A major new scholarship worth $11,000 was announced at Yuwa Diwas 2026, a community cultural evening organised by the Vivekanand Society of Australia, held in Melbourne.
The Society will award the Swami Vivekanand Scholarship at Yuwa Diwas 2027, scheduled for 23 January 2027. Details on eligibility and how to apply will be announced soon through the Society’s Facebook page.
Yuwa Diwas 2026 brought together community members, dignitaries, artists and young performers for an evening centred on the theme “Imprisoned by Freedom” over the weekend. The program explored the idea that while nations celebrate freedom, it is always guided by responsibility, laws and moral values, and that true freedom is ultimately spiritual.
The evening opened with the Australian and Indian national anthems, marking 26 January, a date that holds significance as both Australia Day and India’s Republic Day. This was followed by lamp lighting and the felicitation of chief guests.
Speaking at the event, Yogesh Bhatt, Founder and President of the Vivekanand Society of Australia, reflected on the deeper meaning of freedom and responsibility. He recalled the sacrifice of Hakiqat Rai as an example of inner strength and spiritual freedom even under oppression.
Addressing young people, Bhatt described them as the “eyes and ears of the community” and urged them to speak openly with parents, teachers and elders about issues affecting them. He cautioned about the misuse of technology and social media, stressing the importance of guidance, trust and open communication to ensure youth safety and wellbeing.
India’s newly appointed Consul General in Melbourne, Anish Rajan, praised the Vivekanand Society of Australia for its contribution to the community, saying its work “speaks volumes.” He said he was particularly impressed by the Society’s Sishu Mandir program, which runs weekly classes focused on values, discipline and character building for children.
Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson acknowledged the Indian community’s contribution to Victoria and said Melbourne would not be the same without it. She described Yuwa Diwas as a unique and special event on Victoria’s multicultural calendar, celebrating creativity, youth, music and dance.
Cultural performances throughout the evening reflected the theme of freedom and responsibility. The program opened with a Bharatanatyam performance based on the opening shloka of the Rigveda by the Medhasvi Centre for Indian Performing Arts and Culture, featuring Sarvika Halder, Rachna Mukherjee and Marissa Jo Sainu.
This was followed by the screening of the newly launched Vivekananda motivational anthem “Wahi Vivekanand Hai,” written and sung by Yogesh Bhatt. Performances by Rhythmica Dance Company, along with skits such as Devi Aradhana and Udaan – Wings of Change, highlighted spirituality, strength and women’s empowerment.
Children from the Sishu Mandir program were also felicitated, reinforcing the Society’s focus on value-based education. Winners of various competitions were announced during the event.
In the short film competition titled “A World of Freedom,” Samraat Ghanghas and Shaurya Ghanghas won first place, with Jeevisha Rawat as runner-up.
In the photography competition, Aradhya Singh won first place, followed by Yash Rastogi.
The painting competition winners were Seerat for World in 2050, Kaira Bagga for My Dream World, and Charvi Bhatt for Unity in Diversity.
The Yuva of the Year 2025 award was presented to Aashini Rastogi.
In another key announcement, organisers confirmed that the Reel Making Competition for Yuwa Diwas 2027 is now open. Participants are encouraged to create Instagram reels using “Wahi Vivekanand Hai,” tag the Vivekanand Society of Australia, and creatively express ideas of freedom, responsibility and spirituality.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by dinner, leaving the audience with a clear message: while national freedom operates within boundaries, true freedom lies in the upliftment of the mind, spirit and humanity.
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