National Youth Day: Celebrating India’s finest mind

Swami Vivekananda is the philosophical genius and one of the finest minds of India. Swami Vivekananda truly exemplified the idea of living life to its fullest, despite his relatively short life. Born in 1863 and passing away at the young age of 39, he made an indelible mark on the world in just a few years. His enthusiasm, vision, and boundless energy continue to inspire millions, especially the youth, even today.

Prone to anger as a child

Swami Vivekananda’s mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, played a crucial role in shaping his character and spiritual development. As a child, Vivekananda was known to be moody and temperamental, often prone to anger. However, his mother, with her deep understanding of his nature, knew how to calm and guide him.

One of the methods she used to calm him down during his bouts of anger was by pouring cold water over him and chanting the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya.” This simple yet powerful practice had a profound effect on the young Vivekananda, helping him to regain his composure and inner peace. His mother not only taught him discipline and spiritual practices but also instilled in him the importance of compassion, love, and devotion.

Bhuvaneshwari Devi’s nurturing presence and spiritual guidance were foundational in Vivekananda’s life, helping him transform into the great spiritual leader and philosopher he became.

Masterful Orator

He is widely regarded as one of the best orators in India, and his speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893 is legendary. Swami Vivekananda’s eloquent speech on religious tolerance, unity, and spirituality continues to inspire millions to this day.

Interestingly, despite his later success as a masterful speaker, Swami Vivekananda himself struggled with English grammar during his earlier years. In his student days, he scored only around 50% in English, and his proficiency in the language was not exceptional. However, with determination, dedication, and an immense thirst for knowledge, he overcame these challenges and went on to deliver one of the most memorable and impactful speeches in English at the Chicago Parliament, leaving a lasting legacy in both India and the world.

Faced moments of doubt

Swami Vivekananda, like many young people, faced moments of doubt and confusion in his early years. After completing his Bachelor’s degree, he struggled with unemployment and the harsh realities of life, which caused him to experience a period of spiritual turmoil. During this time, he reportedly questioned his faith and even expressed a deep sense of disillusionment, saying, “God does not exist.”

However, this phase of doubt was a crucial part of his spiritual journey. It was during this period of despair that Vivekananda sought the guidance of his guru, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Ramakrishna’s teachings helped him reconnect with his spiritual self and rediscover his faith in God. Sri Ramakrishna guided Vivekananda with his profound wisdom, teaching him that God exists in many forms and that true spirituality comes from direct personal experience and inner realization.

Positive Takeaway

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings offer a wealth of inspiration and wisdom that the youth of today can greatly benefit from them. Youths are the ones who can change the world,” he said. Vivekananda believed that the youth are the future of any nation and that their energy, vitality, and enthusiasm can bring about significant change in the world. He often emphasized that young people must take responsibility for their personal growth and for the betterment of society.

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Rishita Diwan

Content Writer

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