Swami Vivekananda Birth Anniversary: Know The Story And Unknown Facts About The Visio
Naren’s childhood was greatly influenced by his father’s liberal thinking and his mother’s spiritual and religious temperament. His intelligence was evident since childhood, when he became the only student to have received first division marks in Presidency College entrance examination. He was an avid reader and would read books across genres including but not limited to religion, history, social science, art and literature. He was also greatly interested in Puranas, Vedas and Upanishads. Not surprisingly, Naren was also greatly interested in spirituality and philosophy from a young age and would meditate before the images of deities such as Shiva, Rama, Sita, and Mahavir Hanuman. At the same time, he was also a very naughty and restless child with a quest for learning. He was also trained in classical music and would regularly participate in physical exercise, sports and organised activities.
Since then, Swami Vivekananda embarked on a journey of leading the life of a wandering monk. He travelled extensively in India for five years and visited centres of learning. He also acquainted with diverse religious traditions and social patterns. Vivekananda then travelled to the West in 1893 and is credited with reintroducing the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. He also introduced the West to Indian heritage, culture and philosophy. He also spoke strongly against the curse of poverty, prejudice and discrimination. Of his many lectures, the one at Chicago at the Parliament of the World’s Religion is the most revered one. The introductory speech began with the words ‘Sisters and brothers of America’ and received a 2-minute standing ovation from the seven-thousand people in the audience.
The birthday of the Swami Vivekananda is celebrated every year at many centres of the Ramakrishna Math, Ramakrishna Mission and their branch centres according to the Indian culture and tradition. A great mangal aarti, hoom, devotional songs, meditation, religious speech as well as the sandhya aarti is performed while celebrating the birthday of the Swami Vivekananda. The day is officially celebrated as the National Youth Day across India and by his followers in different parts of the world. Schools and colleges organise essay-writing and cultural competitions, while the government of India celebrates the day with a unique theme every year. The day is a way of paying respect and remembering the great teachings of the visionary leader who inspired and continues to inspire millions of youth across the world.
