Raipur : Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda by organising the 5th Swami Vivekananda Memorial Annual Lecture on its campus, marking National Youth Day and the saint’s enduring association with Raipur. The annual lecture series reflects the university’s effort to keep Swamiji’s teachings alive for contemporary students, particularly at a time when young people are shaping their roles in a rapidly changing world.
Opening the programme, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) V. C. Vivekanandan underlined HNLU’s responsibility in harmonising India’s traditional values with modern professional aspirations. He praised the Chief Guest, O. P. Choudhary, observing that his journey in public service mirrors the core principles preached by Swami Vivekananda. The Vice-Chancellor noted that even 123 years after Swamiji’s passing, his thoughts continue to resonate strongly with Gen Z, offering clarity, confidence, and direction for leadership in the 21st century.
The memorial lecture, titled “Teachings and Lessons of Swami Vivekananda for Gen Z,” was delivered by Shri O. P. Choudhary to a packed audience of faculty members and students. Drawing from Swamiji’s historic 1893 Chicago address, the Minister highlighted the importance of connecting with people before communicating ideas, calling it a timeless lesson in persuasion and leadership, especially relevant for law students.
Describing Swami Vivekananda as a global ambassador of India’s spiritual heritage, Shri Choudhary urged students to embrace “simple living and high thinking” while stepping beyond their comfort zones. He stressed that courage, discipline, integrity, and physical fitness form the foundation of meaningful success, both in personal and professional life.
Sharing his own journey from being the first IAS officer of Chhattisgarh to entering public life, the Minister encouraged students to consider unconventional and challenging career paths. His reflections struck a chord with the audience, reinforcing HNLU’s culture of intellectual curiosity and bold ambition.
The programme concluded with the release of the HNLU Gazette Newsletter (Volume 3, Issue 2) by the HNLU Press. The event began with a welcome address by Registrar (I/c) Dr. Deepak Shrivastava and ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Avinash Samal, Dean of Student Welfare. Faculty advisors Mr. Abhinav Shukla and Dr. Anita Singh played a key role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the lecture, which once again stood out as a significant event in HNLU’s academic calendar.
