National Youth Day is celebrated in India on 12 January on the birthday of Swami Vivekananda.

Swami Vivekananda's birthday (12 January 1863), according to the Indian Almanac (Vishuddha Siddhanta Almanac) is on Pausha Krishna Saptami tithi, which falls on different dates in the English Calendar every year (generally in the month of January).

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti celebrates the birthday of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda's birthday falls on the Paush Krishna Saptami, the 7th day after the full moon day in the Hindu month of Paush. Therefore the date varies from year to year. According to the English calendar or the generally used Indian Calendar, Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863. In 2016, the date of the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda as per Hindu Lunar Calendar Tithi is on January 31. In 2016, it is the 153rd birth anniversary.

Numerous programs are organized in India and in several countries around the world on the day. In India, it is observed as the National Youth Day.

Saints of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) never sought blind followers or converts. Their sole aim was to initiate a discussion on a particular topic. They wanted each individual to arrive at a conclusion through a healthy debate and contemplation. They wanted each individual to realize his/her potential. Swami Vivekananda was one such modern saint who kindled the passion of search for knowledge in the minds of people.

The ideal way to remember or honor a saint is by understanding his/her teachings. Swami Vivekananda has given his valuable thoughts on several topics. It is for us to pick up these pearls of wisdom and contemplate and apply it in our daily life. This can be done not just on his birthday but on all days of the year.

Few Quotes of Swami Vivekananda
Anything (reference to fear of God, superstition) that makes you weak, physically, intellectually, spiritually, reject it as poison. It cannot be true. For Truth is strengthening. Truth is purity.
Give up all that hateful malice, that doglike bickering and barking at one another and take your stand on good purpose, right means, righteous courage, and be brave.
The best way to serve and seek God is to serve the needy, feed the hungry, help the fallen and friendless, irrespective of caste or creed.

Everything in Life has a beautiful ending

You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.

You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.

Wish you a very Happy Swami Vivekananda jayanti 2016.