Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 11: Recalling the contribution of Swami Vivekananda in awakening India and introducing the Indian philosophy of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world, the Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh said that Swami Vivekananda is revered as one of the most prolific thinker as well as philosophers of present era.
The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at a function organized by the Vivekananda Kendra today at SNS Public School to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s historical address delivered on 11th of September 1893 in the World Parliament of religions in Chicago. The day is being observed as the Universal brotherhood day to highlight his ideology and contribution.
Dr. Singh said that Vivekananda is credited with raising interfaith awareness and strengthening the concept of nationalism in colonial India and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion, adding that Vivekananda’s ideologies find universal acceptance cutting across the barrier of religion and region.
Exhorting upon the teachers to draw inspiration from the unique Guru-Disciple relationship of Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda in the history of spiritual master which helped Swami Vivekananda to remove his doubts and stride on the spiritual path, he said, “being a teacher myself I feel that we have an pivotal role to ensure that our students think logically and apply positive reasoning in every field, “.
“The younger generation can be the best torch bearers of the legacy of Swami Vivekananda and reinforce a sense of pride in our traditions, ethos and cultural heritage”, he elaborated and added that religion is not just a way of worship doctrines or rituals rather it’s a manifestation of our understanding the divinity within us and the translating the same it into good deeds.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that India is on the threshold of change under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and we are creating a niche in the socio-political and economic arena. He maintained that India has it’s strength in its spiritual heritage and a beautiful amalgam of different culture and ethos.
On the occasion, a symposium was also held on the topic “Swami Vivekananda’s contribution in awakening India” wherein students from various schools participated and highlighted the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
Radhika Choudhary, Anjum Akhtar and Haroon Yusuf were adjudged first, second and third respectively in the competition and were felicitated by the chief guest.
MLA Jammu West Sat Sharma and Shiv P. Raina were the guest of honour on the occasion while Virendrajeet Singh, Chairman Deen Dayal Upadhaya Research Institute, New Delhi and Chairman DBN Trust presided over the function.
G. C. Sanhotra and Dr. O. P. Gupta functionaries of Vivekananda Kendra Jammu exhorted upon the masses to follow the teachings of Swami Vivekananda to make India Vishwa Guru, so that universal brotherhood based on mutual respect and tolerance can be achieved.
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