Gujarat Power Engineering and Research

Institute, Mevad

ASSIGNMENT-1
“Write about a person who contributes to the world”

Name Hemal N Soni

En No. 211040107040

Semester 6

Branch Computer Engineering

Subject Contributor Personality Development

Program (CPDP)

Subject 3160002
Code
Topic “Swami Vivekananda”

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 TOPIC: SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Narendranath Datta
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 INTRODUCTION

Name: Narendranath
Surname: Datta
DOB: 12 January 1863
Birth Place: Kolkata
Father: Vishwanath Datta
Mother: Bhubaneswari Datta
Siblings: 8 siblings
Death: July 4, 1902
Death Place: Belur Math, Howrah
Known As: Swami Vivekananda

Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Datta in a Bengali family on 12

January 1863 during the Makar Sakaranti festival. He belonged to a
traditional family and was one of eight siblings.

About Parents:
Father, Vishwanath Datta, was a lawyer at the Calcutta High Court,
philanthropist and novelist. Vishwanath Datta was working as a
successful lawyer when he died in 1884 at the age of 49. He was
suffering from diabetes and heart ailments.
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His mother, Bhubaneswari Devi Devi,, was a religious housewife. The
progressive, rational attitude of Narendra's father and the religious
temperament of his mother helped shape his thinking and personality.
Narendra was mischievous and restless as a child, and his parents often
had difficulty controlling him. His mother said, "I prayed to Shiva for a
son and he has sent me one of his demons".

Vishwanath Datta Bhubaneshwari Devi

Education:
 He received his early education at home under the guidance of several
tutors. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was a lawyer and an ardent
supporter of education, which allowed Narendranath to have access to
a rich learning environment from a young age.

After completing his primary education, Narendranath attended the

Metropolitan Institution in Kolkata, where he excelled in various
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subjects, including literature, history, philosophy, and Western classical
music. He later joined the Presidency College in Kolkata, where he
studied Western philosophy, science, and literature.
Despite his academic pursuits, Narendranath was deeply drawn to
spirituality from a young age. He was influenced by the teachings of
Hindu scriptures and the lives of saints and mystics. His interest in
spirituality led him to seek out various spiritual teachers and explore
different paths of religious practice.
He was also interested in Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas,
the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and
the Puranas. Narendra was trained in Indian classical music and
regularly participated in physical exercise, sports and organised
activities. While studying Western philosophers, he also learned Sanskrit
scriptures and Bengali literature.

Great Power:

Narendra was known for his prodigious memory and the ability at speed
reading. Several incidents have been given as examples. In a talk, he
once quoted verbatim, two or three pages from Pickwick Papers.
Another incident that is given is his argument with a Swedish national
where he gave reference to some details on Swedish history that the
Swede originally disagreed with but later conceded. In another incident
with Dr. Paul Deussen's at Kiel in Germany, Vivekananda was going
over some poetical work and did not reply when the professor spoke to
him. Later, he apologised to Dr. Deussen explaining that he was too
absorbed in reading and hence did not hear him. The professor was not
satisfied with this explanation, but Vivekananda quoted and interpreted

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verses from the text, leaving the professor dumbfounded about his feat
of memory.
Once, he requested some books written by Sir John Lubbock from a
library and returned them the very next day, claiming that he had read
them.. The librarian refused to believe him, until cross
cross-examination
examination about
the contents convinced him that Vivekananda was indeed being truthful.
Some accounts have called Narendra a shrutidhara (a person with a
prodigious memory).

Ramkrishna Paramhans
Paramhans:
In 1881,
1, Narendra first met Ramakrishna paramhans, who became his
spiritual focus after his own father had died in 1884.

Ramakrishna Paramhans

They probably first met personally in November 1881, though Narendra

did not consider this their first meeting, and neither man
an mentioned this
meeting later. In late 1881 or early 1882, Narendra went to
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Dakshineswar with two friends and met Ramakrishna paramhans. This
meeting proved to be a turning point in his life. Although he did not
initially accept Ramakrishna paramhans as his teacher and rebelled
against his ideas, he was attracted by his personality and began to
frequently visit him at Dakshineswar.

Narendra's father's sudden death in 1884 left the family bankrupt;

creditors began demanding the repayment of loans, and relatives
threatened to evict the family from their ancestral home. Narendra, once
a son of a well-to-do family, became one of the poorest students in his
college. He unsuccessfully tried to find work and questioned God's
existence, but found comfort in Ramakrishna paramhans and his visits to
Dakshineswar increased.

