To commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the maker of Modern India, National Youth Day is celebrated, every year in India, with great joy and enthusiasm, on January 12. This year to celebrate the 159th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a programmme was organized by the Indian Red Cross Society, Dakshina Kannada unit, Youth Red Cross of Mangalore University at Tannirbavi Tree Park with the theme “Skill Development for Youth”.
The programme began with the registration of the YRC volunteers from various colleges, followed by the cleaning of the tree park surroundings by picking up non-biodegradable waste. Students from various colleges actively took part in the cleaning activity.
The programme was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Sri S. Mahesh Kumar, ACP of Mangaluru North; Sri Prashanth Pai, Forest Officer, Mangaluru; Sri. Devadas Kapikad, actor; Sri Nithyananda Shetty, DK District, Red Cross unit. After the inauguration, Sri Mahesh Kumar, ACP, Mangaluru North said that the life and principles of Swami Vivekananda are like a guiding force for the youth. He also added, “Today’s youth should follow the right path shown by Swami Vivekananda. They should contribute to the society”. Sri Prashanth Pai, RPO, Mangaluru said that students should become strong and contribute to nation- building. DK Indian Red Cross Society State Representative, Yathish Baikampady called upon the students not to believe people blindly.
After the inauguration, students and programme officers were divided into three groups and each group was guided by the resource persons for skill development programme.
The first group was guided by the resource person, Sri. V.K.Vitla, Drawing master, Government High School, Guruvayanakere. He motivated the students with his art work and simple drawing skills. He demonstrated the art with pencil sketch and thread work. YRC volunteers enthusiastically participated and learnt some art skills. V. K. Vitla sir also appreciated the drawings done by the volunteers.
The second group of students was guided by Sri Harish Acharya, the famous sand sculptor, Mangaluru. He attracted the volunteers with his amazing sand sculpture of Dr. B.R Ambedkar. Volunteers also tried to show their talent by making Red Cross symbol and principles in sand. The sand art made by the volunteers was well appreciated by the programme organizers.
The third team of students was guided by the resource person, Prof. Ajith Prasad, Principal, Davala College, Moodbidri. He enlightened the students with human values. With real life incidents and examples, he explained the human values to the volunteers. Students actively participated in the group discussion based on human values.
Fourteen YRC volunteers, along with the programme officers, Mrs. Smitha and Mrs. Roopashri K P, took part in the cleaning activity and skill development programme.
Report By,Mrs. Smitha M.
Mrs. Roopashri K.P
