In 1984, the Government of India declared
and decided to observe the Birthday of Swami
Vivekananda(12 January, according
to English calendar) as National
Youth Day every year from 1985 onwards. To quote from the Government of
India's Communication,
''it was felt
that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and
worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.''
Swamij's Birthday
according to Indian Almanac (Vishuddha
Siddhanta Almanac) is on
Pausha Krishna Saptami tithi, which falls on different
dates of English Calendar every year.
The Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and
Ramakrishna Mission as well as their branch centres observe the
birthday
of Swami Vivekananda with mangalarati, special worship, homa,
meditation, devotional songs, religious discourses, sandhyarati,
etc. on Pausha Krishna Saptami tithi, and as National Youth
Day (12 January) with processions, speeches, recitations, music,
youth conventions, seminars, Yogasana presentation, competitions in
essay-writing, recitations, speeches, music, sports, etc. on 12 January.