Palampur, Jan 12 (UNI) Swami Vivekananda's 162nd birth anniversary was celebrated with enthusiasm here on Sunday with former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shanta Kumar urging youths to take inspiration from the monk-philosopher's life and preachings.

Shanta Kumar said Swami Vivekananda considered it his goal to be good and to do good to others which he did. Kumar told the youths to take inspiration from Swami Vivekananda's thoughts as his life not only inspired everyone but also encouraged them to serve the needy.

Shanta Kumar said the four institutions run by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust - Vivekananda Medical Institute, Kayakalp Senior Citizen House, Vishranti and Saurabh Kalia Nursing College - are working with the spirit of service, dedication and cooperation.

On this occasion, trustees of Vivekananda Medical Research Trust and officers, doctors, employees of all the four institutions run by the trust and people receiving health benefits as well as students of the Saurabh Kaliya Nursing College were present.

Shanta Kumar reminded the students at Saurabh Kaliya Nursing College that Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary is celebrated as National Youth Day and called upon the students to always remember and act upon Swami Vivekanand's famous statement, "Arise, awake and do not stop till the goal is reached". UNI AR XC SSP