12th January of every year, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda as per the wall calendar, was declared in 1985 as NATIONAL YOUTH DAY, by Govt. of India. Ever since then Mysuru Ashrama along with its twin educational institutions (SRKVS and RIMSE) celebrates the Day every year with procession and General Assembly of the youth. Students from a number of educational institutions, devotees, youth organizations and members of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Sangha take part in the programme. A full-size portrait of Swami Vivekananda, in standing posture, is taken in procession in a tastefully decorated chariot. The procession starts from the statue of Swami Vivekananda (at the Cheluvamba Park, opp. Akashavani building). After arati and floral tributes to Swamiji by a student representative of every participating institution and the mass pledge of Swamiji's Swadesha Mantra, the chariot is drawn through important roads in the locality. The participants sing Bhajans and carry banners bearing the message of Swamiji. The procession concludes at SRKVS for the General Assembly. Student representatives recite passages from Swamiji's lectures and sing group songs on the patriot monk. The monks of the Ashrama address the gathering. All the participants are offered gift books on Swamiji and are served with juice and refreshments.