Many people in India and abroad recognise Swami Vivekananda for his notable contribution towards propagating Advaita Vedanta at a global level through the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893. He founded Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission along with his fellow monks. He was also a great social reformer and motivated millions of youth to participate in the Indian freedom movement and active nation-building process. His life has encouraged the Indian youth for over a century to channelize their energy and enthusiasm towards progressing the country and Indian society. To commemorate his life and work, the Government of India in 1984 declared 12th January, Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, as National Youth Day or Rastriya Yuva Diwas.
Swami Vivekananda's life and work
Swamiji was a great proponent of a non-sectarian, non-political spiritual movement that encourages people to wake up to the divinity within and guides ordinary men and women towards the upliftment of humankind. He was born into a wealthy aristocratic Bengali family in Calcutta (now Kolkata) as Narendranath Dutta, but never pursued material happiness in life. Instead, he always continued his quest for the divine truth. Eminent Hindu mystic, spiritual educator and religious guide, Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, had immensely affected Vivekananda's life philosophy and works. He initiated young Narendra (at the early age of 18 years) to monastic life and rechristened him as Vivekananda or 'he who is joyous with knowledge'.
Swami Vivekananda died at the age of only 39 years. However, during this short period, he travelled all over India, achieved ultimate spiritual enlightenment and spread the philosophy of Sanatana Advaita dharma (Ramakrishna order) worldwide. We can categorise his works into four broad segments.
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He founded Ramakrishna Math (monastery) and Ramakrishna Mission to spread the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, awaken young people to their spiritual self, and channel their energy and enthusiasm towards the greater good of society and the world.
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Swamiji travelled across the Indian subcontinent extensively for five long years (1888 to 1893) as a wandering monk to observe, acquire knowledge, and acquaint himself with India's religious, cultural, and socio-economic diversities and people. The experience enriched his religious and spiritual realisations. He resolved and took a solemn vow to uplift the nation by addressing ordinary people's poverty and suffering.
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He took part in Parliament of the World's Religions, held in Chicago, USA, in 1893, and subsequently toured several world cities to promote Sanatana Advaita Dharma and teachings of Shri Ramakrishna. Swamiji's lectures inspired millions of youth and personalities worldwide towards the cause of human upliftment and social reforms.
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Vivekananda completed and published several literary works and composed numerous songs in his short lifetime. His books on practical Vedanta, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga have inspired millions of young people to undertake spiritual quests.
Why is Swami Vivekananda celebrated as a youth icon in modern India?
Here is a look at the top reasons:
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At an early age, Vivekananda recognised India's cultural and religious diversity, sympathised with the suffering of ordinary people, and championed the significance of social reforms for building India as a nation. He promoted it long before the independence of India. Swamiji's ideas of patriotism and nationalism are still relevant even in today's 21st century India.
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Swami Vivekananda is a strong advocate of youth power. He practised and promoted the idea of channelizing the energy and enthusiasm of young people for the social and national upliftment of India in the global arena. As per his teaching, only young people with proper education and character development can overcome age-old inequalities and prejudices prevalent in Indian societies.
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His monastic life, missionary work and religious philosophies are popular even today and inspire millions of young people in India and abroad to contribute towards the upliftment of humankind. The worldwide expanse of Ramakrishna Mission and its innumerable charitable social activities continue to establish the relevance of Swamiji's ideology and teachings.
Why do we celebrate Rastriya Yuva Diwas?
Every year, 12th January is celebrated across the country in government and non-government schools, colleges, universities, institutions, and civil society organisations, through seminars, lectures, youth symposiums, sports, and cultural activities.
The objectives of celebrating National Youth Day or Rastriya Yuva Diwas are:
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Educating people of all age groups about the life and works of Swami Vivekananda and the relevance of his teachings.
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Respecting the young generation and their significance in the socio-political-economic development of India as a nation.
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Propagating the great legacy of Indian cultural diversity and rich Indian heritage.
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young adults as the future of India to serve greater causes of nation-building and social reforms.
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Promoting a greater sense of patriotism and nationalism.
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Motivating the younger generation to search for truth and spiritual reality.
Awaken your true self on National Youth Day every year
Rastriya Yuva Diwas, celebrated on 12th January, every year, is a reminder to keep your young spirit alive, no matter what your age. It is also the perfect occasion to convey Swami Vivekananda’s teachings to the young generation and inspire them to work towards a better, progressive and enlightened society. Remember that National Youth Day is not just for young people. It is for anyone who has a fresh, energetic and positive attitude towards life and is young in mind.