From a young age, Ramakrishna showed a deep inclination towards

spirituality. He was intensely curious about religious matters and began
experiencing spiritual ecstasies from an early age.

One day, Narendra requested Ramakrishna paramhans to pray to

goddess Kali for their family's financial welfare. Ramakrishna
paramhans instead suggested him to go to the temple himself and pray.
Following Ramakrishna paramhans's suggestion, he went to the temple
thrice, but failed to pray for any kind of worldly necessities and
ultimately prayed for true knowledge and devotion from the goddess.
Narendra gradually grew ready to renounce everything for the sake of
realizing God, and accepted Ramakrishna paramhans as his Guru.
Ramakrishna paramhans died in the early-morning hours of 16 August
1886.

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Ramakrishna's life and teachings continue to inspire millions of people
worldwide. His message of religious harmony, spiritual realization, and
service to humanity
anity remains relevant in the modern world. After
Ramakrishna's passing in 1886, his disciples, led by Swami
Vivekananda, established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.

Quotes:
Swami Vivekananda had written so many quotes,, from that there are
some quotes listed below:

1. Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is achieved.

2. The greatest sin is to think yourself weak.
3. You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.
4. In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart.
5. Take risks in your life, if you win, you can lead! If you lose, you can
guide!

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6. The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves
strong.
7. Strength is life; weakness is death.
8. Be a hero. Always say, 'I have no fear.
9. Stand up, be bold, and take the blame on your own shoulders. Do not
go about throwing mud at other; for all the faults you suffer, you are
the sole and only cause

Quotes of swami Vivekananda serve as guiding principles for

individuals seeking personal growth, societal transformation, and
spiritual realization. Vivekananda's quotes often emphasize self-
confidence, inner strength, courage, and the pursuit of excellence.

Most Iconic Moment of Swami Vivekananda’s Life:

Swami Vivekananda has his speech at the Parliament of the World's
Religions in Chicago in 1893. It was a historic event where Vivekananda
represented Hinduism and Indian spirituality on a global platform.

Vivekananda's speech began with his iconic words, "Sisters and

Brothers of America," which immediately captivated the audience. He
proceeded to address the audience, expressing his gratitude for the
opportunity to speak and representing the rich spiritual heritage of India,
particularly Hinduism. He spoke passionately about the concept of
tolerance, acceptance, and the harmony of religions that Hinduism
promotes.

When it was Swami Vivekananda's turn, he approached the table with a

stack of books. He placed the Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture of
Hinduism, at the top of the stack and then proceeded to place other
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religious texts, such as the Bible and the Quran, below it. He
acknowledged the importance of respecting all religious traditions but
emphasized that the Bhagavad Gita held a special significance for him
and for the people of India.

In the United States, a Christian had invited Swami Vivekananda to

his home with the intention to mock the Swami's religiosity. He
welcomed the Swami at home and showed the latter his book rack. He
pointed towards a pile of books which were placed in such a way that
the Bhagavad Gita was placed at the bottom of the pile, followed by
other religious books and the Bible was placed at the top of the pile. He
then questioned the Swami, "I usually do my reading here. Don't you
like the way I arranged my books?

The Swami replied, "I sure do. The books are very organized and
arranged neatly. The ones on the top stand firmly because the
foundation is exceedingly strong."

Death:
Swami Vivekananda, the renowned Hindu monk and spiritual leader,
passed away on July 4, 1902, at the young age of 39. His death occurred
at the Belur Math monastery near Kolkata, India, where he had spent his
final days.
The exact cause of Swami Vivekananda's death remains somewhat
unclear. Some reports suggest that he had been in declining health for
some time, possibly due to complications related to diabetes and other
ailments. Additionally, Vivekananda had led a life of rigorous spiritual
practice and intense activity, which may have contributed to his physical
exhaustion.
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On the day of his passing, Swami Vivekananda was engaged in
meditation when he suddenly experienced a divine vision. He exclaimed,
"He who was Vivekananda is now merging into the Infinite," and then
fell into a deep state of Samadhi. His disciples and followers gathered
around him, witnessing the serene expression on his face as he departed
from this world.
Swami Vivekananda is one of the most eminent spiritual leaders India
has produced. His birth anniversary is celebrated in India as ‘National
Youth Day’ and hence is part of the culture/history syllabus.
On the day of his passing, Swami Vivekananda had been meditating at
Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and
Ramakrishna Mission, located near Kolkata, India. After his meditation
session, he reportedly asked his disciples to meditate while he retired to
his room. Later, when one of his disciples went to check on him, they
found him in a state of deep meditation, but upon closer examination, it
was realized that he had passed away.

