Swami Vivekananda - India's Youth Icon


Swami Vivekananda - India's Youth Icon

Florine Roche
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jan 12: Being a youth icon of India Swami Vivekananda’s birthday on January 12, every year is celebrated as National Youth Day in our country. It is a fitting tribute to this great spiritual personality who believed in our youth power and inspired Indian youth to improve themselves and the country as a whole. To commemorate his contribution in stirring Indian youth Government of India declared Birthday of Swami Vivekananda on January 12 every year as National Youth Day in 1984. His name is associated with spirituality, modernity and humanity and it is widely accepted that his life and work would continue to enthuse generations of youth in our country.

January 12, 2013 marks the 150th birth anniversary of this patriotic saint and greatest spiritual leaders of India. His birth anniversary is celebrated in India and across the globe with great fanfare befitting his stature focusing on spreading humanitarian work. In his short life of 39 years, Vivekananda had created a flutter at national and global scenario and that is why a western admirer had even called him ‘young in years but eternal in wisdom’.

While we accept that he is our youth icon a question often arises whether Vivekananda is relevant today even after 110 years of his death? It is interesting and debatable for the simple reason that Swami Vivekananda is not identified with any particular religion and had much broader and secular views about various religions. However it cannot be denied that Vivekananda is widely credited for introducing Vedantha to the western world. He is also attributed for reviving and redefining certain aspects of Hindu religion. But his contributions had a broad specter as far as our country is concerned. The essence of his teachings was love, humanity, compassion, harmony of religions, universal solidarity and human being as the highest manifestation of spiritual consciousness.


Relevance of his Teachings

I believe that Swami Vivekananda’s teachings are relevant for centuries to come because it was Vivekananda who had cited some of the causes of our downfall. He had said neglecting the masses is our great national sin neglecting of our women folks as another great sin. Considering some of the developments of the recent past I must say this holds good even today. Vivekananda had objected to mass oppression in the name of religion, stressed on the importance of education, had great faith in the younger generation and had said that lack of unity among Indians was also one of the causes of our downfall. He taught Indians how to love and respect our country and stressed on the importance of national integration and it is for this reason Vivekananda is regarded as a fiery patriot. Vinobha Bhave, Indian non-violence activist had rightly said “Vivekananda not only made us conscious of our strength, he also pointed out our defects and drawbacks”.

For the youth this country Swami Vivekananda is a role model, an icon, an embodiment of youth, dynamism and vibrancy. He ignited young minds saying “my faith is in the younger generation, the modern generation, out of them will come my workers. They will work out the whole problem like lions”.

Vivekananda’s teachings are particularly relevant today at a time when divisive forces are working overtime to weaken our country. Let us hope his philosophy and the ideals which he lived continue to inspire our younger generation. India’s youth has the capacity to make Swami Vivekananda’s third prediction of ‘India rising to greater heights of prosperity and power’, becoming a reality.

Vivekananda is the rejuvenator of Indian though in modern times and is rightly called as the modern prophet of India.


Mangalore Chapter of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission

The entire world is gearing up to celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Needless to say the Mangalore chapter of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission is buzzing with innumerable activities in preparation of this great event. The mutt in association with Karnataka State Youth Services and Sports Department has chalked out a week-long programme to commemorate this event starting from January 11, 2013.

The week long celebrations consists of lectures, discussions, seminars, discourses, cultural programmes and youth convention to mark the great event, says Swami Jithakamananda, President of Ramakrishna Mutt who is also the Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission. The 7 day programmes identified with titles like “Viveka Chethana”, “Viveka Sanchalana”, “Viveka Vandana”, “Viveka Namana” , “Viveka Chinthana”, “Viveka Jagarana” and “Viveka Manthana”.

On 12th a huge jatha and state level youth convention is organized in which youth from different parts of the state are expected to participate. The procession will begin from Nehru Maidan at 8.00 am and will reach Ramakrishna Math crossing through Corporation Bank Head Office and the railway gate near Srinivas College in Pandeshwar.

