Vivekanand's teaching can help India face challenges: Bhagwat

At a programme organised to launch a year-long celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Vivekanand, Bhagwat said the challenges before the country will have to be fought and cannot be solved by running away from them.

"The solution to these problems lies through them," he said.

Recalling the teachings of the philosopher, he said, "Vivekanand even said it is ok if you do not read the Gita but play football."

He explained that the Swami wanted the youth to have strong physique to meet the challenges.

Bhagwat said the message of Vivekanand should be taken to each household and to the hearts of the youth.

Mata Amritanandmayi, who was the chief guest at the programme, mentioned the recent Delhi gang-rape case in her address. She said that after this incident many people would be ashamed to call themselves Indian.

"Can the atrocity that took place in Delhi be anything other than the deed of an asura (devil's) mind," she said.

Strong laws are needed but unless value education is imparted to children this would not help, she said.

Women should be given equal rights and security, she said.