Swami Vivekananda was one of the pioneers of the religious reform movement that took place in 19th century India. Swami Vivekananda took various steps to create a new awakening by freeing India from poverty, untouchability, illiteracy, slavery, casteism, women’s harassment, religious discrimination, etc. He played an important role in establishing spiritual heritage in India in the context of the whole world.
Biography of Swami Vivekananda
| Name | Swami Vivekananda[1] |
| Original Name | Narendra Nath Dutta |
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1863 |
| Place of Birth | Kolkata, Bengal, India |
| Parents | Vishwanath Dutta (Father), Bhuvaneshwari Devi (Mother) |
| Education | 1/ Kolkata Metropolitan School 2/ Presidency College, Kolkata 3/ Scottish Church College |
| Death | 4 July 1902 |
Early Life
Swami Vivekananda was born on the day of Makar Sankranti festival in 1863 i.e. January 12 in an ideal Hindu family in Kolkata. His father’s name was Vishwanath Dutta and his mother’s name was Bhuvaneswari Devi. Importantly, the given name of Swami Vivekananda’s parents was Narendra Nath Dutta.
Swami Vivekananda’s father Vishwanath Dutta was a lawyer of Calcutta high court. Mother Bhuvaneshwari Devi was a devout woman. Swami Vivekananda, who inherited religious thought and intelligence, enrolled in the school at the age of five. He introduced his talent in language, philosophy, etc. from childhood. Herbert Spencer and JS Mill were the favorite philosophers of Swami Vivekananda who loved reading the poems of William Wordsworth.
Swami Vivekananda was curious to know about caste and religion since childhood. Importantly, Swami Vivekananda’s cook of the father’s house belonged to the Muslim community. It was because of the curiosity to know about caste and religion since childhood, Vivekananda had put his head on the duped of zamindar families kept separately for different castes.
Vivekananda, who developed this mindset in his childhood, later spread the message of humanity by avoiding caste and creed among the people. He said that the people of the country and the country are much bigger than religion.
Since Vivekananda’s father was a professional lawyer, Vivekananda also kept his wish to pursue higher law education in London after graduating from the arts department at that time. But unfortunately Vishwanath Dutta died suddenly on February 25,1884.
Also Read: Biography of Uddhab Bharali
Spiritual Influence
Financial problems arose in Swami Vivekananda’s family after his father’s death. Swami Vivekananda had to take all the responsibilities of the family at that time. For which he took care of the entire family through employment. It was during his time that Swami Vivekananda’s spiritual Guru Ramakrishna Parama Hansa Deva was taken refuge. Ramakrishna Parama Hansa was a well-known spiritual leader. Swami Vivekananda was very attracted to the spiritual knowledge and spiritual meditation of Ramakrishna Parama Hansa. Importantly he spent nearly six years in contact with Ramakrishna Parama Hansa.
Swami Vivekananda preached the message of Ramakrishna Parama Hansa. In 1886 he fully self-employed himself in the spiritual meditation of the Wandering Monk with the aim of strengthening his bond between all, irrespective of caste and creed. He played a role in spreading the message of human religion from every side of the country. His only aim was to spread the message of unity among the Indian people in diversity i.e. Divine of Existence and Unity in Diversity.
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is the main purpose of Swami Vivekananda’s propagated religion. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam means that the whole world is a family, we are members of a family irrespective of all castes and creeds.
Life Achievements
Swami Vivekananda explained the Vedanta Philosophy to the AMERICAN and European audience. He proved that ancient Vedanta philosophy will successfully overcome the challenges of today and modern problems can effectively find solutions. He was fully sympathetic to the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. He wanted to give knowledge of Vedanta to all people irrespective of caste, creed, color and gender. He also had a deep respect for religion. Swami Vivekananda is the philosopher who has given a worthwhile synthesis of the idealistic philosophy of the West and the creative Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. He preached the message of universal brotherhood and explained humanism in his idealistic style.
Importantly, Swami Vivekananda participated for India in the world’s largest religious seminar held in Chicago, USA on September 11,1893. And at this religious seminar, Vivekananda delivered a deeply meaningful speech based on Hinduism and world brotherhood (Universal brotherhood). The speech touched the hearts of everyone present at the religious seminar.