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 Contribution Swami Vivekananda Did

1. Introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the West:

Swami Vivekananda's most famous contribution to introducing Vedanta
and Yoga to the West occurred at the Parliament of the World's
Religions held in Chicago in 1893. His iconic speech beginning with
"Sisters and brothers of America" captivated the audience and
introduced them to the principles of Vedanta and Yoga.
Vedanta Yoga sometimes
called Yoga Vedanta is a
means of obtaining union
with the divine or higher
Self through inner
knowledge and learning.
The term comes from the
ancient Sanskrit
language; veda means “true knowledge” or “sacred
knowledge,” anta means “end” and yoga means “union”.
Swami Vivekananda's introduction of Vedanta philosophy and Yoga to
the Western world marked a significant milestone in the history of
cross-cultural exchange and spiritual understanding. Through his
lectures and writings, Vivekananda elucidated the profound teachings of
Vedanta, emphasizing the unity of existence, the divinity of the soul,
and the path to self-realization.
He also popularized the practice of Yoga, highlighting its transformative
power to cultivate inner peace, clarity of mind, and spiritual awakening.
Vivekananda's efforts helped to bridge the gap between Eastern and

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Western philosophies, fostering greater appreciation and understanding
of India's spiritual heritage in the global arena.
There were three important principles of Vedanta Philosophy of
Vivekananda. They were as follows:
 Vedanta believed in the oneness between god and man and the
solidarity of the Universe.
 It did not stand for a life of renunciation but stood for self-less
action in the services and humanity. Hence, service of man should
be considered as service of god.
 It propagated the life principle of universal tolerance and believed
that different religious faiths were different paths to reach the goal
of liberation.
Through his speeches, writings, and organizational efforts, Swami
Vivekananda played a crucial role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to
the West, fostering cross-cultural understanding and spiritual exchange
that continues to influence individuals and societies worldwide.

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2. Chicago Address at the Parliament of the World's Religions:
Swami Vivekananda's address at the Parliament of the World's
Religions in Chicago in 1893 is considered one of the most influential
speeches of the Parliament and a landmark event in the history of
interfaith dialogue.
Swami Vivekananda's historic speech at the Parliament of the World's
Religions in Chicago in 1893 was a watershed moment that introduced
Hinduism and Indian spirituality to the Western world. His address,
which began with the iconic words "Sisters and Brothers of America,"
captivated the audience and garnered widespread acclaim.
Vivekananda emphasized the universality of religious truths, calling for
tolerance, acceptance, and the harmony of religions. His eloquent
articulation of Hindu philosophy, coupled with his charismatic presence,
left a lasting impression on the attendees and helped to dispel
misconceptions about Hinduism. Vivekananda's speech paved the way
for greater interfaith dialogue and laid the foundation for the global
dissemination of Indian spirituality.

Swami Vivekananda at the World Parliament of Religious, Chicago, 1893

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Here are some key contributions and aspects of his address:
1. Introduction of Vedanta and Hinduism to the West:
2. Promotion of Religious Tolerance and Universal Brotherhood:
3. Assertion of Indian Spiritual Heritage:
4. Appeal for Social Justice and Equality
5. Legacy of Inspiration and Influence
Vivekananda's speech served as an introduction of Vedanta, a major
school of Hindu philosophy, to the Western world. He explained the
essence of Hinduism and Vedanta, emphasizing the universality of its
principles and their relevance to all humanity.
Alongside his spiritual message, Vivekananda addressed social issues,
advocating for justice, equality, and humanitarian values. He condemned
discrimination based on caste, creed, or gender and called for the
upliftment of the downtrodden.
His emphasis on the practical application of spiritual ideals in social
reform inspired many to work towards a more just and compassionate
society.
Vivekananda's speech left a lasting impact on the Parliament attendees
and the wider world. His message of self-confidence, self-realization,
and service motivated countless individuals to pursue spiritual growth
and social change.

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3. Advocacy of Universal Brotherhood:

Swami Vivekananda made significant contributions to the advocacy of

brotherhood, emphasizing the essential unity of humanity and
promoting harmony among individuals regardless of differences in race,
religion, or nationality.

Swami Vivekananda's advocacy of universal brotherhood remains one

of his most enduring contributions to the wo
world.
rld. He envisioned a world
where people of different faiths and backgrounds would come together
in mutual respect and understanding.

