Yuvotsav, the week-long series of cultural and sports events to commemorate Swami Vivekananda on his 153rd birth anniversary began on Tuesday. Youngsters from all across the state gathered at Morhabadi Ground for ‘Aagaaz’ – the first day of the youth week – for a march past to Ranchi lake.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Raghubar Das laid the foundation stone for a life like statue of Swami Vivekananda, which is to be erected on an island in centre of the lake.
Along with the statue, a meditation centre is also in the cards.Calling the statue a remembrance to Swami Ji’s life and ideals, the CM urged the younger generation to endeavour for development of the nation.
“Teachings of Swami Vivekananda are relevant even today. He had a vision that the people of the nation join hands for growth of the country. But this stands unfulfilled unless the deprived sections of the society are not covered under the works of development,” he said.
Organised under the joint aegis of Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Department and Round Table, India, the first day of Yuvotsav saw participation from National Cadet Corps cadets, members of National Service Scheme and various educational institutions of the State.
Their march-past was observed by Tourism and Youth Affairs Minister Amar Kumar Bauri, before it proceeded towards Ranchi lake.
The second day of Yuvotsav, Gyan Manthan, will feature motivational speakers like mountaineer Arunima Ghosh, author Santosh Sharma, pressman Kalpesh Yagnik and others, who will also interact with the young listeners.
After laying the foundation stone at Ranchi lake, Das shared his plans to bring up the centrally-located water body as a preferred tourist spot within the next two years. MECON limited will be roped in for help in planning of the project.
“For visitors, Ranchi lake will feature facilities like cafeteria, laser shows and such. We are ready with the plan to develop it as a tourist spot and work will begin as soon as the Detailed Project Report is finalised. Departments of Tourism, Urban Development and Sports will join hands to achieve this goal. Our primary focus will be on cleaning the polluted water of the lake,” said Bauri.
Beautification of the lake and its periphery is also to be taken up seriously under the project. “We will start work soon on periphery development around Ranchi lake. A boundary will be put up around the banks of the lake, and ghats where people can immerse deities’ idols and religious items. We urge the people of Ranchi to keep the lake clean,” stated Principal Secretary Urban Development Department Arun Kumar Singh.