January 12, 2026 was observed as National Youth Day (Rashtriya Yuva Divas) across India, marking the 164th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The Government of India has designated this day as National Youth Day since 1985, recognising Vivekananda's philosophy as a perennial source of inspiration for Indian youth. The culminating event of the National Youth Festival was held in New Delhi from January 10 to 12, 2026, bringing together approximately 3,000 young participants from across the country under the theme 'Naye Bharat ka Sankalp – Swadeshi aur Swavalamban' (New India's Resolve – Indigenous and Self-Reliance). President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda, highlighting his role in awakening India's spiritual and national consciousness and urging youth to imbibe his values of service, self-reliance, and character-building. In Rajasthan, Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar flagged off a 'Run for Swadeshi' programme in Jodhpur as part of the Youth Day celebrations. Separately, a state-level youth festival was organised at SMS Stadium, Jaipur, from January 7 to 12, 2026, inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma under the concept of 'Developed Bharat–Developed Rajasthan', focusing on employment, career guidance, and innovation. Swami Vivekananda, born on January 12, 1863 in Calcutta, is celebrated for his iconic address at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he introduced Vedanta and yoga to the Western world. His teachings emphasising youth empowerment, national integration, and scientific temperament remain central to India's development narrative.