New Delhi: As the country commemorates ‘Digvijay Diwas’, a day that honours Swami Vivekanand’s legacy and marks his famous speech in Chicago, here’s a look back at how his historic address 131 years ago motivated Narendra Modi to embark on a journey of self-discovery to the Himalayas.
On September 11, 1893, Swami Vivekanand delivered his timeless and revered speech at the Parliament of World’s Religions in Chicago.
His words not only introduced the world to India’s rich spiritual heritage but also inspired countless individuals in future generations, one of whom was a 17-year-old young boy – Narendra Modi.
Modi Archive, a popular X handle that narrates the Prime Minister’s life journey via its archives, shared an old photo of Narendra Modi on Wednesday and informed about Swami Vivekanand’s speech’s impact on his young, impressionable mind.
Swami Vivekanand’s teachings inspired Narendra Modi at a young age, and he left his abode in Vadnagar (Gujarat) for the Himalayas on a journey of self-discovery.
The popular X handle also shared a photo of Narendra Modi from a wedding ceremony in his village just a day before he left for the Himalayas.
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It also informs that the young Narendra Modi learned and understood Swami Vivekanand’s works from Dr Vasantbhai Parikh, a local native of his village.
Swami Vivekanand delivered his memorable speech at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago over a century ago. His knowledge of ancient Hindu scriptures and visionary outlook stunned the world.
To date, the speech is remembered by every Indian as path-breaking and a landmark moment in the history of interfaith dialogue, as it introduced Indian spirituality and the Vedas to the Western world.
PM Modi has repeatedly spoken about the impact of Swami Vivekanand’s teachings on his life, which he has often reflected on in his years of public service.
This year, after concluding a whirlwind tour of the country, campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi spent two days meditating on the rocks at Swami Vivekanand memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.
The memorial was named after Swami Vivekananda as he sat there to meditate after his India tour. It was here in Kanyakumari that Swami Vivekanand is understood to have got the vision of modern India, a place of great significance for both PM Modi and Swami Vivekanand, connecting them through time and space.
Swami Vivekananda delivered a momentous address at the Parliament of World Religions in 1893, presenting Hinduism and Indian spirituality to the Western world. He highlighted the value of religious tolerance and global acceptance and the belief that all religions lead to the same truth.
He famously said, “I am proud to belong to a religion that has taught the world tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration but also in accepting all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation that has sheltered the persecuted and refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth.”
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–IANS
