Swami Vivekanand was born in a rich family in Calcutta in 1863. His real name was Narendra Nath Datta.
He was well-versed in wrestling, boxing, swimming, horse-riding, etc. He passed B.A with distinction. In his young age, he was influenced by western ideas like other educated Indian youths and suspected his own religion.
In order to understand his own religion he was attracted towards Brahma Samaj, but he was not at peace. In November, 1887 he met Ramakrishna Paramhansa at Dakshineshwar and all his doubts were cleared. He became follower of Paramhansa and his name was changed from Narendra Nath to Swami Vivekanand. His first mission was to make acceptable to the youths his own interpretation of religion. To re-establish reverence for the Hindu religion was his second mission and his third mission was to develop a feeling of self-dignity among Indians. He fulfilled all his three missions, in a short span of 39 years. The interpretation of his new religion was,“Dharma is the development of inherent godliness in man. Religion is neither in the books nor in religious principles. It is there only in feelings. It is an extremely natural element of life.”
In 1893 he attended the Chicago “Sarv Dharma Sammelan” and by his address he made the audience spell bound. A newspaper in New York had written about his address. “In this Parliament of religions, Vivekanand is the greatest person. After listening to his address, suddenly the question arises as how foolish it is to send religious preachers to such a knowledgeable country.” This is how Swami Vivekanand elevated the Hindu religion. He worked through the Ramakrishana Mathas for organising Ramakrishna Mission which however came into existence in 1909 after his death. This mission is now doing important tasks of preaching education, medical treatment and helping the victims of famines, floods, earthquakes and sufferers of communicable diseases.
Swami Vivekanand was in favour of education, revival of women status and economic progress. He condemned conservatism, superstition, poverty and illiteracy. He was against untouchability and did not agree to Varna distinctions based on birth. He worked for public welfare.
Besides he contributed towards building nationalism. He told, “Weakness is sin, it is death and fear is the greatest disease.” His most inspiring words for the Indians, “I along with my body is Indian, whole of India is my body. Himalaya is my head; east and west are my arms and by extending them, I embrace the brethern of my own country.”
