Amma inaugurated the Kerala-Lakshadweep Chapter of Youth4Nation in an event at the Amritapuri Ashram. This formally launched the youth organization’s activities in the region to engage young people as nation builders based on values, service, and responsible leadership.
“Youth should come forward. India is like a rainbow with many different cultures, roles, customs, and traditions. Amma only prays that all the children of India can stand united to love and serve the country,” she said in her address.
“We must prioritise caring for our children even more than we prioritise gathering weapons for war. Unknown to their parents and siblings, children are destroying themselves. Amma’s ears are filled with the constant cries of lamenting parents. It is deeply painful to hear.”
Maj Gen P. Vivekananda Youth4Nation President of Kerala–Lakshadweep explained, “Youth4Nation is a nationwide initiative formed around four years ago with the aim of connecting with the youth primarily in colleges and universities in order to inculcate and enrich nationalist thought processes among them, and empower them in skills and personality development, as well as make them socially and environmentally responsible citizens.”
Youth4 Nation is an apolitical, national movement that aims to create a ‘Nation First’ mindset in university students across India by inspiring them to take action. The movement is supported by a wide network of more than 250 distinguished leaders including retired military officials, IAS/IPS officers, scientists, entrepreneurs and professors with the goal of empowering youth to participate in the overall development of their country.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Harikumar Radhakrishnan (PVSM, AVSM, VSM); Prof G.S. Murthy, Founder & Chairman, Youth4Nation; Prof D.S. Chauhan, National Chairman; Lt Gen V.K. Chaturvedi, National President; P. Balakrishnan; Dr Raveendranathan; Dr Yamuna Pathak; and many senior academicians, veterans and youth representatives.
Excerpts from Amma’s Address
Amma bows within her heart to these selfless children who have served the nation with true patriotism. The youth, who should be spreading fragrance to the whole world, are often seen like flower buds infested by worms. Those meant to radiate light are flickering out like a dying wick.
While we should welcome other cultures, we must first understand our own. It is a tragedy to forget the motherland where you were born; it is like losing your own mother’s address. It is vital for our youth to understand what Indian culture is and the values it holds. If our children do not understand this heritage, it will become a grave crisis.
We must prioritise caring for our children even more than we prioritise gathering weapons for war. Unknown to their parents and siblings, children are destroying themselves. Amma’s ears are filled with the constant cries of lamenting parents. It is deeply painful to hear.
Amma says this based on the experiences, sacrifices, and dedication of these children. May we all be able to follow this path. May our youth not cause ‘illness’ to Bharat Mata, nor destroy Her, nor let Her be plagued by decay or suffering.
Amma’s only prayer is that all the children of India stand united, like the colours of a rainbow, to love and serve this country.
