Media Release

Mangalore, May 9: "Being a good youth is the biggest asset of the country. The ultimate aim of education is to train us to overcome difficulties in life and this should be reflected in your personality,” said U T Khadar, minister for food and public distribution, Government of Karnataka. He was addressing youth volunteers during the valedictory ceremony of National Integration Camp for Youth (NICY) at Yenepoya University on Sunday afternoon May 7.

Recalling his own student days when he was an active NSS volunteer, he said it was participating in such youth activities that motivated him to later on pursue public life. “India is the best country to live in. Due to our country’s great diversity, we have many festivals and something to celebrate every month. India runs on the basis of humanity and culture, whereas developed countries are fuelled by ideas of revenue and taxes,” he said.

Giving the example of Lord Rama who though he was a prince, had to give up all his privileges and face continuous hardships at a young age, Khadar said, “Today Lord Rama is loved and adored because he faced all his difficulties with a calm and thoughtful mind.”

Dr S N Subbarao, director, National Youth Project and Dr N Vinaya Hegde, chancellor of Nitte University were the chief guests on the occasion.

In his address Dr N Vinaya Hegde said true national integration can happen only when it stems from the heart. “As citizens each of us has a responsibility to build a strong country. Be good to your neighbors and respect everybody. After making friends with other delegates from all over India, you must take home good memories and remember the message that we are all Indians,” he said. He especially urged all to give special attention to the North Eastern states as the entire region has not got its deserved affection from the nation.

Dr S N Subbarao urged the student delegates to strive for realizing the India of Mahatma Gandhi’s dreams. “Do everything that makes you stronger and discard everything that makes you weak. Everyday give one hour for your own health and another hour for the nation’s health. Remember to look upon yourself as a special Indian and a responsible citizen of the country,” he advised. He urged the youth to adopt the Gandhian ideals of rejecting violence, rejecting hunger, rejecting liquor and vices and rejecting corruption.

The programme commenced with a well choreographed performance of national unity song ‘Bharath Ki Sanstan’ representing voices in different Indian languages. The recitation and dance performance was anchored by the 88 year old Dr S N Subbarao, director, National Youth Project.

After the invocation, Dr Shreekumar Menon, registrar of Yenepoya University, welcomed the gathering. Anil Hebbar of National Youth Project, who is an organizing secretary of the camp, presented a report of the weeklong camp.

Fr Valerian D’Souza, parish priest, Milagres Church, Mangaluru and Anil Bhandary, DGM, MFar Construction Pvt Ltd also spoke on the occasion.

Dr M Vijayakumar, vice chancellor, Yenepoya University presided over the function. Organizing Dr Ashwini S Shetty, NSS coordinator of Yenepoya University, proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme concluded with farewell messages by camp attendees.

National Integration Camp for Youth (NICY) was organized jointly with National Service Scheme (NSS), National Youth Project and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Karnataka. 350 NSS volunteers, NYP state coordinators, NSS programme officers and students from 19 states of India participated in the weeklong event, which was held at Yenepoya University campus at Derlakatte, Mangaluru from May 1 to 7. A contingent of 120 students of Yenepoya University also participated in the camp.