Mangalore chapter of Ramakrishna Math was established in 1947 in the northern part of Mangalore. It was in 1951 it was shifted to the present premises on Mangaladevi Road in a sprawling 7 acre land. The bungalow and the Balakashram (hostel for boys) at the same premises was gifted to the Math by Sowkar late M Venkatesh Pai, the then Hon Secretary of Hindu Seva Sangha. The Math runs the Balakashram and at present houses about 70 students from rural and marginalized sections of the society. Boys from 8th class onwards can join the hostel at Math.

The Math also undertake various activities such as youth welfare, student welfare, providing education, value education and spiritual and cultural education. There are worship and bjajans every day, weekly classes, spiritual retreats and occasional lectures also form part of the various activities at the Math.

Swami Jithakamananda says the Math runs entirely on public contributions and many devotees volunteer their services as and when need arises. The Math also provides tuition classes to students of 8th to 10th class free of cost. To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda this programme has been named as “Gadadhar Abnhyudhaya Prakalpa”. “About 150 students from nearby areas are taking benefit of this programme”, says Swami Jithakamanand.

There are 7 Swamis at the Math and about and an equal number of novices who carry out the work of the Math. There are many devotees who volunteer to provide free services at the Math to carry out the various activities.

The Math has Swami Vivekananda Auditorum where regular discourses and spiritual retreats are held for the devotees. The Matha also has a Book Sales Section which exhibits the Vedantha literature. There is also Sharada Library, which boasts of a collection of more than 7000 books on religion, philosophy, yoga, history, life and teaching of saints.

The Math also has a wing of women devotees who volunteer to provide service in conducting various activities of the Math.

Swami Jithakamananda says “the main motto of the Math is to provide service just like Swami Vivekananda had dedicated his life to raise the masses of our country. It was Swami Vivekananda who told that the change can be brought by giving education to the common masses. It was Vivekananda who told this can be done through the youth”.

The selfless work carried out by the Swamis and devotees of Ramakrishna Mutt and Ramakrishna Mission for the betterment of humanity is indeed praiseworthy.

  

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Comment on this article

  • bharath, Banglore

    Sat, Apr 23 2016

    Strength is life and weakness is death,a quote that I never forget.. Best divine orator in Chicago's worlds parliament of religions wow... Amazing voice..and commandive English.. Thou art all!!!!

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • venkat balaji ks, bangalore

    Mon, Sep 23 2013

    Shri Swami Vivekananda: YOUTH EMPEROR,ENCOURAGER,WHOM THIS GENERATION HAS NEVER MET.He can be met by us in this world at times when we realize to work for our nation
    .HE IS OUR YOUTH,HEALTH,WEALTH.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohanapriya, Namakkal - Tamil NAdu

    Thu, May 30 2013

    i love you swami vivekananda,
    and he is real hero indian country. "Swami Vivekananda is a role model, an icon, an embodiment of youth, dynamism and vibrancy." of our words

    DisAgree [7] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nikita Jain, Bhopal

    Thu, May 02 2013

    Swami Vivekananda was one of the great indian icon. He founded Ramakrishna Mission. He was inspired by all the Indian people and few freedom fighters.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • divani jekish, udaipur

    Sun, Feb 10 2013

    i love you swami vivekananda,
    and he is real hero indian contry

    DisAgree [6] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • teja, hyderabad

    Thu, Jan 31 2013

    VIVEKANDA^S PREACHINGS HAD INSPIRED ME A LOT HE IS THE TRU AND REAL HERO FOR OUR SOCIETY

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • M Suresh, Tampa, Florida USA

    Fri, Jan 18 2013

    Dr. Taylor spoke on the knowledge of Yoga that Swami Vivekanda brought to America but in a modern language that every one can understand.

