Governor Shekhar Dutt inaugurated the two-day national seminar on 'Swami Vivekanand and Global Culture' organised at Ramkrishna Mission Ashram, situated in Kota Raipur, on Saturday under the joint aegis of State Government's Culture Department, Ramkrishna Mission Vivekananda Ashram and Vivekanand Vidyapeeth, Raipur.
In his address to the seminar, Governor Dutt said that the country as well as the world as a whole has undergone the most revolutionary changes in last 150 years. But despite the major changes in our thoughts, philosophies, knowledge, culture, manners, mentality and concerns etc, the ideals and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda are as relevant as before. Governor insisted that the change should always be in the positive direction for a purpose to grow as a good human being. Swami Vivekananda had satisfied all his queries and curiosity by seeking answers from his Guru Ramkrishna Param Hans. That is the reason why Swami Vivekananda's thoughts had great impact of his Guru's philosophies. Even today, the importance, relevance and usefulness of Swami Vivekananda's thoughts are as intact as it would have been for the people of past century. Governor Dutt asked the youngsters to adopt the thoughts and ideals of Swami Vivekananda in their minds, deeds and life as a whole and play an important role for the welfare of society and nation as a whole.
Governor Dutt also threw light on the life history of Swami Vivekananda, and the impact of his teachings regarding spirituality, compassion, humanity, morality and Karma on the country as well as world. Governor Dutt also lamented the fact that today people have closed their eyes to the evils and challenges prevailing in the society, owing to which morality has declined. People need to face the reality and follow the teachings of Swami Vivekananda to bring about a positive change in the scenario.
He also emphasised that even the weakest links of the society should be empowered and strengthened, so as to reform the society and develop confidence and self-respect in each person living in the society. That is how the 3000-year old rich culture of our country can be preserved, said Governor Dutt.
The programme was presided over by Swami Satyarupanand Ji and Vice-Chancellor of Kushabhau Thakre Patrakarita Avam Jansanchar Vishwavidyalay Dr Sachchidanand Joshi also addressed the seminar, emphasizing that the teachings of great personalities like Swami Vivekananda should be referred and adopted in our day-to-day life so as to reform the society and step towards the social development. Swami Vyaptanand, Swami Nikhilatmanand, Secretary of Vivekananda Vidyapeeth Dr OP Verma, Director of Culture Department Narendra Shukla, also addressed the programme. Meanwhile, Dr Ramendra Nath Mishra of Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi Srijan Peeth and large number of students were also present.