The Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha State Branch celebrated National Youth Day to commemorate the birthday of Swami Vivekananda here on Tuesday.
Industries, School and Mass Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra inaugurated the function and said Vivekananda is known as the man behind initialising the culture of modern India. Giving the status of blood donation in the State, he said “We have a shortfall of blood in Odisha. Through enhanced voluntarism we can easily make-up the deficit.”
MlA Priyadarshi Mishra inspired all the youths towards the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda and said to develop the quality of spiritualism among the youth.
Indian Red Cross Society Secretary Dr Chakradhar Panda gave welcome address and said the main objective of the National Youth Day celebration was to distribute the ideas and ideals of Vivekananda among the youths.
More than 500 Youth Red Cross volunteers, counselors from 22 colleges of the city and Red Cross life members were present.
A signature campaign was conducted on the occasion. It was followed by a cultural function.