Swami Vivekananda’s lecture at the World’s Parliament of Religions revolved around the principle of unity, tolerance, and justice

We are commemorating 130 years of the Parliament of the World’s Religions held in conjunction with the Columbian Exposition in Chicago at the Permanent Memorial Art Palace, now known as the Art Institute of Chicago. It opened on September 11 with international representatives of the world’s religions present. The Indian delegate Swami Vivekananda, a great Hindu monk, magnetic orator, poet and India’s most progressive social reformer, riveted the audience with his call for religious tolerance and an end to fanaticism. Over the next several weeks, thousands of attendees came to hear Swami Vivekananda and other leaders speak, making the Parliament a watershed moment in inter-faith dialogue.

Swami Vivekananda was a prominent figure in the late 19th-century Indian spiritual and philosophical landscape. Spiritualization of the world in sync with great Sanatan traditions was an article of faith for him. He left an indelible mark on the world with his profound teachings and charismatic personality. He was considered a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India and in bringing Hinduism to par with most of the religions in the world. Born in 1863 in Calcutta, he was deeply influenced by his guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramhans, and went on to become a key proponent of Vedanta and the spread of Hindu philosophy and spirituality to the West. His iconic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 introduced Hinduism and the concept of religious tolerance to a global audience.

Inquisitive to the core, his life underwent a sea change ever since he came into contact with Sri Ramakrishna Paramhans. Under his divine guidance, Swami Vivekananda made strides on the spiritual path. For him, independence was a virtue and dependence a sin; loving others a virtue, and hating others a sin. His speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions, Chicago, on September 11, 1893, left an indelible mark on the gathering comprising religious and spiritual personalities of different faiths from across the world. With his opening words of “Sisters and brothers of America,” he instantly captivated the audience, transcending cultural boundaries. Vivekananda eloquently emphasized the universality of all religions and the importance of tolerance and acceptance.

“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. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth,” said Vivekananda. His address was more of a convincing patriotism than a religious statement. His condemnation of sectarianism, bigotry and fanaticism found many followers in the Western world. His statements fed to the contemporary American psyche. He was a bridge between East and West.

Swami Vivekananda was equally worried about the mass backwardness of people. He batted for a national resurgence to get rid of chronic poverty, untouchability and caste-based discrimination. As a scholar commentator, he championed the cause of the downtrodden and dedicated himself to uplifting the masses by instilling a sense of pride and self-respect among them. He vouched for the regeneration of Bharat Mata and Sanatan Parampara. He felt the need for self-introspection by all in general and youth in particular because he had great expectations from them. According to him, youth was the most promising means of change he wanted to see happening in our society.

For him, Indian cultural heritage was powerful and magnificent but people were suffering. It was like a situation where a lion was living in a herd of sheep and was behaving like them because he had been living with them since his childhood. The lion felt his strength only when he was made to realize that he was a lion by another fellow lion, taking him to a pond where he could see his reflection. He immediately realized that he was a lion, as big and powerful as the other one. Similarly, Swami Vivekananda felt the need for a cultural and nationalist awakening among Indians. He was India’s first national hero for whom the dire need of the hour was to revive and restore our country’s grand cultural heritage and legacy.

He advocated for the unity of all religions, emphasizing the universal truths they shared. His call for unity, harmony, and the recognition of the divinity within each individual left a profound impact, inspiring a new era of inter-faith understanding. Chicago witnessed not just a speech, but the birth of a global spiritual ambassador whose message of peace and universal brotherhood continues to resonate across the world. He promoted the idea that true spirituality should lead to tolerance, respect, and understanding among people of different backgrounds and beliefs. For him, youth equipped with strong character and willpower can ensure global transformation.

Swami Vivekananda firmly believed that lack of education was the root cause of people’s suffering. He appreciated the scientific education of the West but was of the view that Indian education should not be divorced from its rich cultural legacy. For him, keeping our spiritual and cultural identity alive was an equal identity. I am happy that today India led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has once again given the world the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the theme for the 18th G20 summit. ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ is the message that Prime Minister Modi ji has given to world leaders through the G20 Summit.

The teachings of Swami Vivekananda hold immense importance, resonating far beyond his lifetime. His philosophy centred on the harmony of religions, the unity of all beings, and the power of self-realization. His call for self-confidence, self-discipline, and selfless service continues to inspire individuals to strive for personal growth and contribute positively to society. His teachings have not only shaped modern Hinduism but have also influenced global perspectives on spirituality, interfaith dialogue, and the pursuit of a meaningful and purposeful life.

Swami Vivekananda felt that idealism could inspire us to work towards the greater good and uplift humanity, and advocated for selfless service to society. As we commemorate 130 years of the Parliament of the World’s Religions, let us reflect on the progress made in fostering religious tolerance and diversity, while also acknowledging the ongoing work required to ensure peaceful coexistence among different faiths. His teachings remain a beacon of hope, promoting a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and the potential for spiritual awakening. His vision revolved around the principles of unity, tolerance, and justice as essential components of social inclusion and harmony. His ideas will continue to inspire us to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.

(The writer is the Governor of Haryana. The views expressed are personal)