New Delhi:
Today is the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda… This day is celebrated as National Youth Day. He was the biggest icon of youth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been inspired by the ideology of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda was a great saint, philosopher and social reformer who gave India a new identity on the global stage. He was born on January 12, 1863 in Calcutta, his original name was Narendranath Dutt. The journey of Narendranath Dutt to become Swami Vivekananda was also quite interesting. Ramakrishna Paramhansa had a special contribution in this journey of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Chicago in 1893 proved to be a turning point for Indian culture and philosophy, which is remembered even today.
Ramakrishna Paramhansa showed the way
Swami Vivekananda was one of the main disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. In the presence of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, he deeply studied spiritual knowledge and understood the essence of life. Narendranath was an intelligent and inquisitive young man, he had a strong desire to find answers to the deeper questions of life. Ramakrishna Paramahansa recognized Narendranath’s intelligence and curiosity and made him his disciple, hence he gave Narendranath deep knowledge of Vedanta, Bhakti and other spiritual subjects, after which he became famous as Swami Vivekananda.
That speech from Chicago, which is still remembered today
Swami Vivekananda introduced the whole world to Indian culture and philosophy through his speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Chicago in 1893. His speech starting with ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’ is still remembered. He presented Vedanta philosophy to the world and showed that this philosophy is not only of India but of the entire world. He had said in his speech- ‘I thank you on behalf of the world’s oldest saint tradition. I thank you on behalf of the mother of all religions and express my gratitude to you on behalf of millions and crores of Hindus of all castes and sects… I am proud of a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance It is hoped that the trumpet of this conference will be the destroyer of all kinds of bigotry, dogmatism and suffering…,
Swami Vivekananda gave this speech in English, which was of 486 words. Only a great saint like Swami Vivekananda could have given such an impressive speech in so few words. This speech still reflects the pride of India. When Swami Vivekananda’s speech ended, the entire hall echoed with applause. This speech touched the hearts of the audience.
Worked to unite India
Swami Vivekananda expressed respect for all religions and said that the aim of all religions is the same, the welfare of man. Swami Vivekananda emphasized on national unity and said that for the progress of India, everyone will have to work unitedly. Even in his Chicago speech, Swami Vivekananda had emphasized this and said – I am proud that I belong to that religion, which has taught the world the lesson of tolerance and universal acceptance. We not only believe in universal tolerance but also accept all religions as true. Swami Vivekananda worked throughout his life to unite India. Even today his thoughts are fresh in people’s minds.
National Youth Day on Swami Vivekananda Jayanti
On the occasion of National Youth Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on January 12 at around 10 am. PM Modi will interact with three thousand youth leaders from across India and will also address the gathering on this occasion. The objective of Vikas Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is to break the 25 year old tradition of organizing the National Youth Festival in a traditional manner. This is in line with the Prime Minister’s Independence Day call to involve one lakh youth without any political background in politics and provide them a national platform for a developed India.
