Swami Vivekananda’s legacy stands as a timeless beacon of inspiration for the youth, offering guidance that transcends generations. His teachings emphasise self-discovery, societal responsibility, and national pride, resonating profoundly in today’s world of distractions and ideological flux. His life and philosophy demonstrate the transformative power of character, discipline, and service to the greater good, forming the cornerstone for personal growth and societal rejuvenation.
Vivekananda transformed and modernised the Hindu way of life. Swami Vivekananda was a religious and social reformer who is considered a key figure in the revival of Hinduism in the late 19th century. The lasting effects of Vivekananda’s reappraised Hinduism, which he presented to the World Parliament of Religions in 1893 to such powerful effect, paved the way for the resurgence of religion and spirituality that prevailed during the latter half of the 20th century beginning with the 1960s’ counter culture.
INSPIRING JOURNEY
Born as Narendranath Dutta into a modest Bengali family in Kolkata in 1863, on 12 January, Vivekananda’s early life was defined by intellectual curiosity, spiritual inquiry, and a deep sense of compassion. Despite his privileged upbringing, his mother’s moral teachings and encounters with societal inequities profoundly shaped him. These experiences instilled in him a lifelong commitment to service and the pursuit of truth.
Vivekananda’s journey to global prominence was rooted in humility and perseverance. After becoming a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he travelled extensively across India, observing the conditions of ordinary people and understanding their struggles. His travels culminated in his celebrated speech at the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, where he introduced Indian spirituality to the West and emphasised the oneness of humanity.
His views reflected his understanding and the importance he granted to certain concepts. The focus on youth and character development, while being ethical and moral, is a consistent theme in his writings. For instance, one of Vivekananda’s widely cited concepts, “Man-making Education,” underscores his belief in developing inner strength, self-reliance, and character. He envisioned education not as a means of accumulating information but as a transformative process that builds a strong moral foundation. This idea remains highly relevant, emphasising the need for holistic youth development in India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat.
IGNITING THE SPARK
Vivekananda’s teachings resonate powerfully with young minds because they tap into youth’s innate dynamism and potential. His clarion call—“Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached”—encouraged young individuals to recognize their strength, embrace challenges, and channel their energy toward constructive ends.
He believed the youth embodied the hope and vitality necessary for societal transformation. Vivekananda’s message to them was not merely about personal success but about harnessing their abilities to serve society, humanity, and the nation. Whether through community service, family responsibilities, or national development, he saw the youth as catalysts of progress.
The concept of “Muscles of Iron and Nerves of Steel” exemplifies Vivekananda’s call for resilience and mental fortitude. He emphasised that the youth must develop both physical strength and spiritual discipline to face life’s challenges and work towards uplifting society. This call is particularly significant today, as India seeks to realize its goal of becoming a developed nation by harnessing the untapped potential of its youth.
CALL FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
A central tenet of Vivekananda’s teachings was character development. He warned that no lasting progress could be achieved without a strong moral foundation. According to him, the youth’s role in building society extended beyond material contributions to embodying values such as honesty, perseverance, and self-discipline. He famously said, “Strength is life, weakness is death,” urging young people to cultivate physical, mental, and spiritual strength.
Vivekananda’s foresight also included warnings against ideological distractions and societal pitfalls. He was deeply critical of the cultural imperialism and colonial exploitation imposed by the West, which he saw as undermining India’s spiritual and moral fabric. At the same time, he cautioned against internal divisions and the neglect of ethical principles.
In the context of Viksit Bharat, Vivekananda’s emphasis on character and values aligns with the nation’s need to build a morally strong, resilient, and innovative society. His belief in the transformative power of youth offers a blueprint for India’s progress. By nurturing ethical leadership, promoting inclusive development, and fostering a spirit of service, the youth can drive the nation toward becoming a global leader in harmony, equity, and innovation.
PHILOSOPHY FOR SOCIETAL REJUVENATION
As India aspires to become a developed nation, Vivekananda’s ideas serve as a guide to address its most pressing challenges. His emphasis on long-term thinking and meaningful action counters the allure of instant gratification and superficial success. He believed true fulfilment comes from aligning personal goals with societal and spiritual values.
India’s initiatives, such as Skill India, Digital India, and Make in India, resonate with Vivekananda’s vision of empowering youth to become agents of change. His idea of “Seva” (service) connects deeply with societal rejuvenation by encouraging individuals to contribute to the betterment of others. Through service, the youth can build trust, bridge societal divides, and foster a sense of shared purpose. For India’s goal of Viksit Bharat, Vivekananda’s philosophy provides actionable insights: First, the character building for national progress for only a morally grounded youth can lead governance, education, and technology initiatives while upholding ethical principles. Second, promoting innovation with purpose: Vivekananda’s call to “take up one idea and make it your life” inspires a focused approach to achieving technological and scientific advancements that benefit society. Finally, his philosophy enables an environment that can foster unity and inclusivity. More importantly, his belief in universal brotherhood offers a framework for addressing social inequalities and promoting national integration.
A TIMELESS VISION
Vivekananda’s ideas offer a much-needed counterbalance as the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and fragmented. His emphasis on self-belief, ethical clarity, and service challenges the pervasive distractions of West-centric consumerism and ideological noise. For individuals, his teachings inspire resilience and purpose, urging the youth to rise above short-term impulses and work toward meaningful, long-term goals. For society, they provide a pathway to rebuild trust, unity, and shared purpose. For the state, his philosophy offers a normative framework combining moral leadership with practical action, ensuring that youth are inspired and empowered to contribute to national growth.
Vedanta and Yoga will redefine in reimagining the divided and conflict ridden global order. The Dharmic civilization state that is how he saw Bharat there is balance and harmony between the material and spiritual universes. Science and spirituality do not exclude each other, but coexist and converse with each other. He was key to the Hindu resurgence and brought out its difference with the Abrahamic faiths. Dharmic way of life is universal, unique and provides a valuable and creditable alternative narrative architecture.
* Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.