Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre - Viveka Smaraka in Mysuru, Karnataka on August 1, 2026. The event focused on youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and educational development, with the Prime Minister emphasizing the role of India's youth in driving global growth and technological advancement.
PM Modi highlighted India's economic achievements driven by youth, noting the country possesses the fastest-growing economy, the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, and the second-largest mobile manufacturing capacity. He specifically mentioned advancements in AI, Deep Tech, Space Technology, and Innovation, citing the recent successful launch of a privately developed rocket as evidence of this momentum.
The address detailed significant expansions in educational infrastructure, including the establishment of over 650 new universities, 14,000 colleges, numerous premier institutes like IIMs and IITs, and a near doubling of medical capacity to 1,40,000 MBBS seats. The Prime Minister praised the National Education Policy for modernizing academic structures and mentioned the development of over 14,000 PM SHRI schools and 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to foster scientific innovation in children.
PM Modi also emphasized sports development through the Khelo India Games initiative, noting improved international competitive performance and emerging talents from small towns. He connected Swami Vivekananda's vision of equality with modern educational reforms, citing the admission of daughters into Sainik Schools and NDA, and the introduction of professional degree courses in native languages.
The Prime Minister issued civic challenges to local youth regarding environmental conservation, water preservation, and reconnecting with Karnataka's literary heritage, including the recent release of the Kannada translation of Valmiki Ramayana. He also promoted the 'Vocal for Local' initiative, encouraging support for local artisans through purchases of handicrafts, silk, and sandalwood products.