UPSC Articles
128th anniversary of the historic Chicago address of Swami Vivekananda
Part of: Prelims and GS I – Modern Indian history
Context On September 11, 1893, Swami Vivekananda delivered his famed speech at the ‘Parliament of the World’s Religions’, garnering a full two minute standing ovation and the moniker of ‘cyclonic monk of India’ .
- This year marked the 128th anniversary of the historic Chicago Address of Swami Vivekananda.
What is the Significance of this event?
- The Chicago address had dwelt at length on Hinduism and Indian culture, and his words continue to remain resonant till date.
- He became popular in the western world after his famous speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions.
- He was considered a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India and bringing it to the status of major world religion in the late 19th century.
- His address in the World “Parliament of Religions” at Chicago in 1893 drew the world’s attention to the ancient Indian philosophy of Vedanta.
About Swami Vivekananda:
- He was a true luminary, credited with enlightening the western world about Hinduism.
- He was an ardent disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India.
- He pushed for national integration in colonial India, and his famous speech remains as the one that he gave in Chicago in 1893 (Parliament of the World Religions).
- In 1984 the Government of India declared that 12 January, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, will be celebrated as National Youth Day.
