PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Viveka Memorial and Cultural Youth Centre in Mysuru
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre and Viveka Memorial at the Ramakrishna Ashrama in Mysuru. During the event, the Prime Minister described India’s youth as the driving force behind the country’s rapid transformation and its emergence as a global power.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the cultural capital of Karnataka drew an enthusiastic public response. Thousands of people lined both sides of the roads to greet and cheer him upon his arrival in the city.
Addressing a gathering at the Ashrama school campus, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India’s progress across various sectors is being powered by its young population. He stated that when young people receive opportunities, proper guidance, and the confidence to dream big within their own country, their potential becomes the nation’s greatest asset.
Empowering Youth Through Education and Innovation
The Prime Minister highlighted the decisive role of educational institutions in nurturing young minds and preparing them for future challenges. He noted that India’s education infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years, allowing a larger number of students to pursue higher education.
Providing details on the government’s efforts in the education sector, Prime Minister Modi stated that India now has nearly 1.40 lakh MBBS seats, while the total number of medical colleges has increased to 823. He added that the National Education Policy is designed to equip students with the necessary skills for the 21st century, preparing them to contribute directly to nation-building.
According to the Prime Minister, the confidence and innovative spirit of young Indians have transformed the country’s global standing. He pointed out that youth are leading innovation across multiple sectors, including digital technology, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and space research.
The Prime Minister noted that young minds are driving the country's transformation through initiatives such as launching India’s first private rocket into space, strengthening the digital economy, establishing startups, utilizing Mudra-backed entrepreneurship, and participating in Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. He remarked that while Indian youth were previously constrained by limitations, they are now accelerating global progress.
He further stated that the energy and innovation of the youth have made India’s economy one of the fastest-growing in the world. The country has now emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with thousands of entrepreneurs creating jobs and developing globally competitive technologies.
Historical Significance of Swami Vivekananda's Visit
Recalling the life of Swami Vivekananda, Prime Minister Modi spoke of the special connection between the spiritual leader and the city of Mysuru. He noted that Swami Vivekananda visited Mysuru nearly 130 years ago, in 1892, as a wandering swami, where he received encouragement and support from the then Maharaja of Mysore.
The Prime Minister mentioned that while Swami Vivekananda was in the United States, he wrote a letter to the Maharaja of Mysore acknowledging the support extended to him. He added that Swami Vivekananda embodied India’s civilisational consciousness and continues to inspire generations of young Indians to dedicate themselves to national service.
The newly inaugurated Viveka Memorial has been established at the exact site where Swami Vivekananda stayed during his historic visit in 1892. Developed by the Ramakrishna Ashrama, the memorial is intended to inspire young people through the teachings and ideals of the revered monk.
Inauguration Ceremonies and Spiritual Tributes
Prior to addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi visited the Shiva temple located within the memorial complex. He officially inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
He also toured the Ashrama campus at Yadavagiri, where he offered special prayers at the shrine of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, participated in the Maha Mangalarti, and offered floral tributes to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Holy Mother Sarada Devi. During his visit, the Prime Minister also met with Srimat Swami Gautamananda ji Maharaj.
During the function, renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj presented the Prime Minister with a finely carved marble statue of Swami Vivekananda. The single-stone sculpture, which stands approximately 1.5 feet tall and weighs about 8.5 kg, was received by the Prime Minister amid applause from the audience.
The Viveka Memorial and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre are expected to serve as key hubs for youth development, cultural activities, and the promotion of Swami Vivekananda’s ideals. Following the event, the Prime Minister interacted briefly with monks and representatives of the Ramakrishna Ashrama before departing Mysuru for New Delhi.
Earlier, upon his arrival in Mysuru, the Prime Minister was received by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, and BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra.
