Mangaluru : Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said the state government will not compromise when it comes to the issue of safety of women and children.

Speaking at National Youth Day and launching of Arpana programme at Ramakrishna Mutt here on Thursday, he said that some incidents have taken place in the recent past. The government will take tough action against perpetrators. “My priority as a home minister is to protect women and children,” he said.

He said Swami Vivekananda’s message had a positive impact on the entire world and it is relevant even in the 21st century. Even the Indian Constitution committee members have taken positive notes from the ideals propagated by Swami Vivekananda, he recalled.

Parameshwara said Swami Vivekananda always thought of poor and contemplated on bringing them to the mainstream of the society. Similarly, all the governments across the world have been chalking out programmes to alleviate poverty. “Swami Vivekananda had believed in youth power in building the nation. He continues to inspire youths through his ideology even to this day. National Youth Day is an occasion wherein the youth should renew their pledge towards building a strong and resurgent nation,” he added.

Quoting Swami Vivekananda’s quote “Anything which makes you weak physically, intellectually, spiritually, reject it as a poison,” Parameshwara said, “Youth fall prey to substances. I appeal to the youngsters to reject it as a poison and walk on the path laid down by Swami Vivekananda.”

“Youths need to be aware about their responsibilites. Indians have proved to the world that India is a country of technical manpower. The youngsters need to take forward the guidance of Swami Vivekananda and do best to achieve success in life,” he added.

Ramakrishna Mutt President Swami Jithakamanandaji said, “Though today’s youngsters are brilliant than the previous generation, but they lack mental strength. Youths should develop discretionary power which in turn will help them to achieve goals in life.”

Ramakrishna Mutt has initiated Arpana programme to distribute branded clothes worth Rs 1.25 crore, among needy and distressed in remote villages near Puttur and Sullia taluks. About 30 villages have been identified and 100 villagers (adults and youths) from each village will be given clothes by the Ashrama. The cloth distribution will go on till January 30. Such cloth distribution programme is being organised in all the 75 Ramakrishna Mutts across the country.