Dr. Neha Sinha*
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| Image Source: VIF |
In the history of mankind, there have been rare instances where the introductory words spoken by a person have electrified the whole audience as much as Swami Vivekananda’s groundbreaking speech to the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions. Beginning with the words “Sisters and Brothers of America,” the speech managed to not only eliminate the difference between Swamiji’s status as a person belonging to a different nation and religion, but also made the audience realise that they were in the presence of a great personality, who could really show them the path of universal brotherhood.
Moreover, in human history, we have rarely found leaders who are proud of their own regional identity, and at the same time have universal concern for the human race across the globe. Their vision, mission, concern, and contribution appear equally for their country, as well as progress for humanity. Swami Vivekananda, the "Hindu Yogi", as he was called in London during his stay in the late nineteenth century, is one such figure in history. He was proud of "Hinduism" - his religion, and had enormous love for his country and the culture. At the same time, he was dedicated towards promoting "Universal Brotherhood". What is of more importance, that none of the works reveal any contradiction in his lectures, letters or his practical chores which he performed during his lifespan, and later continued through his organisation Ramakrishna Mission. The organisation is named after his spiritual guide, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886), which Swamiji founded in the year 1897.
Full Article at: https://www.vifindia.org/article/2022/may/20/remembering-swami-vivekananda-s-concept-of-universal-brotherhood-on-africa-day
*Dr. Neha Sinha teaches at Amity Institute of International Studies, Amity University, Noida.
