On January 12, the nation celebrates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s most influential spiritual leaders and thinkers of the 19th century, commemorated as National Youth Day.
Leaders from across the country paid homage to the luminary who guided Indian youth towards nation-building, peace, and progress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu led the tributes, with both recognising Swami Vivekananda as an eternal inspiration for the youth.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: "Paying homage to Swami Vivekananda on his Jayanti. An eternal inspiration for youth, he continues to ignite passion and purpose in young minds. We are committed to fulfilling his vision of a strong and developed India."
The Prime Minister also posted a video highlighting Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts, underscoring his messages of character, commitment, and teamwork, vital for India’s progress.
President Droupadi Murmu echoed similar sentiments, stating in a post on X: “His legacy continues to inspire countless people around the world. Swami Vivekananda motivated youths to work towards nation-building and serve humanity.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute, emphasising Swami Vivekananda’s role in re-establishing the Sanatan culture on a global stage.
He said, "Say with pride, we are Hindus. Many salutes to the great young monk, thinker, source of inspiration for the youth Swami Vivekananda ji, who reestablished the Sanatan culture on the global stage."
To commemorate the birth anniversary, PM Modi will participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 at Bharat Mandapam. The dialogue aims to engage 3,000 young leaders from across India in discussions centred around India’s development, breaking a 25-year tradition of conventional National Youth Festivals.
The government press release noted that the Prime Minister will engage with innovative young leaders who will present ten PowerPoint presentations reflecting their ideas and solutions to India’s pressing challenges.
These presentations cover a range of themes including technology, sustainability, women empowerment, manufacturing, and agriculture.
During the dialogue, PM Modi will personally interact with participants, fostering deeper connections between governance and youth aspirations.
Who was Swami Vivekananda?
Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, and religious teacher.
A disciple of the mystic Ramakrishna, Vivekananda played a crucial role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.
He is credited with fostering interfaith understanding and elevating Hinduism to a major world religion in the late 19th century.
Born into an aristocratic Bengali Kayastha family in Calcutta, Vivekananda exhibited an early interest in spirituality. At the age of 18, he met Ramakrishna and became his devoted follower and sannyasin (renunciate).
Following Ramakrishna's death, Vivekananda traveled extensively across the Indian subcontinent, gaining firsthand insight into the harsh living conditions of people under British rule.
In 1893, he made a historic journey to the United States, where he participated in the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. His iconic speech, beginning with "Sisters and brothers of America," introduced Hinduism to the Western audience, emphasizing the unity of spiritual paths and the importance of tolerance over fanaticism. His impact was profound, with one American newspaper calling him "the greatest figure at the Parliament."
After the success of the Parliament, Vivekananda delivered hundreds of lectures across the United States, England, and Europe, spreading the philosophy of Hinduism.
In the West, he established the Vedanta Society of New York and the Vedanta Society of San Francisco (now Vedanta Society of Northern California), laying the groundwork for Vedanta societies in the West.
In India, he founded the Ramakrishna Math for spiritual training and the Ramakrishna Mission for social work, charity, and education.
Vivekananda remains one of the most influential philosophers and social reformers of colonial India. He was a driving force behind contemporary Hindu reform movements and the concept of Indian nationalism.
Widely regarded as a patriotic saint, his contributions to modern India are celebrated, with his birthday observed as National Youth Day.
Follow us
