Marking the nationwide observance of the National Youth Day on the occasion of the 164th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Jamia Millia Islamia’s (JMI), Games & Sports Department today organized a “Run for Swadeshi" at the university’s Cricket Ground, Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Sports Complex, to sensitize students and youth on the importance of “Swadeshi” and self-reliance. The run was flagged off by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, JMI, Prof. Mazhar Asif, and Registrar, JMI, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi this morning.
Prof. Asif, highlighting the moral and social philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, said, “Swami Vivekananda’s teachings have been a source of inspiration to the entire humanity. He instilled national pride among Indians. The objective of today’s ‘Run for Swadeshi’ is to sensitize staff members, students, and youth about the timeless values of Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat and the importance of physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork. The spirit of national unity awakened by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda instills collective responsibility and community engagement and remains inspirational for all fellow Indians.”
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rizvi, Registrar, JMI, emphasized the importance of the concept of Swadeshi in achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Prof. Rizvi added “Swami Vivekananda was a visionary philosopher, teacher, and modern Indian thinker who was way ahead of his time. If the youth of today understand and adhere to his teachings on the ideals of universal good, collective efforts, personal growth, and a strong concentrated mind, they will surely achieve bigger goals in life. The potential of India as a youthful nation can be fully realized if the youth of the country commit themselves to the nationalist ideals advocated by him. His teachings on truth, social harmony, and selfless service of humanity, as also his focus on yoga, are powerful, and if followed fully, will elevate young people to the highest levels.”
Prof. Nafis Ahmad, Hony. Director (Games & Sports), JMI, who outlined a brief note on the “Run for Swadeshi” initiative and praised the active participation of the faculty, staff members, and students of JMI said, "Everything is easy when you are busy, but nothing is easy when you are lazy." With this principle in mind, the run has been organized to foster youth empowerment, healthy lifestyles, sustainable living, and community engagement within our campuses, he added.
