A new scholarly work shedding light on the profound and often overlooked influence of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda on Mahatma Gandhi was launched today by Dr. Nikhil Yadav, a prominent scholar of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement. The book, titled “Influence of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement on Gandhi”, was formally introduced at an event attended by spiritual leaders, academics, and enthusiasts of India’s rich philosophical heritage at Vivekananda Kendra Delhi Centre.

The booklet delves into how Gandhiji, despite never meeting these two spiritual titans, was deeply inspired by their teachings, which he often cited in speeches, letters, and discussions on various issues. Through this work the author, Dr. Nikhil Yadav explores the spiritual underpinnings of Gandhi’s philosophy and how the ideas of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda played a critical role in shaping his moral and political convictions.

Dr. Yadav’s research draws primarily from the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, offering a fresh perspective on the intersections between Gandhi’s thought and the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement. He highlights numerous instances where Gandhi referenced the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna, showcasing their significant impact on his worldview.

Several distinguished figures expressed their support for Dr. Nikhil Yadav’s work and praised the book’s timely relevance in today’s world.

“Dr. Nikhil Yadav, a keen student of the Ramakrishna Vivekananda movement, has penned a scholarly booklet that focuses on the profound influence of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda on the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. I do hope that this booklet will inspire one and all, especially our younger generation, to build a strong and vibrant India. My heartiest congratulations to Dr. Yadav for his labour of love,” said Swami Sarvalokananda, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi.

Sushri Nivedita Raghunath Bhide, Vice-President of the Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, added, “Anyone interested in understanding how Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, Ma Sarada Devi, and Sister Nivedita influenced the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi, should read this book. Dr. Nikhil Yadav has provided the context for every reference to them by Gandhiji. His thoughtful organization makes it accessible for scholars and readers alike.”

Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director of the Vivekananda International Foundation, commended the author’s unique approach: “The author connects the three giants of modern India brilliantly. The young generation will benefit immensely from this book.”

In “Influence of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement on Gandhi”, Dr. Nikhil Yadav meticulously documents how Gandhi not only read the works of Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna but also internalized their core philosophies, which shaped his approach to truth, nonviolence, and social reform. The book offers a systematic examination of the references made by Gandhi to these spiritual leaders across various media, emphasizing how their teachings influenced his personal and public life.

Gandhi’s deep respect for Swami Vivekananda, in particular, is evident through the numerous instances where people writing to him would quote the Swami’s words. The book highlights the cultural and spiritual resonance Vivekananda’s messages held, even among ordinary people who shared his ideas with Gandhi.

Dr. Yadav’s exploration of these influences provides a nuanced understanding of Gandhi’s thought and invites readers to reimagine the interconnectedness of spirituality, social action, and national identity that formed the foundation of modern India.

Dr. Nikhil Yadav currently serves as the Youth Head for the Vivekananda Kendra North Zone, overseeing regions including Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Dr. Nikhil Yadav holds a Ph.D. from the School of Social Science at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and has previously completed a Master’s in Ancient Indian History from the University of Delhi.

The launch of “The Influence of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement on Gandhi” marks an important contribution to contemporary scholarship on Gandhi and the spiritual movements that shaped his life. It serves as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the deeper philosophical currents that influenced the father of the nation.

For further information or to obtain a copy of the book, please contact:
Phone: 8558022556 (Dr. Nikhil Yadav)