Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Sunday highlighted the importance of the teachings of Swami Vivekananda on the 128th anniversary of the unforgettable Chicago Address of Swami Vivekananda on the 22nd Foundation Day of Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence in Hyderabad. Chief Justice Ramana was addressing the event as the Chief Guest.
The unity and sacrifice of young people across faiths, beliefs and communities, who took to the streets to challenge authoritarian figures, gave the country democratic rights which were being taken for granted today.
CJI N.V. Ramana
He said, according to Swami Vivekananda, the youth did not tolerate injustice, either to themselves or to against others. They did not compromise with their ideals, come what may. They were not only selfless but were also adventurous. They were willing to sacrifice for the cause they believed in. It is these unadulterated minds and pure hearts which formed the backbone of our nation.
The CJI said that religion should be above superstitions and rigidities and also pointed that there is a greater need now to give attention to Swami Vivekananda’s words about the dangers posed by meaningless and sectarian conflicts in society.
“Long before the painful churning that took place in the subcontinent during the freedom struggle resulting in framing of an egalitarian Constitution of India, he advocated Secularism as if he foresaw the events to unfold. He firmly believed that the true essence of religion was the common good and tolerance. Religion should be above superstitions and rigidities. To fulfill the dream of making resurgent India through the principles of common good and tolerance, we should install the ideals of Swami Ji in today’s youth,” the CJI said. A youth should be aware of social realities and challenges of life, he said.
The CJI
“Remember, any change in the nation’s trajectory always stems from its youth and their participation. It is for you to build the ideal nation and society that you desire to witness”.
The CJI also made several references to young freedom fighters who made a huge difference in India’s struggle for independence, they contributed without thinking about themselves. He talked about Birsa Munda- a young tribal leader who mobilised the tribal community for active services against the British regime, the trio of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, who fought for the nation’s freedom until their last breath and lastly about Manyam Veerudu and Alluri Sitaraman Raju, the leader who was shot during the resistance movement.
Talking about his rural background, the CJI, urged the youth to be aware and make room for their own diverse opinions by reading more.
I come from a rural background. We struggled to educate ourselves. Today resources are available at your finger tips. The hyper awareness that modern society allows, with the ease of flow of information mandates that students are more socially and politically aware. You must know the social ills and contemporary issues facing the society and the polity. Read books to expand your vision and diversify your opinions, he said.
The CJI observed that India’s more than 45% population is the youth and nearly 65% of the country’s population is between the age group of 15-35. Therefore, the youth should take more active interest in creating a better nation.
He urged the educational institutes to play an active role in educating students so that they can be capable enough to become change makers.
“Educational institutions have a huge role to play. They must inform and create awareness in the student body about the rights and restrictions. They should promote and transmit a culture of lawfulness, or respect for the law. Institutions should equip young minds with knowledge about their rights and duties and empower them to be change makers in society”.
“In a day, when you don’t come across any problems, you can be sure that you are travelling in a wrong path” concluded the CJI.