Dr Kalam to preside over a mega youth conference in Gujarat on 12 Jan 2012

Gandhinagar, 12 December, 2011

Former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will preside over a
mega youth conference to be convened in Gujarat on January 12, 2012 to mark the
beginning of yearlong celebration of Swami Vivekanand’s 150th birth anniversary.

This was disclosed by Chief Minister Narendra Modi at a meeting of prominent citizens
and scholars from different cross sections of the society at Mahatma Mandir at
Gandhinagar this evening.

Mr. Modi called for celebrating Swami Vivekanand’s 150th birth anniversary with grandeur and in a magnificent manner. He said that Swami Vivekanand had spent maximum time in Gujarat during his tour of the nation and it is in the fitness of things that Gujarat celebrates the event as a guiding force to the nation. The youth should imbibe and emulate his ideals and philosophy in practical life. It was Swami Vivekanand who had inspired the youth with the slogan of ‘India First’.

Gujarat has decided to celebrate 150th anniversary year as the Year of Youth Power from January 12, 2012. The Government of India and Ramkrsihna Mission, besides other organizations are also celebrating the anniversary.

Mr. Modi said that Gujarat will also celebrate the centenary of Panchayati Raj, birth centenaries of late Krishnakumarsinhji of Bhavnagar and Prabhashankar Patni, and the 150th birth centenary of Sayajirao Gaekwad in the year 2012.

Youth Services and Cultural Activities Minister Fakirbhai Vaghela complimented 150 invitees for attending today’s meeting and for providing valuable inputs as to how to celebrate the event.