RONO HILLS, Jan 12: National Youth Day was observed at Rajiv Gandhi University today with the conduct of a Swadeshi Run (Mini Marathon), paying homage to Swami Vivekananda on his 163rd Birth Anniversary.
The programme was organised with the objective of sensitizing students and youth towards Swadeshi values, Atmanirbhar Bharat, physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and national unity, inspired by the ideals and teachings of Swamiji.
Participants enthusiastically took part in the 2 km Swadeshi Run, symbolising youth commitment towards self-reliance, physical well-being and nation-building. A floral tribute and lighting of diyas were offered in honour of Swami Vivekananda, recalling his vision of youth empowerment, character building, and service to the nation.
As part of the National Youth Day observance, a Swadeshi Pledge was administered by Dr David Pertin, Jt Registrar RGU, reaffirming the collective resolve to work towards a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat). Participants took the pledge with solemn commitment, pledging to uphold Swadeshi values, promote indigenous products and skills, practise self-discipline and contribute responsibly to national development. The pledge served as a powerful reminder of the ideals propagated by Swami Vivekananda and reinforced the role of youth and institutions in strengthening the nation through self-reliance, unity and ethical conduct.
Prof Jayadeba Sahoo, Vice Chancellor (i/c), in his address, highlighted the relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings in contemporary India, emphasizing the role of youth in building a disciplined, self-reliant and a united nation.
The event witnessed active participation from students & scholars, teaching and non-teaching staff fostering a spirit of collective responsibility and community engagement.
In the 2 km Mini Marathon, trophies and certificates were awarded to winners across various categories. In the Student (Male) category, John Gyadi secured first place, followed by Job Gyadi in second place and Lobsang Jimba in third place. In the Student (Female) category, Nagam Yoka secured first position and Rina Taba secured second position. In the Non-Teaching Staff (Male) category, Joram Har stood first, followed by Dinesh Rawat in second place and Sujeet Biswakarma in third place, while in the Non-Teaching Staff (Female) category, Nani Rinya secured first place. In the Teaching Staff categories, Lokpa Tamang secured first position in the male category and Maga Neru secured first position in the female category. In the Other category, Laba Sarkar, Rajen Malik, and Baba Tamang secured first, second, and third positions respectively in the male category, while Teli Yabang and Manjuri Handique secured first and second positions respectively in the female category.