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New Delhi: To mark the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was a watershed moment which stressed harmony and universal brotherhood. He further added that it was among the most celebrated and inspiring moments in India's history.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: “This speech by Swami Vivekananda, delivered in Chicago on this day in 1893, is widely regarded as a watershed moment. Emphasising harmony and universal brotherhood, he passionately spoke about the ideals of Indian culture on the world stage. It is truly among the most celebrated and inspiring moments in our history."
PM Modi is hugely inspired by the philosophy of the spiritual leader. In 2024 after the culmination of the Lok Sabha election campaign, he meditated at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1. The Prime Minister has long regarded Swami Vivekananda as a role model. He also visited the Ramakrishna Mission, the spiritual and philanthropic organisation established by Vivekananda. PM Modi has frequently mentioned Swami Vivekananda in his speeches and messages, using the spiritual leader’s teachings to inspire and motivate people.
PM Modi’s admiration for Swami Vivekananda reflects a shared vision of a culturally vibrant, confident and self-reliant India. In his Chicago speech, Swami Vivekananda highlighted India’s rich heritage and culture, and similarly, PM Modi often exhorts Indians to take pride in their cultural values and national identity. He has been showcasing India's culture and heritage on his foreign trips too. Using them as India's soft power, he has strengthened diplomatic ties and bolstered bilateral relations. Just like Swami Vivekananda, PM Modi has addressed audiences and spoken about India’s spiritual and civilizational legacy on global platforms.
Swami Vivekananda's message of universal brotherhood and toleration is akin to PM Modi's promotion of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' philosophy. In his speech, the spiritual leader said: "I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true."
PM Modi views echo this. He often stresses that India’s power lies in its diversity and pluralism, while championing global harmony, and the idea that the world is one big family, where everyone should be respected.
In his iconic address, Swami Vivekananda remarked that sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. "They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair." The Swami's speech points out how hatred, intolerance, and fanaticism come in the way of peace. The Swami always urged nations to have a peaceful coexistence.
PM Modi has also been urging nations to adopt a policy of tolerance, foster harmony and peace. In 2024, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan, PM Modi told Russian President Vladmir Putin in public remarks before their meeting that this was not an era of war. PM Modi had then told Putin: “I know that today’s era is not of war and I have talked to you many times over the phone on the subject that democracy and diplomacy and dialogue are all these things that touch the world."
With his meeting with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi had said that India had never been neutral in the conflict but had always been on the side of peace.
Both Swami Vivekananda and PM Modi have emphasised the value of youth power and their role in nation-building. Youth empowerment has been the cornerstone of PM Modi's policy. As Swami Vivekananda envisaged a future shaped by youth, PM Modi believes that it's innovation and integrity of youth that will fuel India’s progress and make it a global leader.
