Modi pledges to involve youth in India's development

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he speaks at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Gandhinagar in the western Indian state of Gujarat, Jan 11, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged on Monday to involve and integrate the youth in the country's progress and development as he paid tributes to Hindu spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda on his 151st birth anniversary.

"On his birth anniversary, I bow to Swami Vivekananda. He is a personal inspiration, whose thoughts and ideals have influenced me deeply. Swami Vivekananda is revered as one of the most prolific thinkers and a guiding light who took India's message to the entire world," Modi tweeted.

He added: "Let us pledge to leave no stone unturned to integrate our youth in India's progress and ensure youth-led development across the Nation."

Swami Vivekananda was an Indian Hindu monk who achieved fame at a very young age. He was born on Jan 12, 1863, and died on July 4, 1902.