Celebrating Swami Vivekananda’s Legacy: A Lecture Delivered on January 12, 2025, at Raiganj, West Bengal.

 

Good evening everyone,

Respected dignitaries, members of the Akhil Bhuvan Vidyarthi Pratisthan (ABVP), and all present here, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ABVP and especially to Mr. Arindam Pramanik, Advocate and Secretary of the organization, for inviting me to address this august gathering on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.

Today, we come together to honor one of India’s most remarkable spiritual leaders, Swami Vivekananda, whose life and teachings continue to illuminate the path for millions around the world. Born on January 12, 1863, as Narendranath Dutta in Kolkata, Swami Vivekananda was not just a philosopher and monk but a visionary who inspired a spiritual renaissance in India. His mission was rooted in serving humanity and spreading the timeless values of truth, compassion, and selflessness. He believed in the divine potential within every individual and emphasized the importance of serving humanity as the essence of religion.

A Visionary Leader and Universal Thinker

Swami Vivekananda’s address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, beginning with the iconic words “Sisters and Brothers of America,” exemplified his universal outlook. He bridged divides between nations, cultures, and beliefs, championing the idea of universal brotherhood. Swamiji believed in the inherent greatness of every individual, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender, and encouraged all to “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” These words remain a timeless call to action, urging us to overcome challenges and strive for excellence.

A Torchbearer for Youth and Education

Swami Vivekananda’s vision for youth was particularly profound. He regarded young people as the torchbearers of change and development. He inspired them to cultivate inner strength, embrace responsibility, and uphold moral values. He once said, “Strength is life, weakness is death,” urging individuals to harness their inner power for the greater good of society.

Education, according to Swamiji, was the cornerstone of a strong nation. He envisioned an education system that went beyond academics to focus on character building. He remarked, “We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.” His emphasis on holistic education resonates deeply in our pursuit of nation-building today.

An Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

Swami Vivekananda’s progressive thoughts on women’s empowerment remain highly relevant. He envisioned a society where women were treated as equals and given opportunities to excel. He famously said, “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.” These words continue to inspire our ongoing fight for gender equality and women’s rights.

Nationalism and Unity in Diversity

Swamiji’s views on nationalism and unity are invaluable for today’s India. He encouraged pride in our identity, proclaiming, “Feel proud that you are an Indian, and boldly proclaim, I am an Indian; every Indian is my brother.” His ideals of treating all Indians as brothers and sisters offer a mantra to address the divisive politics that threaten our societal harmony.

On religious unity, he envisioned a synthesis of Hinduism and Islam as a guiding force for India’s progress, stating, “For our motherland, a junction of the two great systems, Hinduism and Islam—Vedanta brain and Islam body—is the only hope.” His belief in “Unity in Diversity” as India’s strength is a powerful reminder of the values we must uphold.

Religious Tolerance and Secularism

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on secularism and religious tolerance remain profoundly relevant. He observed, “We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true.” He likened the diversity of religions to streams flowing into the same sea, emphasizing that all paths ultimately lead to the same divine truth.

He issued a stern warning against communalism and fanaticism, stating, “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. But their time has come; I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism.” These words serve as a beacon of hope as we confront the challenges of communalism and intolerance in our society today.

A Call to Action

Swami Vivekananda’s untimely passing on July 4, 1902, at the age of 39, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions. As we commemorate his birth anniversary, we must pledge to embody his values in our lives. Let us work towards a society rooted in integrity, compassion, and harmony, embracing diversity while cherishing our unique identities.

In conclusion, Swamiji’s teachings remind us of the immense potential within each of us to create a positive impact. Let us heed his words: “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life—think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”

Let us resolve to imbibe his wisdom and teachings, striving to build an India that cherishes diversity, protects its minorities, and sees all its citizens as brothers and sisters.

May we honor Swami Vivekananda’s legacy by living lives of purpose and service.

Thank you.