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वही प्रेरणा पुंज हमारे,स्वामी पूज्य विवेकानंद।।
Swami Vivekananda, a great soul who brought recognition to Indian culture on the global stage, was born on January 12, 1863, precisely 6 minutes and 33 seconds before sunrise. His arrival, celebrated with the auspicious sound of conch shells and Vedic chants, honored Bhuvaneshwari Devi's victorious son. This eminent personality's birth filled Mother India with pride.
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda) was intellectually sharp from childhood. Despite being mischievous, he was unaffected by fear or scolding. To manage his behavior, his mother Bhuvaneshwari Devi devised a unique method: when Narendra misbehaved, she would invoke Lord Shiva's name, and he would calm down instantly. It was believed Narendra embodied the presence of Lord Shiva himself.
From a young age, Narendra enjoyed hearing stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata from his mother. He loved wandering around on foot and sometimes playfully claimed he would become a coachman when asked about his future ambitions. His father, Vishwanath Datta, hoped to integrate him into Western civilization through English education, but fate had a different plan for the child.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to credit Swami Vivekananda with elevating Indian culture to global recognition. His keen interest in physical exercise, wrestling, and cricket was notable. He occasionally engaged in humor with friends. The Principal of the General Assembly College, William Hastie, praised Narendra as an exceptional student of philosophy, surpassing any in universities across Germany and England.
Whatever greatness exists in Narendra's character is a result of his mother's educated and thoughtful teachings. His longing to find God was apparent from childhood. Exposure to Descartes' rationalism, Darwin's theory of evolution, and Spencer's agnosticism left Narendra yearning for truth. He initially sought fulfillment through the Brahmo Samaj but found peace only after meeting Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Influenced by Ramakrishna's teachings, he accepted him as his guru and attained spiritual realization under his guidance. Narendra became one of Ramakrishna's most prominent disciples, taking sannyasa at the age of 25 and embarking on a world tour.
In 1893, he represented India at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he eloquently addressed the audience as "sisters and brothers of America," receiving a warm welcome and winning hearts with his speeches. Through his lectures, Swami Vivekananda demonstrated that Hinduism is also a great religion capable of encompassing all others. This extraordinary saint not only patriotically upheld Indian culture but also contributed as a speaker, thinker, writer, and humanitarian.
During the severe plague outbreak in Kolkata in 1899, despite his own illness, Swami Vivekananda selflessly aided those affected, setting an example of humanitarian service. He founded the Ramakrishna Mission on May 1, 1897, which emphasizes selfless service and altruism, significant principles within Hinduism.
On July 4, 1902, Swami Vivekananda meditated for three hours at the Belur Math monastery and later commented on feeling exceptionally healthy. Shortly afterward, he peacefully passed away, having fulfilled his purpose on Earth.
Swami Vivekananda, like a colossal figure, never truly dies. As Sri Aurobindo said, "In the soul of the awakened Motherland, Swami Vivekananda lives on, and he will always remain alive. His incredible achievements in just 39 years continue to guide future generations."
His ideals—"Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached"—remain a perennial source of inspiration for countless youths. Swami Vivekananda's birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day in India, emphasizing his teaching that "Service to mankind is service to God."
On this auspicious occasion of his Mahasamadhi (passing away), millions bow in reverence at the feet of Swami Vivekananda.
