Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre (Viveka Smaraka) at Shri Ramakrishna Ashram in Mysuru, emphasizing the center's role in spiritual elevation and youth development. The PM highlighted Mysuru's cultural heritage and its historical connection to Swami Vivekananda, who visited the city about 130 years ago and received support from the then Maharaja of Mysuru.
The address focused extensively on India's youth capabilities and economic achievements, noting that India's economy is growing at the fastest pace due to its youth. Specific achievements cited include India having the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, second-largest mobile phone manufacturing capacity, and leadership in digital solutions, semiconductor manufacturing, AI, deep tech, and space technology. The PM referenced a recent milestone where a rocket built by a private company reached space.
Educational infrastructure expansion was detailed with quantitative data: over 650 new universities, about 14,000 new colleges, over 4,000 new ITIs, 9 new IIMs, 7 new IITs, and 13 new AIIMS established in the last 12 years. Medical education capacity has increased to approximately 140,000 MBBS seats across 823 medical colleges. The National Education Policy was highlighted as preparing youth for 21st-century needs.
In school education, over 14,000 PM SHRI schools have been developed nationwide, and over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs established to foster innovation and scientific temperament. The PM emphasized equality in education opportunities, noting daughters' admissions in Sainik Schools and NDA, and medical/engineering education in mother tongues to curb language-based discrimination.
Sports development was mentioned as crucial for youth discipline and confidence, with platforms like Khelo India Youth Games, University Games, Para Games, and Winter Games, along with expanding sports infrastructure and Khelo India Centers.
The PM made specific appeals to youth: strengthen cleanliness resolves (noting Mysuru's ranking among India's cleanest cities), conserve natural resources and water, promote Kannada literature (coinciding with the release of Kannada translation of Valmiki Ramayana), and prioritize Indian-made products like Mysuru silk, sandalwood, and handicrafts to support local artisans and culture.
The speech concluded by linking Viveka Smaraka to fulfilling Swami Vivekananda's dream of India, serving as an energy source for youth to work for society and nation first.