Delhi Suryanamaskar Mega Event Press Release

February, 2013 Delhi

The ‘Swami Vivekanada 150th Birth Anniversary Committee’ Organized a massive ‘Collective Surya Namaskar’ program at Ramlila Grounds, Delhi. This Surya Namaskar Program has been organized at more than 80,000 places throughout the country. About 2 crore young men and women, college and school students, have simultaneously participated in this program which has taken place in all the state capitals, Districts Headquarters, Blocks, many schools and colleges. About 12,000 students took part in the Surya Namaskar Program at Ramlila Grounds. Besides, this exercise was  done in more than 200 schools & colleges in Delhi. The date 18th Feb was chosen because of two reasons: it coincides with Surya Rath Saptami and this is the birth date of Swami Vivekanand ji’s Guru, Swami Ram Krishna Paramhans. This program has set a World Record as about 2 crore youth participated at the same time, at 80,000 different places, in the exercise of Surya Namaskar.

The purpose of this Collective ‘Surya Namaskar’ was to kindle the spirit of Swami Vivekananda amongst the youth of the country. Swamiji had a great faith in the potential of the youth and wanted the youth to be motivated by the spirit of nationalism, patriotism, faith in their culture and tradition. Swamiji emphasized that besides developing faith of the youth in the superiority of the Hindu thought, Education should also strive for the holistic development of students: intellectual, physicals and spiritual. Swamiji also stressed on the developments in the scientific and technological fields. That is why he persuaded Mr. Tata to establish steal factories and to create Scientific Institutions which later became Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Indian Institute of Sciences.

The ‘Surya Namaskar Mahayagya’ at Ramlila Grounds, Delhi was attended by a large number of prominent personalities from social, cultural, sports fields and other leaders. The famous nationalist thinker and historical novelist, Dr Narendra Kohli (who has written about 10 novels and books on Swamiji’s life and teachings) was the main speaker to motivate the participants. The program was presided over by Dr. Radhey Shyam Gupta, Chairman of the Delhi Swami Vivekanand 150th Birth Anniversary Committee and former commissioner of Delhi Police. The chief guest was international player and Padamshri Mahabali Satpal. The Surya Namaskar event was preceded by a very impressive show of yogic aasans and other physical exercise by students.

Narendra Kohli ji in his speech underlined the importance Swami ji gave to strong physical strength in the youth. Only those with strong bodies can have strong and committed mind. The strong physical and mental health leads to strong nationalist beliefs. Dr Kohli said that Swami ji spent his entire life in search of God and Godliness in the common and down hidden people of the country. He was not over whelmed by all the praises that were bestowed upon him or by the luxuries that were sought to be showered on him. Throughout his life he followed the street principles of ‘Brahamcharya’. He quoted many examples from the life of Swami ji’s massage was not only for India & Indians but for the entire humanity. Despite the fact that India was colonized by the Britishers during his life, he was bold enough to severely criticize the British and the Christian priests for exploiting the wealth of India and attempting to undermine the rich culture of Indian.
Ref : http://www.vivekananda150jayanti.org/report/2013/february/18/suryanamaskar-delhi-english