Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 12: Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Tourism, Culture, Horticulture, Floriculture and Parks, Priya Sethi today attended the Universal Brotherhood Day celebrations at Government College for Women Parade.
This day is celebrated each year on September 11 to commemorate the famous Chicago address of Swami Vivekananda in the World Parliament of Religions in 1893.
Speaking on the occasion, Priya Sethi said that Vivekananda preached the message of inter-faith awareness, religious tolerance and universal brotherhood; and taught the world that the underlying message of all religions is same and service to mankind is the most effective form of worship of God.
Referring to Chicago address of Swami Vivekananda in the World Parliament of Religions in 1893, the Minister said that one hundred and twenty three years after his speech, Vivekananda’s message to the world is still relevant to the present day world marred by religious radicalization and conflicts.
She said the world has much to learn from Swami ji’s teachings to fight its way out of the clutches of vices like sectarianism, bigotry, fascism, fanaticism, racism and others that are destroying civilizations and sending many a nations into despair.
The Minister stressed upon the youth to follow the path shown by Swami Vivekananda as it is the only way in fostering universal brotherhood based on mutual respect and tolerance. She further said that his teachings are apt for solving the problems being faced by our State and our country.
The Minister said that Swami Vivekananda will always be remembered for his relentless effort to make the world a place of truth, beauty, and goodness. The thoughts of Swami Vivekananda pertaining to religion, patriotism, morale and nation building should be further institutionalized and youth should be educated about the same, she added.
Guest of honor Pt. Shiv Prasad Raina also highlighted the role of Swami ji in awakening the Indian masses and strengthening the struggle for freedom. He also highlighted the message of Swami ji regarding divinity of each soul and oneness of God.
On the occasion, an essay writing contest on the topic ‘Chicago Addresses by Swami Vivekananda and its impact on India and the World’ was organized among the students of seven degree colleges of Jammu city.
Sumegha Vaid of GCW Gandhi Nagar emerged 1st while Sabiha Beig of SPMR College of Commerce and Shagun Thakur of GCW Gandhi Nagar secured 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
Swami Ekarthananda of RK Mission, Principal GCW Parade, staff and students from GCW Parade and other participating colleges and members of the Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Jammu branch were present on the occasion.