    He used Apple and Windows PC as metaphors to explain consciousness, awareness, prana and the Kundalini.
    He also explained the 5 types of Yoga, the explanation was so dynamic and rivetting that one should not miss the youtube video titled "Swami Vivekanada Rekindled by Dr. Hasmukh Taylor".
    Members of HSS Orlando, USA were talking about his amazing presentation, that even little children 4-8 years old clearly understood what he was saying.
    I was there and have seen video 5 times already. If you want to learn Yoga, this video will explain everything!!

    DisAgree [8] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Swami Vivekananda Rekindled by Dr. Hasmukh Taylor, Orlando, Fl USA

    Wed, Jan 16 2013

    Dr Hasmukh Taylor speaks on the Dharma, Yoga & Philosophy of Swami Vivekananda with amazing clarity and vision for the young people around the world. He explains Dharma, Yoga and Consciousness with the help of modern science & technology, using computers such as Apple and Windows PC as metaphors. He further discusses 5 types of Yoga and the main contributions of Swami Vivekananda to the world.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Joseph F. Gonsalves, Bannur, Puttur / Mangalore

    Sun, Jan 13 2013

    Dear Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah, even today whoever a foreigner gives a speech in the American senate, Almost all Americans give a standing ovation/clap hands continuously.

    Americans know only ladies and gentleman and doesn't know brother and sisters., Ridiculous. I hope and i am sure Swami Vivekananda knew from Americans.

    Dear Mr. Nagesh Nayak Bangalore,
    After few years Swami Vivekananda will be worshiped by your kind of people.

    Sonia is not worshiped by congress and fundoos but even fundoos also respect and salute her. Your Guru Mr. Yeddy has praised two times. Have you not hear the news.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Sun, Jan 13 2013

    Chicago Conference...Swami Vivekananda stood up and addressed to crowd..MY DEAR BROTHERS & SISTERS..
    Clap from all over the hall(the moment he finished My Dear Brothers & Sisters).Americans knew only Ladies & Gentemen..This is a new thing for them.Swami had to wait till they stopped clapping..Then he continued his speech which was described as one of the best speeches by spiritual guru or philosopher..He didn't take the help of note book or letter which our Ministers do.It was a fluent speech in English.Americans gave him a standing ovation...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kisan Royal, Sweden-Stockholm

    Tue, May 14 2013

    Dear friends you are the those people who knows about priceless teachings of Swami Vivekananda, but still in India we have still many youth who still don't know anything about such great soul, even i didn't know before when i came to know i become great fan of Swamiji, Request to all, please read more about Him. His thoughts are very energetic, motivational. that we need in today's youth. this thoughts are key to success.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Sun, Jan 13 2013

    Mr. KRPrabhu, Kudla/Bangalore,
    My comments are my views/opinion.
    What you or others draw from it and take it is upto the readers!
    My message is clear enough,I have no further comments!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Kudla/Bangalore

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    Mr.Valerian D'souza,Udupi/Mumbai
    Your comments indicate that you are one among 'the elements to be cleansed" referred to by you.Right?

    DisAgree [7] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.T.SHETTY, MANGALORE

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    SISTER FLORINE THANK U VERY MUCH FOR THE LOVELY COVERAGE.SWAMI VIVEKANANDA IS AN IDEAL MAN OF MY LIFE.IAM SO GRATEFUL TO HIM,I WILL NEVER FORGET HIS TEACHINGS."BE NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING.U WILL DO MARVELOUS WORK.THE MOMENT U FEAR U R NOBODY.IT IS FEAR THAT IS THE GRATE CAUSE OF MISERY IN THE WORLD.IT IS FEAR THAT IS THE GREATEST OF ALL SUPERSTITIONS.IT IS FEAR THAT IS THE CAUSE OF OUR WOES.& IT IS FEARLESSNESS THAT BRINGS HEAVEN EVEN IN A MOMENT.THEREFORE ARISE,AWAKE & STOP NOT TILL THE GOAL IS REACHED.THE ABOVE WORDS OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA IS HEART TOUCHABLE...JAI HO SWAMI VIVEKANAND.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • RAJEEV.T.SHETTY., MANGALORE

