The nation on January 12 observed National Youth Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, with the cooperative sector emerging as a prominent voice in celebrating the ideals of the great saint and philosopher. Cooperators and cooperative institutions across the country reaffirmed their commitment to place youth at the centre of the cooperative movement.
The day underlined a growing consensus that India’s cooperatives, spanning agriculture, dairy, fisheries, credit, and rural development, must become key platforms for nurturing leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation among young Indians.
From national-level cooperative federations to grassroots institutions, January 12 was marked by renewed resolve to involve youth more deeply in cooperative governance and enterprise. Cooperative leaders stressed that Swami Vivekananda’s vision of empowered, disciplined, and service-oriented youth aligns naturally with the cooperative ethos of collective ownership and inclusive growth.
With policy support from the government and dedicated schemes such as NCDC’s Yuva Sahakar Scheme, cooperatives are increasingly being seen as engines of youth-led development, capable of generating employment, strengthening rural livelihoods, and advancing the goal of a self-reliant India.
The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also used the occasion to reiterate that Swami Vivekananda’s teachings continue to guide India’s national journey.
The Prime Minister has frequently invoked Vivekananda’s call for courage, character, and confidence among the youth, describing them as essential qualities for nation-building. National Youth Day, therefore, served as a reminder that India’s demographic strength must be channelled through institutions and movements that encourage participation, responsibility, and service to society.
Reflecting these ideals, IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani paid homage to Swami Vivekananda, describing his thoughts, principles, and ideals as a priceless part of India’s cultural heritage. He noted that Vivekananda’s philosophy continues to inspire collective effort and ethical leadership, values that form the backbone of the cooperative movement.
Sahakar Bharati, in its message, recalled the saint’s iconic call, “Utho, jago aur lakshya prapti tak ruko mat,” observing that these words remain a powerful motivation for youth engaged in nation-building and cooperative service.
Several cooperative institutions highlighted concrete efforts to translate these ideals into action. On National Youth Day, the role of the Yuva Sahakar Scheme of NCDC was underscored as a platform enabling young entrepreneurs to transform cooperatives into vibrant, sustainable enterprises.
KRIBHCO, paying tribute to Swami Vivekananda, said his enduring ideals continue to inspire the youth and guide the nation towards a strong and self-reliant future.
Similarly, NAFED, in a social media message, highlighted how inspired by Vivekananda’s belief in the power of youth, India’s young generation is driving change across sectors. In agriculture, rural youth are strengthening farming practices and contributing to food security through cooperative networks.
Former IFFCO Managing Director Dr U S Awasthi and senior cooperator K Ravindra Rao also paid tributes, recalling Vivekananda’s lifelong mission to awaken the inner strength of youth.
As National Youth Day was observed across the country, the cooperative sector’s collective message was clear: by embedding youth leadership at every level, cooperatives can carry forward Swami Vivekananda’s legacy and play a decisive role in shaping an inclusive, self-reliant, and forward-looking India.
