Rallies, functions mark birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12 : On 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, various organizations and institutions paid glorious tributes to the great saint by organizing simple but impressive functions across Jammu today.
Paying glorious tributes to Swami Vivekananda at a function held at Ambedkar Mohalla, Paloura Top, Member Parliament, Madan Lal Sharma said that the great saint enlightened the whole world with his high values and spirituality. He asked youth to follow the foot prints of the Swami. The Vice Chairman of State Advisory Board for OBC, Kuldeep Raj Verma, ex- MLA, Thakur Shivdev Singh and other leaders also spoke on the occasion.
On the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Vice Chairman of State Advisory Board Kuldeep Raj Verma today flagged off Gandhi Duth Sadhbavna rally from Jammu. The rally comprised of 30 volunteers led by renowned social activist SN Subha Rao. With the help of Nehru Youva Kendra, the rally will pass from Kashmir to Kanyakumari with the message of peace across the country. Speaking on the occasion, Verma asked the youths to follow teachings of Vivekananda who was concerned about the future of modern India and its development.
To commemorate the birth anniversary, DBN Jammu organized rally which began from Parade and culminated at Vivekananda Chowk. Besides Principals and staff members, students from all the branches of DBN participated in the rally. On the occasion, students also took pledge to follow teachings of Vivekananda and motivate others for the same.
Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Charitable Hospital, Ambphalla Jammu celebrated the birth anniversary, which also happens to be the foundation day of the hospital. Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, who was chief guest on the occasion, highlighted achievements of the hospital and future expansion plans. Param Atmanand, secretary Ram Krishan Mission Srinagar, threw light on various aspects of life of Swami Vivekananda, his sayings and actions.
Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Jammu campus, celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda by organizing an impressive function at Vani-Vilas auditorium on the campus. Swami Girijeshananda was the chief guest on the occasion. He threw light on teachings of Swami Vivekananda and inspired the students to contribute for the nation building. Principal of Jammu Campus, Prof M Chandrashekhar also spoke on the occasion.
Minister of State for Cooperatives, Finance and Planning Dr Manohar Lal Sharma called upon the youth to observe the teachings of Swami Vivekananda on the spirit of universal brotherhood. He was speaking in a function to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at Basholi in Kathua today. The function was organized by Vishwasthali NGO in the premises of Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya, Basholi.
Painting, debate and quiz competitions were also held during the function in which students from Basohli, Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, Billawar participated.
A programme was organized in NITL Higher Secondary School, Udhampur to celebrate birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda as ‘National Youth Day’. Principal Ajay Gupta threw light on the teachings of the great saint. He said that we should not forget the sacrifice of our soldiers who are defending the boundaries of our country and it is our moral duty to honour these heroes by becoming patriot, sincere, honest, dedicated, loyal towards the country.
At Sunderbani, Swami Vivekananda Shanti Sameti Sunderbani organized a rally to mark the birth anniversary celebrations. The rally was addressed by Mulakh Raj, Vivek Sharma and others who threw light on the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Students of Harsh Niketan Higher Secondary School Sunderbani, Bharat Public School Sunderbani, New Public School Sunderbani and activists of different political and social organizations took part in the rally.
At Reasi, Swami Vivekananda Sardha Shanti Samaroha Samiti organized a function to commemorate the birth anniversary. DC Reasi Nirmal Sharma inaugurated the celebration programme by lighting a traditional lamp at Chowk Chabutra from where a mass rally was taken off. After passing through main bazaar, Bus Stand and Nai basti, the rally culminated at Ramlila Ground.
At Poonch, ABVP celebrated the birth anniversary in collaboration with Swami Vivekananda Sard Sammaroh Samiti. Former Bar president Advocate Sanjay Raina, Vikas Sharma, and a number of prominent people participated in the celebration function, which was held at Gita Bhawan. Later, a rally was also taken out.
In Rajouri, a rally was taken out by the social organizations to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.