MIT MAHE NSS Unit Celebrates National Youth Day 2025
Manipal Jan 27, 2025: The MIT MAHE NSS Unit, in collaboration with MIT Manipal, celebrated National Youth Day 2025 at the MIT AB 2 MV Seminar Hall, under the aegis of Manipal Academy of Higher Education recently.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Raviraja N. Seetharam, COO of MAHE. The celebration marked the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, honoring his teachings on youth empowerment, self-reliance, and nation-building.
In his address Dr. Raviraja highlighted how Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the 1893 Parliament of Religions, impacted the students and volunteers to follow his principles of integrity, compassion, and dedication.
The chief guest, Lopamudra Priyadarshani, AVP CSR at Aditya Birla Corporation, highlighted how Vivekananda’s inclusive approach to Hinduism serves as a vital lesson for today’s polarized society. Her words reinforced his universal message of compassion and acceptance, inspiring the youth to uphold these values for a harmonious future.
Kishor Alva, President and Executive Director of the Adani Group stressed the foundational role of family and friendships in shaping effective leaders.
Dr. Commander Anil Rana, Director of the Manipal Institute of Technology, addressed the students and volunteers on the significance of cultivating leadership skills. He outlined strategies like taking on leadership roles, being accountable, and honing communication abilities. He emphasized that leadership is developed through consistent practice and a strong sense of responsibility, aligning his thoughts with Vivekananda’s belief in education fostering inner strength and self-reliance.
Dr. Somashekara Bhat, Joint Director of MIT, shared his journey of hard work and perseverance in academia, demonstrating how these qualities have been instrumental in his growth as a leader.
Dr. Dasharathraj K Shetty, Associate Professor at MIT Manipal, delivered the keynote address on leadership, blending education, farming, and storytelling. He introduced gamification as an innovative tool for engaging and developing leadership skills, making his lessons both interactive and memorable. His unique journey emphasized the values of adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning, reflecting Vivekananda’s philosophy of humility and service.
Dr Abhishek Chaturvedi, Program Coordinator NSS-MAHE-Cell, Dr. Balakrishna Maddodi, NSS Program Officer, spoke on the occasion.
Dr. Poornima Bhagavath, NSS Program Officer compered the program and Dr. Maha Shwetha, NSS Program Officer, delivered the vote of thanks.
Special recognition was given to Dr. Lakshman Rao and Dr. Harshani Dasari for their efforts in guiding the NSS volunteers, with Mr. Vijayansh Chourasia, NSS Volunteer Head, leading the team effectively.
