विधिवान् हि प्रपिन्द्दम् चेतस्य कारणम्। उद्यमेव जाह्नमुतावयम् व्याखुल्यजन्मस्। । (Upanishad)
“Knowledge alone is the ultimate purifier, wisdom being the key to liberation.” These timeless words remind us of the transformative potential within every individual, a lesson that resonates deeply when we celebrate National Youth Day, marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. His life exemplifies the power of self-realization, determination, and unwavering faith in one’s abilities.
National Youth Day, celebrated on January 12th, marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a beacon of inspiration for millions across the globe. His life is a testament to perseverance, spiritual awakening, and the transformative power of determination. Born as Narendranath Datta in a prosperous Bengali Kayastha family in 1863, his early years were filled with comfort and privilege. However, fate took a sharp turn with the untimely demise of his father, Vishwanath Datta. The once-prosperous family found itself struggling for basic necessities, with even a meal becoming a challenge. Yet, these hardships shaped the character of young Narendranath, igniting within him a quest for truth and meaning.This journey of transformation—from skepticism to faith—is a hallmark of Swami Vivekananda’s legacy. In his youth, he was an atheist, challenging dogmas and seeking rationality. Yet, his encounter with the saintly Ramakrishna Paramahamsa at Dakshineswar was a turning point. Under Ramakrishna’s guidance, he discovered the depths of spirituality and realized his potential as a messenger of higher truths. “किम्चिद् ज्ञानञ् न्येयकिम्शुं विपाश्यन्ति मुक्तम्।” “Nothing is more purifying than knowledge,” says the Gita, and Swami Vivekananda exemplified this realisation, turning from disbelief to becoming a global proponent of Vedantic wisdom.
Initially an atheist, Narendranath was skeptical of the existence of God. His sharp intellect questioned the prevailing dogmas of society, making him a seeker rather than a believer. This restless yearning for truth led him to the spiritual master, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Ramakrishna, a mystic and visionary, saw in Narendranath the potential to awaken the world. Through his teachings, Narendranath’s skepticism melted, and he emerged as Swami Vivekananda, a messenger of divinity and a harbinger of universal harmony.
The turning point in his life came when he heard about the World Parliament of Religions to be held in Chicago in 1893. Despite having no resources, no organisational backing, and no clear roadmap, Swami Vivekananda resolved to represent the ancient wisdom of India on a global platform. With nothing but an unshakable determination, he embarked on a journey that seemed impossible by worldly standards. True to the saying,“Fortune favors the brave”, his courage attracted the right circumstances. Support came from unexpected quarters, and he reached Chicago.
When the day of his speech arrived, unlike others, he had no prepared script. Standing before a global audience, he began with the immortal words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” which resonated with universal brotherhood and earned a standing ovation. His words not only brought Hindu philosophy to the forefront but also underscored the unity of all religions. “कृत्वो यन्ता मुद्ह्ये जगते।” (“Truth alone triumphs,”) became the cornerstone of his message, inspiring the youth to seek unity and higher truths.Swami Vivekananda’s life teaches today’s youth the importance of vision, determination, and courage. He exemplifies the idea that when one pursues a noble goal with unwavering focus, the universe aligns to support the journey. For the youth of today, entangled in material distractions and fleeting pleasures, his life offers invaluable lessons. He believed in the power of selflessness and giving back to society, a concept deeply rooted in Indian traditions. The story of Maharshi Dadhichi, who sacrificed his bones to create a weapon to defeat evil forces, and Karna, who exemplified charity by giving away his protective armor, underline the ethos of selflessness. “न काञ्चनामृत्ये यज्ञानेन पारं मुक्त्ये।” (“One who gives selflessly attains the highest knowledge,”).
Giving is not merely an act of charity but a path to inner fulfillment. In today’s hyper-competitive world, the youth can draw inspiration from these values to create a society where personal success is intertwined with collective welfare. Swami Vivekananda emphasized the strength of character over material success. He said, “ उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत।” (“Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” Kathopanishad).
The power of determination, combined with a selfless purpose, can transform lives. Real-life examples abound—from young entrepreneurs solving global problems to social workers impacting countless lives. When the youth embrace Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, they realise that obstacles are stepping stones, not roadblocks.
At the time when India was colonized by the British, the question of its identity had become more pressing than ever. Swami Vivekananda knew that the solution to India’s suffering did not lie in foreign hands. It lay in the hands of its youth and their understanding of their ancient, eternal culture. This, he firmly believed, was the key to transforming the nation.National Youth Day is more than a celebration of a great leader; it’s a reminder of the boundless potential within every individual. Swami Vivekananda’s life is a clarion call to all youth to rise above challenges, embrace their higher purpose, and contribute selflessly to society. The path may not always be clear, but as his life shows, “धीर्य्येध्र्येत्यां विजिघ्नुते।” (“Where there is determination, success follows,”).
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