Swami Vivekananda's ideas are still a wonderful source of energy, confidence, and patriotism for the youth: HIRD Director Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan

Nilokheri, January 12, 2026: Addressing an online dialogue program organized with young Sarpanches from various districts of Haryana on the occasion of National Youth Day, Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), said that the future of villages depends on the thinking, resolve, and working style of today's young leadership. He said that young Sarpanches have energy, time, and public trust – all three; what is needed is only the right direction and inspiration.

During the dialogue, Dr. Chauhan took detailed information from all the young Sarpanches about the development work carried out in their villages during their tenure. The Sarpanches shared information about the work done in their respective villages related to roads, sanitation, drinking water, education, sports facilities, women's empowerment, and social reforms. Dr. Chauhan appreciated these efforts, saying that this work forms a strong foundation for positive change in the villages.

HIRD Director, Dr. Chauhan urged the young Sarpanches to make public service and village development their life's mission, drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, during their remaining tenure. He said that Swami Vivekananda's ideas are not just for reading, but for incorporating into life and public conduct. His ideas are still a wonderful source of energy, confidence, and patriotism for the youth today.

He said that Swami Vivekananda connected religion with action, culture with self-respect, and education with character building. If young Sarpanches understand these ideas and implement them in their villages, then Gram Panchayats can become not just administrative units, but centers of social change.

Dr. Chauhan said that the message of "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached" is equally relevant for today's village leadership. He also appealed to the youth to increase public awareness in the areas of drug de-addiction, social harmony, sanitation, environmental protection, and education.

HIRD Faculty member Kamaldeep Sangwan, advisor from the National Institute of Rural Development Gurvinder Singh, and Sarpanches from various districts attended the online dialogue program.