The Vivekananda Society of Australia hosted a vibrant and spirited Yuwa Diwas celebration, marking Youth Day and Swami Vivekananda’s birth. The program, held in Glenroy College, brought together hundreds of young Australians to showcase their talent and celebrate youth’s strength in shaping the nation’s future.
The event kicked off with a series of performances, speeches, and presentations by local youth groups, featuring everything from music and dance to debates. In keeping with the theme of the day—celebrating the potential of young people—the Vivekananda Society of Australia recognised the achievements of exceptional youth through various competitions.
The guests at the event included Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne; Iwan Walters, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs; Kathleen Matthews-Ward MP, State Member for Broadmeadows; Evan Mulholland, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Vivienne Nguyen, Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission; and Swami Sunishthanand ji, Head of the Vedanta Society; Makrand Bhagwat, President Hindu Council of Australia, Victoria chapter.
Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar expressed his admiration for the youth in attendance, saying, “It is a pleasure to be part of this wonderful celebration of youth.”
“Swami Vivekananda’s vision of empowering young minds aligns perfectly with the vibrant energy I see today. The young people here are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are shaping the world right now.”
Iwan Walters, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, remarked, I am truly inspired by the incredible talent and passion displayed by the young people here.
“Today’s event demonstrates that Australia’s youth are not only the future but are already contributing to our multicultural identity with their creativity and commitment.”
Kathleen Matthews-Ward MP also spoke on the importance of youth engagement, saying, I’m proud to see such a strong, multicultural representation of youth here today.
“The performances and competitions we’ve witnessed show just how much potential lies in our young Australians. This event, celebrating both National Youth Day and Swami Vivekananda’s legacy, has been a true testament to their resilience and ambition.”
Evan Mulholland, representing the Leader of the Opposition, shared his thoughts on the importance of fostering future leaders. “The youth we honour today are more than just talented; they are committed to making a difference in our communities,” he said.
“It is important we continue to support and inspire our youth, as they are the ones who will drive our nation forward.”
Vivienne Nguyen, Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Today’s celebration reaffirms how much our young people contribute to the multicultural fabric of Victoria.
“We must continue to provide them with the platform to express themselves, as they are the true reflection of our diverse society.”
Swami Sunishthanand ji delivered a moving message about the legacy of Swami Vivekananda, stating, “Swami Vivekananda’s vision of a strong, empowered youth is something we must continue to embrace.”
“The energy, enthusiasm, and wisdom shown by these young individuals today are the true embodiment of his teachings.”
Recognising Young Achievers
The event also saw the awarding of various prizes to standout young achievers in multiple categories.
- Under 15 Speech Competition:
- 1st Place: Charvi Bhatt
- 2nd Place: Adeeth Joshi
- 3rd Place: Eliza Mittal
- Over 15, Best Idea in Youth Survey:
- Winner: Reuben Kumar
- Under 10 Kids Fancy Dress Competition:
- 1st Place: Prisha Ahlawat
- 2nd Place: Aanand Jhathar
- 3rd Place: Reyansh Lakra
- Youth of the Year 2024:
- Winner: Shubhi Garg
The activities were carefully curated to highlight the diversity of skills among youth and the different ways in which they contribute to their communities.
A dynamic selection of music and dance performances that reflected the multicultural spirit of Australia were featured. Youth groups from various cultural backgrounds took the stage, performing traditional and contemporary pieces that captivated the audience. One standout performance included a captivating fusion of Indian classical dance with modern Australian music, symbolising the blend of cultures that makes up the vibrant Australian youth community. The performances were filled with energy and creativity, underscoring the remarkable artistic abilities of the young participants.
The event also included intellectual activities like debates and speeches, which allowed the young participants to express their ideas and engage with important societal themes. The debates focused on contemporary issues such as youth empowerment, climate change, and the role of multiculturalism in Australia. One of the most impactful moments was a debate on the theme “The Role of Youth in Shaping Australia’s Future,” where participants from local schools passionately discussed their vision for the nation. Their compelling arguments left the audience with much to think about regarding the responsibilities of youth in today’s world.
The event also featured speech competitions, where participants had the chance to deliver powerful speeches on topics related to youth leadership, education, and multiculturalism. The speeches were incredibly inspiring, with many young speakers drawing from their personal experiences to address the challenges and opportunities faced by their generation. One standout speech focused on the importance of fostering unity in diversity, with the speaker emphasising how the youth could bridge cultural divides through open dialogue and mutual respect.
Several local youth groups took the stage to present their initiatives and projects, offering a window into how they are making a difference in their communities. From environmental advocacy programs to community-building projects aimed at supporting mental health, the young leaders showcased their ability to not only excel in their personal endeavours but also contribute positively to society. These presentations were a testament to the commitment of Australia’s youth to creating a better, more inclusive future for all.
In keeping with the theme of celebrating the potential of young people, the Vivekananda Society of Australia also organised various competitions that provided a platform for talented youth to be recognised. These competitions ranged from creative activities like the Kids Fancy Dress competition to more intellectually driven contests like the Youth Survey and Speech competitions.
The winners received medals, certificates, cash prizes, and trophies in recognition of their accomplishments.
In addition to the competitions, special recognition was given to Miss India Australia, Ms Arya Vaidya, and Sishu Mandir Kids, who were awarded certificates and medals for their contributions to the community.
Event organiser Yogesh Bhatt, President of Vivekananda Society of Australia, expressed his gratitude to the guests and participants, stating, “Today’s event is a true reflection of the amazing youth we have in Australia.”
“We are grateful for the support of our distinguished guests and for the vibrant spirit of our youth who continue to inspire us every day.”
The Yuwa Diwas 2025 celebration concluded with heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, leaving attendees with a sense of pride and optimism about the future of Australia’s youth.
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