National Youth Day

India celebrates 12^th January as the National Youth Day every year since the 1985 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. In 1984, the Government of India decided to celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s birthday as the National Youth Day or the Yuva Divas as his teachings and beliefs guide our country towards the importance of human development for the progress of any nation. Quoting the Government of India communication ‘it was felt that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth’.

Who is Swami Vivekananda?

Swami Vivekananda was an Indian Hindu monk who contributed extensively to the concept of nationalism and patriotism in colonial India (19^th century to be precise). He is respected in the western world for introducing the world to Hinduism, Indian philosophies (specially Vedanta and Yoga). He founded the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission inspired by the teachings of his guru Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansadev. He travelled extensively all around the world including India to spread the teachings of Hinduism and his belief of inter-faith dialogue. He inspired many famous people who often quote him, like Sri Aurobindo, Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranth Tagore, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Jamsetji Tata etc.

Relevance and importance of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings today

Today with the people of the world going at war in the name of religion, it is important to re-live the ideals of this great man who never insulted or demeaned other religions. He believed all religions are an ultimate way to the path that leads to God. There is a lot of talk about intolerance in our country today. It will be great to imbibe the principals of this great man, who taught to respect the others, be tolerant and have universal acceptance. There are wars in Syria, Afghanistan where people want to use religion as a means to control people and the way to reach God.

The world will be more peaceful if teachings of Vivekananda are practiced wholeheartedly everywhere. He was a rare man who could connect with the people he spoke to and the people who heard his speeches.

By- Vishakha Yadav

Disclaimer- The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Mumbai Smiles.