Since 1985, India annually observes ‘National Youth Day’ on January 12, on the day of the social reformer, philosopher and great thinker Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.
In 1984, it was declared by the Government of India, that 12th Jan will be observed as National Youth Day. The objective behind the government’s move was to imbibe the students and youth with the philosophy and ideals of the Swamiji, the man who brought a change in the thought process of the youth.
Why is National Youth Day celebrated?
To encourage and inspire the youth of the country to embark on a successful journey, the National Youth Day is celebrated. Vivekananda’s ‘unforgettable’ speech On Sept 11, 1893, Swami Vivekananda had created history by his soul-stirring address at World Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
He had said, “It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world. I thank you in the name of the mother of religions and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.”
Who is Swami Vivekananda?
Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863 into an aristocratic family in Bengal. His original name was Narendra Nath Datta.
He founded the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. He passed away on July 4, 1902 at the age of 39 at Belur Math near Kolkata in West Bengal.
Swami Vivekananda emphasized yoga, meditation and abstinence while speaking out powerfully against the curse of poverty, prejudice and discrimination. He was the main force behind the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world. He was credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion in the late 19th century.
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Swami Vivekananda's 153rd birth anniversary: 5 inspiring quotes we need in our lives today
On his 153rd birth anniversary, we bring you 5 of Swami Vivekananda's most inspiring quotes that stand true even today.
"Arise! Awake! And stop not until the goal is reached."
Swami Vivekananda played an important role in the spiritual enlightenment of the Indian masses. He is also responsible for spreading Vedanta philosophy in the West and establishing the Ramakrishna Mission for service of the poor.
Born and raised in Kolkata, he was originally called Narendra Nath Datta, and acquired the name, Swami Vivekananda, when he became a monk. Born in an affluent family, Swamiji was always intrigued by spirituality and philosophy.
When he reached the threshold of youth, Swamiji passed through a period of spiritual crisis when he was troubled by doubts about the existence of God.
At this time, he met his then guru and mentor Sri Ramakrishna, and straightaway asked him a question that no one had been able to answer for him till then: "Sir, have you seen God?" Without a moment's hesitation, Sri Ramakrishna replied, "Yes, I have. I see Him as clearly as I see you, only in a much intense sense."
After removing several doubts from Swamiji's mind, Sri Ramakrishna won him over and thus began their guru-disciple relationship. After his guru's death, Vivekananda became the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and became the founder of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
Not only this, Swamiji dedicated his life to the country and longed for the progress of the poor, the helpless and the underprivileged. He was the first religious leader in India to understand and openly declare that the real cause of India's downfall was the neglect of the masses.
He showed a beacon of light to a nation that had lost faith in its ability under the British rule and instilled self-confidence among Indians, who he believed were are second to none.
Here are 5 of Swami Vivekananda's most inspiring quotes, that stand true even today.
• "Who is helping you, don't forget them. Who is loving you, don't hate them. Who is believing you, don't cheat them."
• "Anything that makes you weak physically, intellectually and spiritually, reject as poison."
• "Relationships are more important than life, but it is important for those relationships to have life in them."
• "Like me or hate me, both are in my favor. If you like me I am in your heart, if you hate me I am in your mind."
• "Fill the brain with high thoughts, highest ideals, place them day and night before you, and out of that will come great work."