MELBOURNE, 12 January 2025: The Vivekananda Society of Australia, today celebrated Swami Vivekananda’s 163rd birth anniversary as ‘Yuva Diwas’ at the Performing Arts Centre, Glenroy Centre, Glenroy. The evening was marked by the lighting of the lamp by prominent guests and personalities, who were also honoured. A large number of people from across Melbourne were present on the occasion.
India’s Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar addressing the gathering emphasised Swami Vivekananda’s universal message of brotherhood, which he said was not confined for a sole religion or community, but for the whole society. Unity in diversity was his message, he said. Dr. Sushil Kumar also mentioned the growing strength of Australia-India relations as seen by numerous Ministerial visits on both sides and many agreements between the two countries.
Chief guests who addressed the event were, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Iwan Walter, State Member for Broadmeadows, Kathleen Matthews, Brad Battin, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and the Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, VMC Chair Vivienne Nguyen, Swami Sunisththand, Head Vedanta Society, among others.

Motivation- Cash prizes, medals, certificates and trophies were given as follows:
Under 15 Speech competition – 1st – Charvi Bhatt, 2nd – Adeeth Joshi, and 3rd – Eliza Mittal; Over 15, best idea in Youth Survey was given to Reuben Kumar and under 10 Kids Fancy Dress competition – 1st – Prisha Ahlawat, 2nd – Aanand Jhathar, and 3rd – Reyansh Lakra.
Youth of the year 2024 award went to Shubhi Garg, felicitation and trophy to Miss India Australia Ms Arya Vaidya, certificates and medals to Sishu Mandir Kids and participation certificates were given to all contestants. Lastly, one song teaser was released “Sad chit Aanand shivam, ban Vivekanand swayam”. One song teaser was released “Sad chit Aanand Shivam, ban Vivekanand Swayam”
According to the organisers, they got formal affiliation with the Vivekanand Kendra, Kanyakumari.
The function was laced with many performances and happenings including classical dances, skits, songs, kids fancy dress event, participants facilitation, results of parents and youth survey, Miss India facilitation, Youth of the Year award 2024, followed by networking and dinner.