Mysuru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon parents, teachers and society to encourage children and young people to develop the habit of reading Kannada books, saying Karnataka’s rich literary tradition must be preserved and strengthened in the digital era. Addressing the inaugural function of Viveka Smaraka – Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre in Mysuru, the Prime Minister highlighted Karnataka’s contribution to literature, culture and spirituality while releasing Kannada translations of important religious and philosophical works.
PM highlights Karnataka’s literary heritage
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Karnataka for its vibrant literary and cultural legacy, describing the state as the land of eminent poets, writers and scholars.
He said Kannadigas have long been known for their strong reading culture and stressed that this tradition should continue despite the growing influence of smartphones and digital entertainment.
“Karnataka has been a land of great poets and writers. Karnataka and Kannadigas are known for their rich reading culture. In this age of smartphones, this culture must get more encouragement. We should encourage children and youth to read Kannada books and literature,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that promoting reading among younger generations would help preserve the state’s language, literature and cultural identity.
Kannada translations of key works released
During the event, the Prime Minister released seven volumes of the Kannada translation of Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana.
He also unveiled ‘Baduku-Belaku’, the Kannada translation of Swami Chetanananda’s stories on Vedanta monks.
The releases were aimed at making important spiritual and literary works more accessible to Kannada readers and encouraging greater engagement with Indian philosophical traditions.
Viveka Smaraka dedicated to Swami Vivekananda’s ideals
The newly inaugurated Viveka Smaraka – Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre has been established at the premises of Sri Niranjana Mutt, where Swami Vivekananda stayed in 1892 before travelling to the United States to participate in the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
Constructed by Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, the centre has been dedicated to spreading the teachings and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda among students and youth.
According to the organisers, the cultural centre will serve as a training hub for more than 10,000 students from educational institutions in urban and rural areas around Mysuru.
The centre will conduct short-term courses, workshops and value-based training programmes focusing on personality development, leadership, behavioural excellence and capacity building based on Vivekananda’s ideals.
Dignitaries attend inaugural programme
Several prominent dignitaries attended the inaugural ceremony alongside the Prime Minister.
Those present included Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission President Swami Gautamananda, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, BJP State President B. Y. Vijayendra, MLA K. Harish Gowda, Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama President Swami Muktidananda, and Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala Correspondent Swami Yukthesananda.
The event witnessed participation from monks, students, educationists and devotees.
Tight security and traffic diversions in Mysuru
The Prime Minister’s visit was accompanied by elaborate security arrangements across Mysuru city.
Traffic restrictions and diversions were imposed in areas surrounding Chamundi Hill, where Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar visited the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, as well as around the Oval Grounds, Viveka Smaraka, Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama and Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala.
Prime Minister Modi arrived at the Mysuru Airport before travelling by helicopter to the Oval Grounds of the University of Mysore. He later proceeded by road to the Viveka Smaraka and other programme venues.
The temporary traffic diversions were implemented to ensure smooth movement of dignitaries and maintain security during the high-profile visit.
Centre aims to inspire future generations
The inauguration of the Viveka Smaraka marks a significant addition to Mysuru’s educational and cultural landscape.
Designed to nurture values, leadership qualities and character among young people, the centre seeks to promote Swami Vivekananda’s message of service, discipline and national development.
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on encouraging Kannada reading habits complemented the broader objective of preserving Karnataka’s cultural heritage while inspiring the younger generation to remain connected with the state’s language, literature and spiritual traditions.