Author: Arun
There have been various legends and personalities in Indian society who have made a greater impact on the minds and lives of the people. These people have made their mortal lives truly a glaring example for all to emulate and Swami Vivekananda is one such great personality.
This Indian Hindu monk was born on 12th January, 1863 in the British era Calcutta in the aristocratic Bengali family and was interested in Spirituality. He was earlier known as Narendranath Datta. Swami Vivekananda was the chief disciple of the 19th century spiritual guru known as Ramakrishna. He was a major force that made the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga aware to the Western world. This late 19th century monk worked in developing interfaith awareness and helped in bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion in the later part of the 19th century.
Swami Vivekananda is credited with the revival of Hinduism in India and introduced the concept of nationalism in colonial India. He founded the number of institutions such as Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. He is best known for representing India at the 1893 Parliament of World’s Religions in Chicago, USA and brought Hinduism at the world center stage. Swami Vivekananda coined the phrase Service of mankind is service to God and encouraged people to help poor and needy people.
The birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a great spiritual philosopher on 12th January is celebrated in India as the National Youth Day. The decision was taken by the Government of India in the year 1984 and since 1985, the event is celebrated in the entire India every year. While making the announcement of the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda as National Youth Day, the communication department of Government of India quoted, it was felt that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.
The National Youth Day celebration in India occurs in different schools and colleges of India with a wide range of activities. These comprises of processions, speeches, music, youth conventions, seminars, presentations, recitations, Yogasanas, essay writing competitions and sports events which occur every year on 12th January. His life was a great example for the youth and a symbol of patriotism for the entire nation.
The inspirational teachings and life of Swami Vivekananda can be found in the book titled The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda which is available in nine volumes and is published by Advaita Ashrama, Kolkata. The events held on this day are done with the aim of promoting moral values, leadership and patriotism among youth through the help of education, art, culture and sports.
So, it is important to follow the high moral ideals, philosophies and teachings of this great Hindu philosopher and Indian patriot, Swami Vivekananda. He is the guiding light that can inspire the youth of today to realize their true potentials and utilize their energies in the best possible manner.
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