Prof (Dr.) Jaipal Singh
Swami Vivekananda remains one of India’s most inspiring spiritual leaders, thinkers and youth icons. Born on 12 January 1863 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), he lived a short yet extraordinarily impactful life – leaving this world at the young age of 39 on 4 July 1902. Though his lifespan was brief, his ideas, teachings, and vision were vast, powerful, and timeless.
Swami Vivekananda’s unwavering faith (atootvishvas) in the transformative power of young people is the reason his birth anniversary has been celebrated as National Youth Day in India since 1985. He firmly believed that youth are not merely the future of a nation but its present strength. With great conviction, he proclaimed: “My faith is in the younger generation; out of them will come my workers.” Today, this belief resonates more strongly than ever as young people emerge as key drivers of change, cooperation, and innovation across borders.
The modern world is deeply interconnected. With over five billion people connected to the internet and more than 60 percent of the global population under the age of 30 – youth is most digitally connected generation in the present dayhistory. India alone has over 600 million young people, giving it immense potential to lead global progress. Technology has erased geographical boundaries, enabling youth to collaborate through online education platforms, international forums, virtual conferences, global research initiatives, and digital innovation hubs. This digital interconnectedness represents the true spirit of multilateral cooperation, where nations and communities work together to address shared global challenges.
Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of universal brotherhood finds powerful expression in today’s youth-led initiatives. He envisioned the world as one family and declared, “The whole world is one family.” This ideal is reflected in international student exchange programs, global youth summits, cross-border start-ups and collaborative social movements. Young people are actively contributing to global development goals in areas such as climate action, clean energy, digital education, healthcare innovation, poverty reduction and women empowerment. These efforts prove that meaningful impact is not determined by age, but by vision, commitment and cooperation.
Vivekananda’s spiritual journey began as Narendranath Datta, a brilliant and inquisitive student deeply interested in philosophy, history, and religion. Despite his strong academic background, he was driven by a profound question: “Is there a God, and has anyone truly seen Him?” His search for truth led him to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, whose guidance awakened him to self-realization and inner strength. Under his guru’s influence, Vivekananda discovered the essence of Vedanta (true Knowledge) and the harmony of all religions. He later taught the world, “Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.”
After his guru’s passing, Vivekananda embraced monastic life (sannyasa) and travelled across India as a wandering monk (sanyasis) . During these journeys, he witnessed widespread poverty, ignorance, and social inequality. These experiences transformed his spirituality into a mission of service, education and national awakening. He believed deeply that “They alone live who live for others; the rest are more dead than alive.” For him, spiritual growth was incomplete without social responsibility.
His historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 marked a turning point not only in his life but also in India’s global identity. Beginning his speech with the immortal words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” he instantly won the hearts of listeners. His message of religious harmony, tolerance and unity received a standing ovation, establishing him as a spiritual ambassador of India. He boldly declared, “We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true.” From that moment onward, Vivekananda emerged as a global guru, inspiring followers across continents and cultures.
The values he promoted-fearlessness, character-building, self-confidence, and service to humanity-are deeply relevant today. He reminded the youth, “Strength is life; weakness is death.” As global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, economic inequality, and conflict threaten peace, youth are stepping forward as problem-solvers and peace-builders. They are using artificial intelligence, renewable energy, digital tools, and innovation ecosystems not merely for personal success but for the collective good.
Vivekananda’s call, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” continues to ignite young minds – firm determination and strong resilience (to bounce back in tough times). His message, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” is reflected in youth-led humanitarian efforts during natural disasters, health crises, and global emergencies. These acts of service demonstrate that true progress is rooted in compassion, empathy, and shared responsibility.
In a world often divided by ideology, culture, and conflict, today’s youth are emerging as ambassadors of peace and cooperation. By embracing diversity, fostering international friendships, and strengthening global partnerships, they are shaping a future based on unity rather than division. Swami Vivekananda wanted strong minds, pure hearts, and fearless souls. He emphasized that character is the foundation of greatness and reminded everyone, “You are the creator of your own destiny.”
The Government of India’s decision to declare 12 January as National Youth Day reflects the enduring relevance of his vision. The day serves as a reminder of the responsibilities of young citizens-to think rationally, act ethically and serve selflessly. Schools, colleges, and youth organizations across the country commemorate this day through debates, lectures, cultural programs and community service, reinforcing his ideals in everyday life.
In conclusion, the legacy of Swami Vivekananda is not confined to history books or speeches; it lives on through the actions of today’s youth. As technology connects nations and partnerships strengthen global cooperation, young people possess the power to shape a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world. By following Vivekananda’s path-combining wisdom with action, spirituality with service, and ambition with compassion-the youth can truly become the architects of a brighter future for humanity.
At the end, I would like to affirm that all power lies within you. You can do anything and everything for the upliftment of humanity-within your nation and across the world.
This becomes truly possible when you balance the strength of the brain with the compassion of the heart – allowing the heart to guide your actions and helping you to grow not only as a successful individual but as a truly good human being in life too.
(The writer is Principal, GDC for Women-Kathua)