National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti, was celebrated across India on January 12, 2026, marking the 163rd birth anniversary of the revered spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda. The Government of India officially declared January 12 as National Youth Day in 1984, with celebrations commencing in 1985, to inspire the nation's youth with Swami Vivekananda's ideals and philosophy of self-confidence, discipline, and selfless service towards nation-building. The observance includes a wide array of programs in schools, colleges, and youth organizations throughout the country. These activities typically involve processions, speeches, cultural events, seminars, yoga sessions, and competitions in essay writing, aiming to encourage creativity, responsibility, and civic engagement among young Indians. In 2026, events such as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi interact with thousands of young leaders, reinforcing the government's commitment to youth-led development. While National Youth Day is a profoundly significant annual event for India, the headline 'National Youth Day 2026 Will Be Observed Today Across India - GK Today' is misleading when viewed from January 13, 2026, as the event was already observed on January 12. Credible sources universally confirm January 12 as the designated day for this national celebration. The theme for National Youth Day 2026 was 'Ignite the Self, Impact the World,' emphasizing the awakening of inner potential and responsible citizenship. The day continues to be a crucial platform for assessing India's harnessing of its demographic dividend and empowering its young population towards a 'Viksit Bharat @2047'.