GUWAHATI, Jan 17 � Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday said his Government would come up with an institute named after Swami Vivekananda.
The Chief Minister said this while unveiling the life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at a function organised by Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) at Tarun Sangha playground at Pandu here, said an official press release.
Chief Minister Gogoi said it was a matter of pride not only for Pandu, but the entire State that a statue of the towering personality has been unveiled there. �The statue will inspire and motivate us to work for the betterment of the society and to work for humanity as a whole, which is the core essence of Swami Vivekananda�s teachings. It will also remind us of the unfinished tasks, namely fighting against oppression, illiteracy, poverty and unemployment,� he said.
Gogoi said that Swamiji stood against all forms of oppression and subjugation and the best way to pay tribute to him is to fight against the forces out to create division in the name of religion and language. �How can we forge ahead if seeds of discord are sowed in the name of religion and language?� he quipped.
The Chief Minister said that Swami Vivekananda was a man of wisdom and knowledge and he aroused spiritual awakening. Gogoi said it was rare to find such an amalgamated and radiant personality as Swami Vivekananda. �He was held in awe and reverence not only in our country, but the whole world. The Chicago Address by Swamiji was soul-stirring and created ripples worldwide,� he said.
Gogoi said that his Government has all along laid emphasis on education, as did Swami Vivekananda. �Swami Vivekananda laid stress on education and our Government too is following in his footsteps by taking up a slew of educational schemes. Education can help solve all our problems and take us towards progress and prosperity,� he said.
Gogoi further said that Swami Vivekananda believed in the power of the youth and he felt deeply that the youth power can transform the country. �We have a strong youth power in our country and if we channelise their unbounded energies, no one can stop us from emerging stronger than ever before,� he added, said the press release.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a cherished dream had come true with the unveiling of the statue of Swami Vivekananda. Sarma said that the society could forge ahead only if it followed the ideals of the great sage.
Sarma further said Swamiji�s sagacity and wisdom had taken the country to newer heights. �Inspired by his ideals, many great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, poet Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru worked for the country with missionary zeal,� he added.
Earlier, in his welcome address, GMDA chairman Dhiren Baruah said that the statue of Swami Vivekananda was sculpted by artist Biren Singha at a cost of Rs 15 lakh and thanked the Chief Minister for taking the initiative.
Sculptor Biren Singha was also present on the occasion.
