Lucknow: Describing Swami Vivekananda as an unparalleled saint, nation-builder, inspiration for youth and a great worshipper of humanity, Swami Muktinathanand Maharaj, President of Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow, said that Swami Vivekananda was truly the global ambassador of India’s spiritual soul. He shared these views on the eve of Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, reflecting on the life, philosophy and enduring relevance of the great thinker.
Swami Muktinathanand said that Swami Vivekananda, who placed India’s spiritual consciousness on the global stage, was not merely a saint but a visionary who shaped national character and awakened youth power. Born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, Swami Vivekananda was named Narendranath Datta in his childhood. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was a renowned lawyer, while his mother Bhuvaneshwari Devi was deeply religious. From an early age, Narendra displayed exceptional intellect, fearlessness and a questioning mind. He completed his B.A. from Calcutta University and had deep knowledge of Western philosophy, literature and science.
Highlighting the turning point of his life, Swami Muktinathanand said that Narendranath’s meeting with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in 1881 transformed him completely. Under his guru’s guidance, he attained spiritual realisation, renounced worldly life and embraced monasticism as Swami Vivekananda, dedicating his life to the service of humanity.
Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, Swami Muktinathanand said the iconic words “Sisters and Brothers of America” resonated across the world and established India’s spiritual dignity on the global platform. That single speech became a victory saga for India’s ancient wisdom.
He further said that the founding of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in 1897, based on the ideal of “Nara Seva is Narayan Seva”, reflected the perfect harmony of service and spiritual practice. Education, service, nation-building, character formation and human upliftment formed the core of Swami Vivekananda’s mission. By taking Vedanta and Yoga to the West, he gave global recognition to India’s cultural strength.
Swami Muktinathanand noted that Swami Vivekananda created a remarkable synthesis between Indian spiritual values and Western thought. His clarion call, “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached,” continues to ignite confidence, courage and patriotism among youth even today.
Although Swami Vivekananda attained Mahasamadhi on July 4, 1902, at the young age of 39, his ideas remain immortal. His teachings—service is worship, selfless action is true sadhana, and national progress lies in self-confidence and character-building—continue to inspire millions.
“Swami Vivekananda is not just history; he remains a living force in India’s consciousness, strength and awakening. Only by imbibing his ideals can a strong, cultured and prosperous nation be built,” Swami Muktinathanand concluded.
