reflect on the motto of the younger generation’s crucial involvement in building a “Viksit Bharat” or Developed India.
The programme commenced with a solemn floral tribute to the statue of Swami Vivekananda, followed by the National Anthem and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the event as chief guest, BK Dey Sawian, Former DGP of Meghalaya and President of the Managing Committee, RKM Shillong, described the youth as the “machines of progress.”
He emphasized that true nation-building is rooted in character and collective action. He urged the youth to act as ambassadors of peace and harmony, carrying India’s message across geographical boundaries to support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Guest of Honour, Wanshai Shynret, Deputy Director of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong, and an alumnus of the Ramkrishna Mission, shared his personal journey, attributing his success to the “man-making and character-building” education of the Ramakrishna Mission. He lauded the Mission’s service in Meghalaya, specifically highlighting its critical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the establishment of its first college in Sohra.
Delivering a philosophical discourse, Swami Hitakamananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Shillong, spoke on Swamiji’s message of universal brotherhood. He encouraged participants to strive to be “better human beings” and “messengers of peace” by applying spiritual values to daily life. This can be done through recognizing the divinity within oneself and then extending that same respect to every individual in society.
The celebration featured several key highlights, beginning with the ceremonial release of the VCC Calendar 2026, marking a new year of cultural and educational initiatives for the center. This was followed by a spirited cultural showcase, headlined by a powerful recitation titled “Sha ka India kaba peitmat” (To the Awakened India) by Mr. Rangkitbok C. Dohkrut, alongside a series of vibrant performances by local youth. The event also maintained a strong Viksit Bharat Focus, featuring an insightful audio-visual presentation that mapped out the roadmap for a developed India and emphasized the indispensable role the youth must play in achieving this national vision.
The session concluded with “Words of Gratitude” proposed by Swami Vedeshananda, Director of Academics at Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