Importantly, the world’s all religion seminar began in a lavish atmosphere at Chicago’s famous Columbus Hall (Great Hall of Columbus). It may be recalled that the meeting was attended by representatives of all religions as well as many scholars from America, Swami Vivekananda was given only three minute to address the speech at the Vishwa Dharma Mahasabha(seminar). In just three minutes he impressed the American people in such a way that he was given a chance to lecture for five more days after September 11. He started his speech at this seminar by addressing the American people as ‘Dear brothers and sisters of America’. Vivekananda’s speech in full English language remained eternal and Swami Vivekananda represented America on behalf of Hinduism but he would like to think and judge Indian spiritual knowledge. Swami Vivekananda was a fan of praise for all by raising it before the world.
Later, Swami Vivekananda wrote in the then famous American newspaper “The Herald” on his speech to the World Religions Mahasabha, “Vivekananda is undoubtedly the greatest figure in the parliament of religion. After hearing him how foolish we are to send missionaries to this learned nation”.
Swami Vivekananda was a major sponsor who spoke out in favor of the national education system. He was a supporter of people’s education (education of masses). He wanted to improve the status of women in the society by educating women. He wanted to spread faith in God through spiritualism, personality excellence, self-reliance, universal brotherhood and education.
Swami Vivekananda spoke on various subjects including philosophy, religion, yoga, spirituality etc. while travelling in different parts of the world. These lectures recorded later were recorded in book size. These books are Karma Yoga, Gyan Yoga, Raja Yuga, Bhakti Yuga, Lectures from Colombo to Almora, My Master, Swami Vivekananda on Himself, Teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Meditation and its Methods, The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda (Set of 9 Volumes).
Establishment of Ramakrishna Mission
Swami Vivekananda is one of the contributions to the society in establishing the Ramakrishna Mission. He founded the Ramakrishna Mission in Kolkata in 1897. The main aim and purpose of Swami Vivekananda establishing the Ramakrishna Mission was to make the great work of spiritual Guru Ramakrishna Parma Hansa eternal and a significant part of the Indian philosophy of “Vedanta” to spread awareness as well as knowledge among the people of India as well as the world. Importantly, the Ramakrishna Mission extends help to the helpless, poor and economically underprivileged people of the society through donations in addition to spreading knowledge. Importantly, the Ramakrishna Mission has been doing various things in India as well as outside India. Ramakrishna Mission’s work as a voluntary event for human service and world humanity is unparalleled. Importantly, he established the Vedanta Society in 1894 in the US and England. However, at present the work of Vedanta Society is completed with the approval of Ramakrishna Mission.
Conclusion
It may be recalled that Swami Vivekananda’s birthday i.e.12th January is celebrated as National Youth Day across India. The day has been celebrated every year since 1985, following the Government of India’s announcement that Swami Vivekananda’s birthday would be celebrated as National Youth Day in 1984. Swami Vivekananda, who has an unbreakable faith in Indian youth, played an important role in establishing Indian culture and values as role models through his thoughts and actions. He has continued to inspire millions and millions of people by spreading the old overall values of India among the world.
This great saint and social reformer died in 1902. Importantly he was only 39 years old at the time of his death. His work and thoughts have kept Swami Vivekananda alive all over the world even if he gets life for a very short time. Swami Vivekananda’s campaign and messages will also inspire the northern generation.
FAQ
1. When and where was Swami Vivekananda born?
Ans: He was born in January 12, 1863 at Kolkata, Bengal, India.
2. What is Swami Vivekananda’s original name?
Ans: Swami Vivekananda’s original name given by his parents was Narendra Nath Dutta.
3. What is Swami Vivekananda famous for?
Ans: Swami Vivekananda is best known in the United State’s for his groundbreaking speech to the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religion in which he introduced Hinduism to America and called for religious tolerance and an end to fanaticism. He is best known for his speech which began with the words “Sisters and brothers of America…,”
4. When and where did Swami Vivekananda founded Ramakrishna Mission?
Ans: He founded the Ramakrishna Mission in Kolkata in 1897.
5. What was the main aim and purpose of establishing Ramakrishna Mission?
Ans: The main aim and purpose of Swami Vivekananda establishing the Ramakrishna Mission was to make the great work of spiritual Guru Ramakrishna Parma Hansa eternal and a significant part of the Indian philosophy of “Vedanta” to spread awareness as well as knowledge among the people of India as well as the world.
6. When did Swami Vivekananda established Vedanta Society?
Ans: He established the Vedanta Society in 1894 in the US and England.
7. When do we celebrate National Youth Day across India?
Ans: We celebrate National Youth Day across India in 12th of January i.e. the birthday of Swami Vivekananda.
8. When and in what age did Swami Vivekananda died?
Ans: He died in 1902 when he was only 39 years old.
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