Swami Vivekananda: He was born on 12th January 1863 in Calcutta. Vishwanatha Datta and Bhuvancshwari Devi were his parents. His original name was Narendranatha Datta. He was the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He studied both Indian and western philosophies, but did not get intellectual satisfaction. He came under the spiritual influence of Sri Ramakrishna. After the death of his Guru, Vivekananda took up the cause of spreading his messages (Ideas).
World religious conference at Chicago-31st may 1893: Vivekananda travelled widely, spreading the divine message of his master in the world. In 1893, he attended the ‘World Religious Conference’ at Chicago, representing Hinduism, which was being misrepresented in the western countries. His Chicago address began as “Brothers and sisters of America….” This won over the hearts of the people. He described Hinduism as the mother of all religions. He declared the superiority of Indian culture and civilization. He influenced Americans by his speeches and thoughts. For the purpose of spreading the message of Hinduism,he founded ‘Vedanta Samaja’ in America and other European countries.
Ramakrishna Mission – 5th May 1897 – Calcutta: The Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 at Belur Mutt near Calcutta. The Mission works for religious and social upliftment of the people. Its objective is to create cordial relations among the followers of different religions and to help the poor in the society.
The Mission stalled several Schools, Hospitals, Orphanages and old age Homes across the country. It also serves people in times of natural calamities like floods, famines, epidemics, earthquakes etc., Its branches have been established all over the world. Swami Vivekananda succeeded in making Hindus conscious of their strengths and weaknesses. He remarked “I do not believe in a religion that cannot wipe out the widow’s tear or bring a piece of bread to the orphan’s mouth”.
Social and religious reforms: Vivekananda condemned the caste system, rituals, ceremonies and superstitions. He stressed the need for social reforms. He preached tolerance, equality and cooperation among the people of all faiths. He gave importance to education, emancipation of women and eradication of poverty.
National Awakening: Vivekananda was a great nationalist. He roused the national consciousness of Indians by his famous call “Awake, Arise, stop not till the goal is reached”. He wanted India to be a great nation. He has been popularly called as the Patriotic Saint of India, Vedantha Kesari and Cyclonic Monk of India. He edited and published two newspapers, PrabhuddhaBharata (English) and Udbhodhan (Bengali).
