SWAMI VIVEKANANDA – DEATH ANNIVERSARY

CURRENT CONTEXT : 4th July 2025 marked the 123rd Punyatithi (Death Anniversary) of Swami Vivekananda, the revered spiritual leader and nationalist thinker.

 ABOUT SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

• Born as Narendranath Datta on 12 January 1863 in Calcutta.
• Disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa who transformed his spiritual outlook.
• Took the name Vivekananda in 1893 on advice of Maharaja Ajit Singh of Khetri.
• Attained Mahasamadhi on 4 July 1902 at Belur Math, West Bengal.

CONTRIBUTIONS

• Spread Vedanta, Hinduism & Yoga in the West.
• Advocated universal brotherhood, service to humanity, and spiritual nationalism.
• Inspired Indian freedom fighters with the slogan:
  “Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached.”

CHICAGO SPEECH – 1893

• Delivered a speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions, Chicago.
• Opened with “Sisters and brothers of America” – received standing ovation.
• Introduced Vedantic philosophy and Hindu thought to the West.

PATHS TO LIBERATION

• Proposed four Yogic paths to attain Moksha:
• Raja Yoga: Meditation and control of the mind
• Karma Yoga: Selfless service
• Jnana Yoga: Path of knowledge
• Bhakti Yoga: Path of devotion

RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

• Founded in 1897 to spread his Guru’s message.
• Focus areas: Education, healthcare, relief work, and spirituality.
• Motto: “Atmano Mokshartham Jagat Hitaya Cha” (For one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world)