Vivekananda emphasized the essential unity of all beings, teaching that

behind the diversity of religious beliefs lies a common spiritual essence.

Swami Vivekananda wrote quote on brotherhood that is “there is no

friendship without equality”.

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He called upon humanity to transcend narrow sectarianism and embrace
the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, seeing the world as one
family

Vivekananda's message of universal brotherhood continues to inspire

individuals and communities to bridge divides, promote inclusivity, and
work towards a more harmonious and compassionate world.

Vivekananda propagated the idea of universal brotherhood, asserting

that all individuals are interconnected and part of the same divine
essence.

Vivekananda inspired countless individuals to dedicate themselves to

the service of others and the betterment of society. He emphasized the
importance of selfless service as a means of expressing love and
compassion towards fellow human beings.

Vivekananda's own life exemplified the ideals of service and sacrifice,

inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and contribute to the welfare
of humanity.

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4. Promotion of Social Reform:

Social reform is a reshaping or reforming of culturally accepted laws

and norms in light of new cultural paradigms that occur over time.

Swami Vivekananda, a renowned scholar, and philosopher of that time

worked in different fields as he was very much inclined to Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa of selfless work for mankind and humanity.

Swami Vivekananda was deeply committed to social reform and

worked tirelessly to address the social and economic inequalities
prevalent in Indian society. He championed the cause of the poor, the
oppressed, and the marginalized, advocating for their rights and dignity.
Vivekananda condemned caste-based discrimination and untouchability,
calling for the upliftment of the downtrodden and the eradication of
social injustices.

He believed that true spirituality should manifest in selfless service to

humanity, and he actively engaged in various philanthropic activities to
alleviate the suffering of the poor. Vivekananda's efforts laid the
groundwork for social reform movements in India and inspired
generations of social activists to strive for a more just and equitable
society.

Social Reforms for Women Upliftment:

Swami Vivekananda held high for the rights of women and gloried
them. He promoted women’s Upliftment and was deeply concerned
about the right of women and the oppression against them.

According to Swami Vivekananda, women had the power to build a

nation and shape the Future thus should be given proper education.

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He had many literary works and documentaries speaking about
Women’s upliftment and such as Swami Vivekananda On India and Her
Problems. He considered women as “Shakti” the ultimate power.

Social Reforms on Religion:

Swami Vivekananda was highly influenced by Vedantic philosophy and

was one of its great admirers. Though he considered Hinduism as the
mother of all Religions.
He also believes in monotheism- the concept of all God. He believed
that all religions teach “PEACE, HARMONY, HUMANITY, through
different ways but with one common goal”.

Social Reforms on Education:

Swami Vivekananda’s educational aspect was based on inculcating
education as the fundamental right of all masses and believed in mass
education.

He was a modern thinker and tried instilling modern and western

Education in women, rights of education for lower sections of society
and all are more modern than the educationists that prevailed in ancient
India.

He paid more attention and focus on instilling Technical and industrial

training as considering the economic prospect of the masses.

Social Reforms on Poverty:

Although Swami Vivekananda was a meditational man. He has taken
some pioneer steps in productivity and the eradication of
poverty. Inspired by his Guru Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, has inspired
people to come into action and do the welfare of society.

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Swamiji stimulated the culture of modern life in India by motivating the
Rajasic virtues in the Indian citizens. According to Swamiji, religion
can be the steering force in executing all the social changes in the
country.

Swami Vivekanand wrote very beautiful quote on reform of religion

that is “You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself”.

These were all inspired by his Vedantic ideas. He stood against feudal
and colonial oppression.

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5. Empowerment of the Youth:

Swami Vivekananda had a profound vision for the empowerment of

youth, recognizing them as the future leaders and catalysts for positive
change in society. He believed in harnessing the energy, enthusiasm,
and idealism of young people to bring about meaningful transformation.

Swami Vivekananda had a profound impact on the youth of his time and
continues to inspire young people around the world to this day. He
believed that the youth possessed im immense
mense potential to bring about
positive change and encouraged them to harness their energies for
constructive purposes. Vivekananda emphasized the importance of self-
self
confidence, self-reliance,
reliance, and a strong sense of purpose in life.

He urged young people to cultivate their intellect, develop their

character, and work tirelessly towards their goals. Vivekananda's
message resonated deeply with the youth, instilling in them a sense of
optimism, courage, and social responsibility. His teachings continue to
empower
ower young minds to overcome obstacles, pursue excellence, and
contribute meaningfully to society.