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    SWAMI VIVEKANANDAS TEACHINGS HAS INSPIRED ME LOT,IAM PROUD TO SAY INDIA GOT FREEDOM BECAUSE OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA.SWAMIJI INSPIRED MANY FREEDOM FIGHTERS. LIKE,MAHATMA GANDHI,SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE,TAGORE,ANNA HAZARE,TO SERVE THE NATION.SWAMIJI PAVITRATA KE MOORTI TE.IMAANDARI KE MOORTI TE,TAPASYA KE MOORTI TE,KHURBANI KE MOORTI TE,IN SAB KE BINA KUCH BHI HAASIL NAHIN KAR SAKTA HAI.(KIRAN BEDI ABOUT SWAMI VIVEKANANDA)SWAMIJI WILL BE YOUTH ICON WILL ALWAYS REMAIN YOUTH ICON."ARISE,AWAKE,STOP NOT TILL THE GOAL IS REACHED"STRENGTH,STRENGTH IT IS THAT WE WANT SO MUCH IN THIS LIFE.FOR WHAT WE CALL SIN AND SORROW, HAVE ALL ONE CAUSE,THAT IS OUR WEAKNESS,WITH WEAKNESS COMES IGNORANCE,WITH IGNORANCE COMES MISERY....SWAMI VIVEKANANDA...

    DisAgree [6] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • amarnath, dubai

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    We are very lucky people as we born in india where great sptitiual icon like vivekananda born and lived.

    Even we follow 1% of his life style, it will greatful life in these modern, hatred society.

    we have to live for others

    DisAgree [3] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ahmed khaleel, Bangalore

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    nagesh nayak, bangalore is worshiping youth icon baba ramdev and nithyananda.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • KUMAR, MANGALORE

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    GREAT SCHOLAR YOUTH ICON...REAL PHILOSOPHER...JAI HO SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

    DisAgree [5] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arun, Mumbai

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    Swami Vivekananda is a great legend who was always emphasized youth to become catalyst in serving poor, downtrends, and urged to fight against superstitions, exploitations of human beings, selfishness etc.. He is a great spiritual leader of all the times. He once said ‘Had I lived in Palestine in the days of Jesus of Nazareth, I would have washed his feet, not with my tears but with my heart’s blood’.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Antony Lobo, Mangalore

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    We all listen to the Vivekananda but no one follows him in reality.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    Shri.Swami Vivekananda’s ashram must built at every district nook and corner of india to spread the message of Swami to your youths.
    He is really a hero....still alive...ever alive...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr S Kamath, Mumbai

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    Swami Vivekanandaji I rever the most

    DisAgree [3] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    Swami Vivekananda is India's Youth Icon and will always remain Youth Icon!
    Vivekananda is widely credited for introducing Vedantha to the western world!
    Many of his followers teach his teachings!
    But some teach, utter HATRED, contrary to Swami Vivekananda's teaching, trouble the peaceful and still call themselves his staunch followers.
    Truth is indigestible to them!
    If these elements are cleansed, Swami Vivekananda's teachings would reach to far greater heights, world would be a better place!

    DisAgree [4] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    Swami Vivekananda please born again in india.... we need your guidance..

    DisAgree [4] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • nagesh nayak, bangalore

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    SHRI SWAMI VIVEKANANDA IS A REAL YOUTH ICON.

    NOWADAYS PSUEDOS FOLLOW , WORSHIP,PRAISE A DHONGI YOUTH ICON .

    DisAgree [11] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • nagesh nayak, bangalore

    Sat, Jan 12 2013

    SHRI SWAMI VIVEKANANDA IS A REAL YOUTH ICON.

    NOWADAYS PSUEDOS FOLLOW , WORSHIP,PRAISE A DHONGI YOUTH ICON .

    DisAgree [23] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse


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