Teachings of Swami Vivekananda

Synopsis: Teachings of Swami Vivekananda is still relevant to the 21st century youth.  

Background:  

• 12th January, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, is celebrated as National Youth Day. His teachings still inspire the youth of India.  
• At present one fifth of the young person in the world lives in India.  

• The contribution made by these young population is significant in making India the third-highest growing economy among the 13 major economies in the last five years. 

How Vivekananda’s teachings are still inspiring our Youth’s? 

• Firstly, by giving the slogan of “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached.” Vivekananda’s has inspired Indian youths to take the leadership role in world arena and they are now eager to give direction to the world. 
• Second, through the slogan of “Make a life’s aim and incorporate that idea into your life…. Think that thought over and over again. Dream it, live it… that is the secret to being successful” he was able to inspire Indian youths to focus more on their goals without any distraction and have helped them to be more successful. 

• Third, through the slogan of “Until you can trust yourself, you cannot trust Allah or God” Swami Vivekananda was able to educate the youth on the power of Self-belief. 

How Vivekananda contributed to the Idea of a secular society? 

Swami Vivekananda, in his teachings combined thinking of different religions, communities and traditions.  

• He represented Sanatan Dharma in Chicago in 1893, where he taught the world that it is our duty to encourage all those doing good so that they can make their dreams come true. He also highlighted the values of “Vishwabandhutva”, tolerance, cooperativeness, participation, religion, culture, nation, nationalism and the collective India-Indianness. 
• Swami Vivekananda instilled his idea of charity at the root of Sanatan Dharma through his teaching that “The more we come to help and help others, the purer our heart becomes. Such people are like God”.  

• His vision also gave rise to the idea of Antyodaya. Where he said, until the upliftment of the last poor person in the country is ensured, development is meaningless. 
• At the Parliament of World religions, he said the Sanatani religion is instrumental in teaching the world the lesson of tolerance and universal acceptance. He proudly said Indian soils were the first laboratory and protector of secularism. 
• When he addressed the Parliament of World Religions, he gave the message of universal brotherhood. 
• Currently, His inclusive thinking is also reflected in the Narendra Modi government’s slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”. 

Swami Vivekananda took forward the efforts made by other thinkers to reach the roots of Indian culture. Secular thinking and the importance of oneness of the world made him acceptable worldwide.