With a vision to spread the teachings of India’s greatest visionary and youth icon – Swami Vivekananda, the State Government has planned elaborate activities to mark National Youth Day– 2019. In an attempt to popularise the teachings of Vivekananda, a month long celebration has been planned by the State Government for the first time.
Besides, unveiling the tallest figurine of Swami Vivekanada (33 ft.) here at the State Capital on Satuday, the Government of Jharkhand (GoJ) in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission, Ranchi will organise a series of events ranging from symposium, debate, quiz etc across the State to sensitise youths to follow the footsteps of Vivekananda.
“Directives had been sent to all district sport officers to organise block and district level events based on the life and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda from January 12 onwards. The month long programme will conclude on February 12 with the organisation of a State-level event. In accordance to the plan, focus will be on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda which will be depicted through drawing competitions, paintings, debate and other activities,” said Director (Sports) and Chief of the organising committee of National Youth Day event, Anil Kumar Singh.
Further, speaking about the main event, the Director (Sports) added, “Chief Minister Raghubar Das and other dignitaries will unveil the bronze statuette situated at an islet of Ranchi Lake at 4 PM. For the historic moment, the department of Tourism, Youths Affairs, Sports has arranged helicopter flower showering show to mark the occasion along with other events.”
Interestingly, the statue of Swami Vivekananda is considered to be the first of its kind in India and is expected to set a benchmark by grabbing coveted honour of the highest statue of Vivekananda set up here in the tribal heartland after the 22 ft. Swami’s statuette at Nagpur decked up at a park in 2016. Renowned sculptor and a recipient of Padma Bhushan Ram V Sutar has designed the 33 feet bronze figurine at a whopping cost of Rs. 15 crore.
Notably, in January 2016, CM Raghubar Das laid the foundation stone of the ambitious project with a vision to boost tourism.
The project was conceived by Department of Urban Development, Housing and Planning, Department of Sports, Tourism in assistance with MECON Limited and other civil construction firms while the pond beautification, restoration project is being carried out under the supervision of Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC)