CM inaugurates Swami Vivekananda Auditorium
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium at Kirori Mal College on the occasion of National Youth Day.
On the occasion, she urged students to internalise Swami Vivekananda’s ideals and take an active role in nation-building. She also unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda on the college campus and dedicated the canteen lawn as the Swami Vivekananda Complex.
Addressing students and faculty after the inauguration, the Chief Minister said Swami Vivekananda’s life and philosophy continue to guide India’s youth towards self-confidence, discipline and service to the nation.
She said institutions of learning must not only impart academic knowledge but also nurture character and leadership.
According to her, the newly inaugurated auditorium and complex will serve as platforms for intellectual, cultural and leadership activities for students.
The Chief Minister said India has entered a crucial phase of Amrit Kaal and that the goal of achieving a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ cannot be realised without the active participation of young people. She called upon students to adopt Swami Vivekananda’s message, “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached,” as a guiding principle in their personal and professional lives.
She underlined that national progress is not driven by governments alone but by the collective responsibility of citizens. “The strength of 140 crore Indians, especially the youth, will determine the country’s future,” she said, adding that youth power must be channelled towards innovation, social responsibility and national service.
The Chief Minister said the Delhi government is working continuously to create opportunities that allow young people to contribute meaningfully to society.
Earlier, the Chief Minister unveiled the statue of Swami Vivekananda at the college canteen lawn, marking a symbolic step towards preserving the philosopher’s legacy within the campus. College officials and students said the Swami Vivekananda Complex would become a focal point for academic and cultural engagement.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister performed jalabhishek and offered prayers during the ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ at the Hanuman Temple premises located near Kirori Mal College. She prayed for the welfare, prosperity and cultural upliftment of the people.
The Chief Minister said Somnath Swabhiman Parv is not merely a religious observance but a reminder of India’s long and resilient civilisational journey. She said the Somnath Temple symbolises unbroken faith and cultural continuity that has endured for over a thousand years despite repeated challenges.
She recalled the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, describing it as a symbol of national resolve and cultural resurgence. She also noted that the growing interest of the younger generation in India’s cultural heritage reflects a renewed sense of identity and confidence. According to her, this cultural awareness strengthens India’s position on the global stage.
