Martyr awarded on Vivekananda Jayanti

Ashok Raina

Kangra, January 12

“The life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda are more relevant today when the nation needs spiritual strength to combat adverse forces from within and outside. Vivekananda Jayanti was being celebrated to bring the younger generation close to their spiritual and cultural roots”, said Bikram Singh Thakur Minister for Industries, Technical Education, Labour and Employment, today.

He was speaking at the Vivekananda Jayanti programme organised by the local branch of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanaya Kumari, in connection with the 155th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. He said the character of Swami Vivekananda was an inspiration to the youth and his teachings were contemporary.Swami Vishard Chaitanya Acharya Chinmayan who presided overthe function said Swami Vivekananda was a major source of inspiration being a matchless personality. Rekha Davey, joint general secretary, Vivekananda Kendra, stressed on the youth to adhere to his teachings. Ashok Kumar, vibhag pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra, stressed on parents to bring their children close to the national ethos and inculcate the cultural values in them.

Martyr Jagdish Chand , who was killed by Pakistan militants during Pathankot air base attack on January 2, was awarded posthumously and his wife Sneh Lata received the award. She was given a standing ovation amid claps by the audience. as her husband had laid down his life for the country. Fourteen meritorious students from different schools who had ranked among first three in the MCQ test organised by the kendra on November 19, last year in Kangra and Mandi districts of different schools were also given prizes.