Why in News?
Digvijay Diwas has been celebrated every year on September 11 to mark the day that Swami Vivekananda delivered his historic speech on 11 September 1893 in Chicago at the World's Parliament of Religion. It was his first important discourse that introduced the non-Western culture and tradition of India to the Americans and created an alternate perception of Indian Philosophy, Vedanta and Hinduism.
Why is Digvijay Diwas Celebrated?
- On September 11, 1893, Swami Vivekananda stood before the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago and delivered his historic speech to a captivated audience.
- He began his discourse with the words "Sisters and Brothers of America" and immediately connected to the audience.
- His message crossed religious, national, and ideological boundaries. He spoke about religious tolerance, harmony, universal brotherhood and India's spiritual traditions.
- After the Parliament session, he spent nearly three and a half years propagating the Vedanta philosophy, particularly in the eastern part of the US and London.
About Swami Vivekananda
- Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Datta in Kolkata on 12th January 1863.
- He got introduced to meditation at a young age and was a part of the Brahmo Movement for a while.
- While studying at Calcutta University, he acquired extensive knowledge of various subjects, including Western philosophy and history.
- In November 1881, he met Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa at Dakshineshwar. This meeting laid the foundation for an incredible guru-disciple bond.
- Under the guidance of Sri Ramakrishna, he was inspired to follow the path of renunciation, spiritual cultivation, and service of humanity.
- Following the demise of Sri Ramakrishna in 1886, Narendra accepted sannyasa vows and henceforth was known as Swami Vivekananda.
- Around 1890, he started traveling across India and saw the poverty-stricken masses, ignorance, and social backwardness.
- Vivekananda believed that the way to improve the economic and social condition of the people was through education as it would create awareness, self-confidence, and self-respect.
- He advocated secular education and spiritual knowledge of Practical Vedanta.
- Besides, he stressed the upliftment of the poor and women by emphasizing social service.
Ramakrishna Mission
- The Ramakrishna Mission was started by Swami Vivekananda on May 1, 1897.
- It focused on uniting monks and laymen to spread Practical Vedanta and to work for the well-being of society.
- This organization was involved in running hospitals, schools, colleges, hostels, and rural development centers and also did disaster relief and rehabilitation work.
- Vivekananda set up a monastery at Belur (on the west bank of the Ganga) in early 1898, where he practiced an idealistic blend of ascetic and social life.
