National Youth Day is celebrated in India on 12th January on the birthday of Swami Vivekananda. In 1984, the government of India declared and decided to observe the birthday of Swami Vivekananda as the National Youth Day every year from 1985 onwards. The government of India felt that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian youth.

Keeping in view the motivational philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, the government of India decided in 1984 to observe this day as the Youth Day. One of the quotes of the government regarding the decision was, “It was felt that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.”