India has the
largest population of young people in the world. The country’s future depends
on the future of youths. Acknowledging the power and role of youths in nation
building, Vivekananada asserted that out of the transformation of her youth
would India regain her lost character, dignity and grandeur. As such, the life
and teachings of Swami Vivekananda bears immense relevance particularly when
the country is celebrating the 75th year of its independence.
Obviously, the youth of today and tomorrow need to adopt the following
qualities and manifest them in practice as underlined by Swamiji time and again
during his short but extremely eventful life span of 39 years, so that they
(youths) can prove their worth in a befitting manner to achieve success in life
and contribute for the good of all, particularly the disadvantaged section of
society.
1. Thought
Management: We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about
what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far. It is the
thought which is the propelling force in us. Fill the mind with the highest and
noblest thoughts, hear them day after day, and think them month after month.
Vivekananda further says, “In a day, when you don’t come across any problem,
you can be very sure that you are travelling in the wrong path. So, never mind
problems and failures, they are quite natural.”
2. Confidence: “All power is within you. You can do anything and
everything. Believe in that; don’t believe that you are weak; stand up and
express the divinity within you” – Vivekananda used to say. So, have confidence
and love yourself both in prosperity as well as in adversity. Don’t have
self-pity. You have immense potential. Have strong will power to practice “I
can and I will” principle sincerely and regularly. And don’t forget to talk to
yourself once a day; otherwise you may miss meeting a unique person in this
world.”
3. Character: It is said that if a character is gone, everything
is gone. Swamiji stressed this point very strongly when he said, the youth is
the backbone of any progressive society and hence must always put in use the
life shaping and improving qualities such as truthfulness, fairness, trustworthiness,
diligence, sincerity, integrity etc.
4. Education: Undoubtedly, the life is very precious,
beautiful and equally challenging. As such, the youth of today need to
understand and appreciate that the real education is that which enables them to
stand on their legs. They must learn the life-building, man-making and
problem-solving skills so as to equip themselves to face the challenges and
struggles of life.
5. Concentration: When the past and present come and stand in one,
the mind is said to be concentrated. In fact, there is no limit to the power of
the human mind. The more concentrated it is, the more power is brought to bear
on one point; that is the secret of success. All great achievers world over
mastered the art of concentration to make their journey of success easier.
6. Courage: Without courage, nobody can do any great work. So,
have the courage to embrace all good things and stand up for all good causes.
The courage to face the odds in life, say a spade a spade, fight against the
lie, the evils, the wrongdoings, and to protect the interest of the country in
all possible ways are very necessary.
7. Commitment: Whatever be your commitment, give your 100% to
fulfil that. Swami Vivekananda asserts, “Take up one idea, make that one idea
your life, dream of it, think of it, and live on that idea. Let your brain,
body, muscles, nerves and every part of your body be full of that idea. Just
leave other things aside.” To say, you must be fully committed to that goal. In
fact, this is the way to success in life.
8. Co-operation: In this interdependent world, no individual,
society or country can grow well and fast without mutual cooperation. There is
no denying the fact that the more we come out
and help others, the more our hearts will be purified, and God will be in them.
Collective efforts and sincere cooperation of all participants in any field of
activity guarantee greater progress and magical achievements.
9. Learning
Appetite: Vivekananda used
to quote his guru Sri Ramkrishna Paramhans who said, “As long as I live, so long do I learn. That man or that
society which has nothing to learn is already in the jaws of death.” The
stronger the learning appetite, the greater is the knowledge base and the power
of analysing and understanding any challenge and problem in life.
10. Strength: Both physical and mental strength are necessary for
leading a purposeful life. In Swamiji’s words, Strength is life; weakness is
death. Strength is felicity, life eternal, and immortal. On the contrary,
weakness is constant strain and misery. The
world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong. Anything
that makes you weak – physically, mentally and spiritually, reject it as
poison. Yes, regular practice of Yoga and Meditation are very effective for
maintaining a balanced and healthy life.
As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, request you to post comments to share your views and experiences.
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