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Great quote on empowerment of youth that was wrote by swami
Vivekananda “Talk to yourself once in a day, otherwise you may miss
meeting an intelligent person in this world.”
Quote of Swami Vivekananda helps the youth for improving attitude,
Leadership, character and personality.

Unleashing Inner Potential:

Vivekananda emphasized the importance of self-realization and self-
discovery among young people.
He believed that every individual possesses immense potential and that
it is essential to awaken and channelize this potential towards
constructive ends.
Vivekananda encouraged young people to discover their innate talents,
strengths, and passions, and to strive for excellence in whatever they
pursued.

Education and Knowledge:

Vivekananda placed great emphasis on education as a means of
empowering youth and fostering their holistic development. He believed
in the importance of acquiring both academic knowledge and practical
skills, along with moral and spiritual values.
Vivekananda advocated for an education system that not only imparted
technical expertise but also instilled a sense of social responsibility,
critical thinking, and ethical conduct.

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Building Character and Leadership:
Vivekananda stressed the significance of character building and
leadership development among young people. He believed that true
leadership arises from moral integrity, self-discipline, and a spirit of
service.
Vivekananda encouraged youth to cultivate qualities such as courage,
resilience, compassion, and humility, which are essential for effective
leadership and positive influence in society.

Social Engagement and Service:

Vivekananda urged young people to actively engage with the pressing
social issues of their time and to contribute to the welfare of their
communities. He believed in the transformative power of selfless service
(seva) as a means of personal growth and social upliftment.
Vivekananda encouraged youth to identify the needs and challenges
facing society and to work collaboratively towards finding sustainable
solutions.

Inspiration and Motivation:

Vivekananda served as a source of inspiration and motivation for young
people through his teachings, speeches, and exemplary life. He
challenged youth to rise above mediocrity, overcome obstacles, and
strive for excellence in all their endeavors.
Vivekananda's message of self-confidence, self-reliance, and selfless
service resonated deeply with young people, inspiring them to pursue
their dreams and contribute positively to the world.

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6. Establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission:

The Ramakrishna Mission was established with the main goal of serving
Mankind. Swami Vivekananda. It was established in 1897 in Belur.
Carrying his work for nobility he visited many places and one being
Chicago, where looking at his persona and charm as the young monk he
was announced Man of the Parliament and this popularity helped him
gain great support in his mission of spreading mank
mankind
ind and serving the
Society.

Through its various initiatives in education, healthcare, rural

development, and disaster relief, the Ramakrishna Mission strives to
alleviate human suffering and uplift the marginalized sections of
society. Vivekananda envisi
envisioned
oned the mission as a dynamic platform for
selfless service and spiritual transformation, embodying the spirit of
renunciation and compassion. The Ramakrishna Mission's continued
efforts in the fields of education, healthcare, and social welfare are a
testament
ament to Vivekananda's enduring
legacy of service and sacrifice.
The
he ultimate goal of the Ramakrishna
Mission is “Atmano Mokshartham Jagat
Hitaya Cha” which means soul salvation
can be attained by serving Mankind
selflessly and unconditionally.
The Ramakrishna mission taught and
encouraged the Vedantic philosophy and
worked for instilling the spiritual aspect in
the society.

It worked towards carrying the philanthropic work at the time of natural

disaster/calamities such as famine, earthquake, floodflood,, epidemics,
pandemics, etc., and other natural calamities.
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Swami Vivekananda has worked with sheer sincerity and got success in
establishing this mission not only in India but also set up its branches out
of India as in England, Germany, spread its branches not only in India
but also in America, Germany, England, Switzerland, and other
European countries.

To propagate the harmony of all religions as Sri Ramakrishna’s

preachings taught that all religions through different pathways but
ultimately lead to the same goal of serving mankind and Humanity.

To impart the Gurukul system of Education where the Educational

Institutions serve as Home to the Gurus and students and build a
harmonious relationship between them.

 Swami Vivekananda was not only a social reformer, and

philosopher but also a Monk of par excellence and this made him
leave an epoch mark in History.

 With a short life of fewer than forty years, he inspired the youth to
fight against social issues like Poverty, superstition, illiteracy,
women’s upliftment untouchability, and tyranny of the society.

 In his life journey as a monk traveling from the Himalayas to

Kanyakumari, mixed with all classes of people and treated them
with humility and love, thus making a great place in their hearts
and leaving a great mark and Footprint in History.

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