Commemoration of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address held at Ram Krishna Mission campus
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Celebrating the historic speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda in the Parliament of Religions at Chicago USA on 19th September, 1893, Ram Krishna Mission invited the speakers of Eminence from Jammu and organized a programme on its campus.
Prof Manoj Kumar Dhar, former Vice Chancellor Jammu University was invited as the Chief Guest, whereas Rajesh Rathore, Principal, JK Public School Kunjwani & President Jammu Sahodaya graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
The programme started with the lighting of ceremonial lamp and the chanting of Vedic mantras. It was followed by an opening song presented by the students of RKM library. Next item was the recitation of Swadesh Mantra, composed by Swamiji himself to enlighten the masses to stay conscious and perseverant in achieving the lofty ideals of life.
What a spectacular sight, when a youngman in saffron robes and turban, resembling with Swami Vivekananda, appeared on the stage and delivered the 11th September speech of Swamiji with the incredible beginning of the address to the audience “Sisters & brothers of America”, which made them go gaga with joy and ecstasy. The presentation was applauded by one and all.
Since Swamiji has been an ardent music lover, both vocal and instrumental, so the students of Bhartiya Shiksha Kendra Higher Secondary School Jammu paid a rich tribute to the immortal yogi by highlighting his life story through a well-composed song.
The Guest of honour, Rajesh Rathore, Principal JKPS Kunjwani highlighted the relevance of the magnificent speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda on 11th September 1893 at Chicago Parliament of Religions in the modern times.
He quoted several instances from the life of Swamiji, which portrayed the sublime persona of Swamiji, being a spiritual soldier, a multi-disciplinary scholar, a wandering monk & an orator par excellence.
“Curious multitudes, thronging the hall & galleries of the venue at Chicago got highly impressed by Swamiji, not only because of his in-depth analysis of the world religions but also due to his saffron robes, turban and glowing appearance with purity, wisdom and celibacy. His profound knowledge, unsurpassed oratorical skills in English and composed countenance catapulted him to eminence and glory instantly. Innumerable scientists, poets, writers, philosophers and rich people wanted to have interaction with Swamiji, as they never heard anything so convincing, simple and inspiring”, he added.
Rathore also made reflections on the choicest 25 quotations of Swami Vivekananda ji, the time-tested jewels, store-house of wisdom and compendium of moral, ethical & spiritual values. Some of them were: “Don’t look back, only look forward! With infinite energy, infinite enthusiasm, infinite daring & infinite patience can great deeds be accomplished”!
“Good motives, sincerity and infinite love can conquer the world. One single soul possessed of these virtues can destroy the dark designs of millions of hypocrites and brutes”. “What I want is muscles of iron and nerves of steel inside which dwells the mind of the same material as that of which the thunderbolt is made”.
Prof Manoj Dhar established the relevance of Swamiji’s teachings in the contemporary times. Correlating the several aspects of the philosophy propounded by Swami ji, he cited various examples from the National Education Policy 2020.
He inspired the youth to have a sound knowledge base, acquire an extraordinary linguistic competence and a well-groomed character, not to be deviated by the allurements of the razmatazz world.
He asked the youngsters to have some definite purpose in life, which must reflect their intense desire of contributing to the society and the nation-building process.
Staff and students from the Institute of Music & Fine Arts, Poonch House, Jammu enthralled the audience with their recital of songs depicting nationalistic fervour as well as an instrumental jugalbandi with their vocalists.
The Secretary Ram Krishna Mission, Swami Yagnadharanand enlightened the audience by quoting several anecdotes from the illustrious life of Swami Vivekananda.
He quoted verbatim several excerpts from the original speeches of Swamiji in English, which left the audience spellbound and awe-struck. His fluent flawless Hindi filled the audience with awe and wonder. He made a clarion call to the youngsters to read, internalize and reflect the teachings of Swamiji through their daily deeds. That will be the real tribute to the immortal Spiritual Monk of India.
