PM Inaugurates Viveka Smaraka in Mysuru, Urges Youth towards Vivekananda’s Vision

Mysuru, August 1, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre, also known as Viveka Smaraka, in Mysuru, Karnataka. The new centre aims to inspire young Indians to prioritise national service and social welfare, drawing from the teachings of the 19th-century monk and philosopher.

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister began by offering respect to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the city’s presiding deity. He spoke of his personal connection to the Ramakrishna Mission, noting that its influence had shaped his journey. “Because of the presence of all of you, I am experiencing a very different and powerful energy on this holy land of Mysuru today,” he said.

Modi praised Mysuru as a living centre of India’s cultural heritage, highlighting its palaces, festivals and traditions. He said the city’s careful preservation of history brought satisfaction and reflected the nation’s broader cultural continuity.

The Prime Minister recalled the historic link between Swami Vivekananda and Mysuru. More than 130 years ago, the then Maharaja of Mysuru recognised and supported the young wandering monk at a time when he was still relatively unknown. Vivekananda later expressed deep gratitude for that early encouragement. Modi described such recognition of potential in a seeker’s early years as a vital contribution to spiritual and national growth.

He linked the Ramakrishna Ashrama’s century of work in education, healthcare and disaster relief to Vivekananda’s belief that “he alone lives who lives entirely for others.” The new Viveka Smaraka, he said, should continue that mission by shaping young people whose primary goal is to serve the nation and ease the hardships of the poor.

Turning to the present generation, Modi contrasted the constrained conditions of Indian youth in Vivekananda’s time with today’s reality. He said Indian young people are now driving global progress in technology, innovation and economic growth. India, he noted, has become one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, hosts the third-largest startup ecosystem, and ranks second in mobile manufacturing. Advances in artificial intelligence, deep technology, space and private rocketry, he added, have been powered largely by youthful talent.

The Prime Minister stressed that this demographic strength becomes national power only when backed by opportunity, direction and strong educational foundations. Over the past decade, he said, the country has added more than 650 universities and 14,000 colleges, expanded premier institutions such as IITs and IIMs, and nearly doubled MBBS seats to about 1,40,000. The National Education Policy, he explained, is aligning education with 21st-century needs while modern infrastructure is being expanded.

At the school level, more than 14,000 PM SHRI schools and 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs are fostering scientific temper and innovation beyond textbooks. Barriers to opportunity are being reduced, with girls now admitted to Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy, and professional courses increasingly offered in Indian languages.

Sports, too, have been given greater importance through initiatives such as the Khelo India Games. Modi observed that athletes from smaller towns and a growing number of women competitors are raising India’s performance on the global stage.

He issued several practical challenges to Mysuru’s youth and citizens. He urged them to treat water conservation as a mission, noting the city’s strong record on cleanliness. He called on young people to reduce excessive screen time and reconnect with Kannada literature, especially after the release of a Kannada translation of the Valmiki Ramayana. He also appealed for greater support for local artisans by choosing “Vocal for Local” gifts such as silk, sandalwood and handicrafts, which both preserve culture and support livelihoods.

In closing, Modi expressed confidence that Viveka Smaraka would serve as a lasting source of energy for the current generation. “It is for today’s generation to turn Swami Vivekananda’s vision of India into reality,” he said, placing the responsibility of nation-building firmly with India’s youth.