Theme: Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond
Lighting the Lamp: A Symbolic Start to the Event
The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a time-honored tradition that signifies the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of knowledge and positivity. This simple yet profound ritual set the tone for the day, bringing together everyone present in a moment of unity and hope. As the lamp was lit, it marked the official start of the proceedings, filling the atmosphere with a sense of anticipation and inspiration.
Honoring the Chief Guest: A Moment of Respect and Recognition
Following the auspicious lamp lighting ceremony, the event proceeded with the special honor of welcoming and felicitating the chief guest. This moment was marked by heartfelt appreciation for their presence and contributions, highlighting their significance to the occasion. The chief guest was warmly received with a traditional garland and a token of respect, symbolizing gratitude and admiration. Their inspiring words and insights promised to add great value to the event, setting the stage for an engaging and impactful program.
Welcome Address
The proceedings continued with the welcome speech delivered by Dr. S. Sudararaman, Professor and Head of the Department of Civil Engineering. He warmly greeted the guests, participants, and faculty members, setting a cordial and enthusiastic tone for the event. In his address, he highlighted the significance of the gathering and expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the event possible. His words reflected a deep commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, inspiring all attendees as the program unfolded.
Inspiring Session Led by the Chief Guest: Empowering Youth for Global Change
The event’s most captivating session was initiated by the chief guest, who engaged deeply with the young minds present. He emphasized the importance of bringing youth issues to the forefront of the global agenda, recognizing the creativity, energy, and leadership potential of young people. According to him, today’s youth are dynamic change-makers shaping communities and influencing global trends — from grassroots activism to innovative entrepreneurship.
He highlighted how the observance serves as both a celebration of youth achievements and a powerful reminder of the challenges they face. This event amplifies youth voices, actions, and initiatives, encouraging meaningful participation in political, economic, and social spheres.
Looking ahead to International Youth Day 2025, the chief guest pointed out its focus on the local dimension of global development. Youth-led initiatives are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building a sustainable future beyond 2030. The upcoming global commemoration, hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, will feature youth-led dialogues, community solution showcases, and collaborations between local authorities and youth organizations—emphasizing that true transformative change begins at the grassroots level.
Students Deeply Engaged and Inspired by the Chief Guest’s Address
Throughout the chief guest’s insightful session, the students remained sincerely focused and attentive, absorbing every word with keen interest. Their unwavering attention reflected not only respect but also a genuine eagerness to understand the important issues being discussed. The powerful message about youth leadership, creativity, and social responsibility resonated strongly with the young audience, sparking a sense of motivation and purpose. It was evident that the students were inspired to take these ideas forward, eager to contribute meaningfully to the challenges and opportunities facing their generation.
Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks
At the end of the event, the program was gracefully wrapped up with a vote of thanks. This final address expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved — from the esteemed chief guest and speakers to the enthusiastic participants and dedicated organizers. The speaker acknowledged the collective effort that made the event successful and thanked all attendees for their active engagement. The vote of thanks served as a warm conclusion, leaving everyone with a sense of gratitude and optimism for future initiatives.
