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Humanity above any religion, said Swami Vivekananda

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“otho, jaago, egiye cholo” (arise, wake-up, don’t stop till you reach your goal), were the inspiring words by Swami Vivekananda whose teaching were simple but practical. World is celebrating his 159th birth anniversary on Thursday January 12th today.

Special programmes are organised across all the Ramakrishna Missions in the country and outside India. The main function was held at Swami Vivekananda’s residence in Shimla Road, north Kolkata. Apart from that, special puja was also held at the Belur Math in Howrah district of West Bengal where Swami Vivekananda took samadhi at the age of 39. The Belur Math is also the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission sect.

Swami Vivekananda always said humanity above any religion. He asked, “maanush r jonne dhormo na dhoro r jonne maanush?” (Is religion for people or people for religion?). He followed the philosophies laid down by his Master or ‘guru’, Ramakrishna Paramhansa who spoke of simple and practical way to follow religion. He believed God is one and to reach Him all one is required to do is to madidate. Swamiji, once said people should play football than sitting in prayers whole day long.

This day each year is also celebrated as National Youth Day. Swami Vivekananda always placed the youth power above everything and said any country can prosper only if the youth in that country are disciplined and dedicated in their goals.

President Draupadi Murmu tweeted to pay her tributes to Swami Vivekananda.

“My tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary! An iconic personality who combined spirituality and patriotism, he propagated Indian values globally. His life and teachings continue to inspire youth to follow their dreams and achieve greater goals.”

The Prime Minister in his message said his great ideals and ideas will continue to guide the countrymen. PM Modi said, the life, patriotism, spiritualism and dedication will always inspire the youth.

PM Modi who had a deep connection with the Ramakrishna Mission since his early days and had once decided to join the sect also mentioned how the life and teaching of Swami Vivekananda had a major influence on him.

The day is also observed as the National Youth Day.

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Kalpataru Utsav is being celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervor

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Kalpataru Utsav or festival is being celebrated across all the Ramakrishna Missions in India and outside but the main programme is being celebrated at the Kashipur or Cossipore Udyanbati, north Kolkata.

On this day in 1886, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa called all his disciples including his favourite Swami Vivekananda and reveled himself to be an Avtar (reincarnation) of God. The event took place at the Kashipur Garden House or Udyanbati in north Kolkata, which is now a part of the Ramakrishna Math, a branch of Ramakrishna Order. This is the place where Ramakrishna spent the last days of his life.

Apart from Kashipur Udyanbati, special puja is also organised at the Dakshineshwar Temple. Where devotees offer puja at the Maa Bhavatarini’s temple. Since morning devotees throng the temple to offer puja.

The Kalpataru tree is still there and is worshiped. On this day, special puja is held around the Kalpataru tree. In the Kathamrita, it is mentioned that Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa said, “You all don’t need to go anywhere, your house shall always have my presence. Which exists in the whole world, already exists in your house. I had made 16 Annas, you make a rupee from it, that will be enough”.

It is believed that the Kalpataru tree fulfills all the desires of those who worships it.

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Swami Vivekananda won America by calling them “Sisters and Brothers”, read more

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On Sept 11 in 1893, the people of America were simply mesmerised to listen to great saint and philosopher from India, Swami Vivekananda who delivered his historic speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Swami Vivekananda surprised all by beginning, “Sisters and brothers of America”. Nobody had addressed like them before, that too someone from India.

Swami Vivekananda, always said that there are many things to learn from the West but India too has a lot to teach to the West. He always said its good to be a student but at times its essential to become teacher also.

It was here in Chicago, a young woman, Margaret Nobel developed immense admiration for Swami Vivekananda. She got so impressed hearing him that she had left everything and came to India to be with him. Swamiji welcomed her in India and told her to work for the development and upliftment of women, impart education to them by opening schools, teach women the basic things that would help then to live with head high.

Swamiji has always been the champion of women empowerment and wanted women to become self-reliant. He said women should find solutions to their problems themselves as no men can ever understand their difficulties. Swamiji, wanted Margaret to fulfill all his incomplete work and work for women empowerment. Swami Vivekananda gave her the name of Sister Nivedita.

The world today knows Margaret Nobel by the name of Sister Nivedita. The school she started at Baghbazar in north Kolkata is still there and has grown big. Its one of the prime schools in Kolkata.