Pune (thestates.news) | MIT Art, Design and Technology (MIT ADT) University, Pune, marked National Youth Day 2026 with a series of academic, cultural and participatory activities under Yuvak Saptah (Youth Week) 2026, organised from January 12 to 16, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and inspire youth to embrace his ideals of character-building, service and nation-building.
The week-long celebrations were organised under the aegis of the Swami Vivekananda Chair, established in 2022 under the blessings of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, founder of MAEER’s MIT Group of Institutions and Chancellor and President of MIT ADT University. The Chair functions under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Mangesh T. Karad, Executive President and Pro-Chancellor of the university. The initiative was jointly undertaken by the School of Holistic Development, School of Humanities, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and the School of Vedic Sciences, reflecting the university’s focus on holistic education rooted in Indian philosophy.
As part of Yuvak Saptah, several student-centric competitions such as essay writing, painting, cultural attire and an online quiz were organised, drawing enthusiastic participation from students across various schools. The activities aimed to promote awareness of Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy while encouraging creativity, intellectual engagement and cultural consciousness among the youth.
A key highlight of the celebrations was the Khadi March, held on January 12, which witnessed participation from students, faculty and staff members. The march, organised from the MANET Building to the SFT Building, symbolised the values of simplicity, self-reliance and national pride advocated by Swami Vivekananda.
The event was blessed by Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad and presided over by Prof. Dr. Mangesh T. Karad. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Rajesh S. and Executive Director Prof. Dr. Sunita M. Karad were present as guests of honour.
Senior university officials, including Provost Prof. Dr. Sayalee Gankar, Controller of Examinations Dr. Dnyandeo Neelwarna, Registrar Dr. Mahesh Chopade, and Pro Vice-Chancellors Prof. Dr. Mohit Dubey, Prof. Dr. Ramachandra Pujeri and Prof. Dr. Nachiket Thakur, along with heads of departments, faculty members and students, also attended the programme.
The celebrations were convened by Dr. Atul Patil, Director, School of Holistic Development and School of Humanities. University officials said the successful conduct of Yuvak Saptah 2026 reaffirmed MIT ADT University’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible, value-driven and intellectually empowered youth, inspired by the timeless teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
