Karnataka

‘Youth should be moulded well’

DAVANGERE: Superintendent of Police Ravindra Prasad has expressed serious concern over the youth being misdirected towards blind aping of western culture. “Many youth have been trying to become westernised instead of taking to our ancient customs, tradition and practices, owing to which they have become more prone to diseases such as diabetes and blood pressure,” he said, and added that it was high time they were moulded well.

Participating in the Davangere district “Yuvajanothsava” celebrations here on Monday, Mr. Prasad said it was unfortunate that “Ethnic Day” was being celebrated in many colleges, to inculcate our ancient customs and traditions.” These should come naturally to the youth, he said. A.S. Srikanth, Principal Secretary of the State Youth Services and Sports Department, called upon the youth to adopt the principles and philosophies of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Swami Vivekananda in their lives, and added that the youth constituted 37 per cent of the total population of the country.

He said the country could progress further in the coming days if the potential of the youth were harnessed. The State Government had allocated Rs.74 crore to the Youth Services Department this year, apart from a Central Government grant of Rs. 100 crore to the Scouts and Guides, Nation Service Scheme and Youth Services and Sports Department.

Artist Suchindra Prasad, in his inaugural address, called upon the youth to realise that it had the onerous task of building the nation, and added that they were instrumental in ensuring comprehensive development of the country.

He said it was not enough to simply organise youth festivals, an stressed the need to channel their energies constructively.

Deputy Commissioner M.B. Dyaberi and chief executive officer of zilla panchayat spoke. Five youth were presented the “Yuvajana Prashasthi” and two organisations awarded for their contribution to AIDS awareness.

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