Raipur, January 6, 2026/Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that Swami Vivekananda, at a young age, acquainted the entire world with India’s Sanatan culture, spirituality, and philosophy, thereby enhancing the country’s prestige. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai was addressing the youth at the “Send Off Ceremony” organized at the Chief Minister’s Residence office in the capital Raipur this evening. This program was organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, and the National Youth Festival is organized. This festival is a powerful symbol of India’s youth energy, creativity, and spirit of nation-building.
He said that it is a matter of great fortune for us residents of Chhattisgarh that Swami Vivekananda spent a significant part of his time in Raipur. Memories of holy places like Budha Talab and Devri Bhawan continue to be a source of inspiration for the youth even today.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that 75 talented youths have been selected to represent Chhattisgarh in this year’s National Youth Festival, which is a matter of pride for the entire state. Among them, 45 youths are participating from the “Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue”, 1 youth from the “Design for Bharat Track”, and 29 participants are from the cultural tracks. He said that the representation of Chhattisgarh’s youth in the National Youth Festival is a golden opportunity to become participants in India’s youth power, creativity, leadership potential, and the resolve for a developed India. He said that the youth of Chhattisgarh will showcase Chhattisgarh’s rich culture, folk dances, folk songs, and youth leadership on the national stage. This will spread the fragrance of Chhattisgarh’s soil across the country and the state will be proud. Chief Minister Shri Sai congratulated and extended best wishes to all the selected participants at the national level.
It is noteworthy that the youth of Chhattisgarh will reach New Delhi on January 9 and meet young artists and young leaders from various states of the country and exchange ideas. On January 11, they will meet ISRO’s Gaganyaan pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and draw inspiration from his space experiences. Along with this, on January 12, on National Youth Day, the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address the country’s young participants.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that youth power is the identity of the nation, and youth power is the strength of the nation. He recalled Swami Vivekananda’s famous message – “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached” – and called upon the youth to draw inspiration from it.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that where there is a group of youth, there is a natural flow of energy. It is the dream of our honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that the young leaders of the country lead in all fields. Our government has successfully organized the Youth Festival from the block level to the state level with better arrangements. For this, he also praised the departmental officials. Shri Sao also congratulated and extended best wishes to all the selected participants.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai distributed costume kits to the selected participants from the main stage. Some participants also shared their experiences.
On this occasion, Chairman of the Youth Commission Shri Vishwvijay Singh Tomar, Secretary of the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Yashwant Kumar, along with other departmental officials and a large number of participants were present.