Mysuru: Observing that youth empowerment with respect to technology is the need of the hour, KSOU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vidyashankar has stressed the need for educating the youth on the latest Scientific innovations and research.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 2-day State-level Convention of Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) at the YHAI Office in Gokulam this morning. Regretting that the youth of today are showing little interest in social activities, Dr. Vidyashankar bemoaned the tendency among the youth to ape Western culture.

Expressing concern over the decreasing sensitivity among youths, he said that the people of today, especially the youths, were more interested in video recording accidents rather than rushing to the rescue of victims.

Emphasising on the need for the youth to keep themselves updated with technology, the KSOU VC expressed concern that mobiles and laptops were being more misused rather than being used for gaining knowledge.

Stating that we are far behind than Western countries in terms of Science and Technology, Prof. Vidyashankar underlined the need for the youth to catch up with the West by acquiring advanced skills, rather than following Western culture and practices.

The meet Chairman D. Madegowda, a former MLC and former Chairman of State Unit of YHAI, in his address, recalled the growth of YHAI in Mysuru over the years.

Observing that the YHAI has not remained just a youth hostel, but has grown as an “Academy of Study of Youth hostelling for peace and International understanding, he said that the YHAI has been conducting short-term courses in adventure sports such as cycling, trekking etc,.

Stating that the credit for establishment of YHAI in Mysuru should go to the University of Mysore, Madegowda recalled the efforts of late MLA K. Puttaswamy and others in promoting YHAI in Mysuru.

Highlighting the role of YHAI in developing bonds among the youth, he said that apart from imparting formal education, the YHAI has been training the youths in traditional, informal, learning practices, sporting activities, personality development, adventurism and such other activities that keep the mind and body in good health.

Underlying the role of the YHAI in national building and such other activities, he said that the YHAI was working at building trust among the youth and as well as their empowerment.

Pointing out the YHAI was promoting tourism under the concept of youth hostelling, he said that youth hostels were one of the most economical means of tourism.

Giving a brief on the concept of youth hostels, the former MLC said that adventurism, understanding others, friendship, cultural exchange, social commitment, ethical sense, knowledge, patriotism, developmental thoughts etc., were the main subjects and topics that it was focusing on.

Calling upon the youths to be part of the YHAI in large numbers, Madegowda thanked all those who had worked for the growth of the YHAI over decades.

Mysuru Ramakrishna Ashrama President Swami Muktidanandaji graced the occasion.

Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations Dr. T.C. Poornima, YHAI State President Dr. K. Purushotham, YHAI Mysuru President H. Ravikumar, Jana Shikshana Samsthe Director A.P. Ramesh and others were present.