Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) advocated for an education that raises the holistic development of an individual, an education that is “life-shaping, man-making & character-building” education. Presently, Indian educational institutions face a series of challenges related to excessive academic pressure, deteriorating mental health among young people, skills mismatch, and the erosion of moral values. Against this backdrop, this research critically examines the contemporary relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of man-masking education as a holistic framework for youth development in modern India. Through qualitative content analysis and comparative policy review, the study explores that Vivekananda’s educational philosophy is rooted in Vedanta thought, which emphasizes character formation, self-confidence, moral responsibility, social service, and the realization of inherent human potential. The analysis juxtaposes these principles with the current educational reforms, particularly the New Education Policy 2020, and highlights significant conceptual convergence in their shared focus on integrated education, value-based learning, and student-centric development. Despite these similarities, the research identifies a significant gap between philosophical intent and institutional practices within the contemporary education system. The findings suggested that a meaningful integration of Vivekananda’s educational ideals with innovative pedagogical approaches can address urgent concerns related to youth mental health, employability, and moral disengagement. By connecting India’s philosophical heritage with current policy frameworks, this paper contributes to the ongoing academic discourse on holistic education and provides insights for strengthening youth-centric educational strategies in the evolving Indian context.