Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan here today urged the youth to come up with innovative start up ideas to make India a leading knowledge and innovation hub.
“The innovation and entrepreneurship of young professionals will play a major role in propelling India’s economy to newer heights and in creating an inclusive society. The knowledge is going to be the driver of Indian Economy and will play a vital role in improving the living conditions of the people. Therefore, India must rise to the occasion and reorient its higher education system to be globally competitive”, said Dr Harsh Vardhan, While Addressing the youth Fest ‘Udgaar; organised by The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) here today.
“ The youngsters should always uphold ethical values and be responsible towards expectations and aspirations of the larger society.” The minister added.
The youth festival organsied by The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was based on the theme ‘Anti-Addiction: Making India Addiction Free’. A world record for “Largest Addiction Awareness Festival” was awarded in the event by World Book of Records, London to His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami, ISKCON GBC, in presence of Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Unioun Health Minister. A total of 12,000 thousand people participated in the event
The event was a blend of modern entertainment like Hip-Hop by ‘Feel Crew’ and fusion music by “Madhavas Rock Band”, ancient wisdom of India delivered by His Holiness Lokanath Swami, His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami, HG Anuttama Das, from US and His Holiness Sachinandan Swami from Germany. He also led students into a meditational exercise, he said, Meditation gives one more pleasure than any other kind of apparently enjoyable activity.
Gopal Krishna Goswami, mentioned ISKCONs founder Srila Prabhupad’s, efforts in successfully bringing out thousands of youngsters in US out of addiction. The Govt. he said had failed in that endeavor.
.Prince India Dance group performed on ‘Jan Gana Mana’ to give a fitting start to the festival.
Other performance that enthralled the audience were Sand Art performance by Nitish Bharti, showcasing struggle of a young addict and his receiving help from Bhagavd Gita. The inter college Addiction Awareness Quiz Competition, hosted by RJ Ginnie from Radio City, was won by Bablu, a student of GB Pant Engineering College, 2nd Position was won by Shruti from Daulat Ram College, Radha from RKGIT won the 3rd prize.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, praised ISKCON for its global efforts for protection of india’s culture globally. He also said the Govt is committed to not just protect the youth, but to give them positive engagement. The Dr. Veerendra Mishra, Director- National Institute of Social Defence, said the best way to tackle menace of addiction is to not let youngsters fall into it.
HG Sundar Gopal, Director- ISKCON Youth Forum & UDGAAR Festival, said ISKCON is committed to help youngsters out of addiction, this festival is a part of that commitment to tackle an epidemic that is making our youngsters hollow.
The event met an apt end, by feet tapping performance by Madhava’s, which made the audience join them in dancing and chanting close to stage, leaving their seats.
The participants of event will have opportunity to join Personality Development Courses, in over a 100 centres of Ethicraft, ISKCON’s social service wing.
