Swami Vivekananda

Sawmi Vivekananda born in Kolkata, India on January 12, 1863.He studied at Presidency College and Scottish Church College in Kolkata where he studied western logic, western philosophy and history of European nations.

Even at his young age he questioned the validity of superstitious customs and discrimination based on caste and religion. He worked with Brahmo Samaj, and important religious movement of that time. Later became a disciple of Sri Ramakrisha. Five years of training under Ramakrishna transformed him from a restless, puzzled and impatient youth to a mature man.

After the death of Ramakrishna, Vivekananda renounced the world and started a journey that took him all over Indian Subcontinent. During his journey he stayed on King’s places as well as the huts of the poor. He came in close contact with the culture of different regions of India and various classes of people in India. He observed the imbalances in the society and problems his mother land faces.

Vivekananda represented Hinduism at the World parliament of Religions in Chicago, 1893. He successfully introduced Yoga, Vedanta and greatness of Hinduism to the west at a time when they regarded India as a land of barbarians.

Vivekananda talked extensively about India, her problems and her future through lectures and writings. He influenced twentieth century Indian leaders, including Gandhiji, Subhash Chandra Bose, Tagore, and Aurobindo Ghosh. National Youth Day in India is on his birthday, January 12.