“Take risks in your life..

If you win; you may lead..

If you lose; you may guide..

– Swami Vivekananda”

Swami Vivekananda born Narendranath Datta was an Indian monk and a chief disciple of the 19th century Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. Born into an aristocratic Bengali family of Calcutta, now Kolkata, Vivekananda was inclined towards spirituality.

He was influenced by his Guru, Ramakrishna, from whom he learnt that all living beings were an embodiment of the divine self; therefore, service to God could be rendered by service to mankind.

Vivekananda is regarded as a patriotic saint and his birthday is celebrated in India as National Youth Day. National Youth Day is celebrated on 12 January.

The National Youth Day is observed all over India at schools and colleges, with speeches, music, youth conventions, seminars, Yogasanas, presentations and competitions in essay-writing on 12 January every year. His lectures and writings, deriving their inspiration from Indian spiritual tradition and the broad outlook of his Guru Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, are the source of inspiration and have motivated numerous youth organisations, study circles and service projects involving the youth.

Vivekananda’s Patriotism

Though there are many instances of

“I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered — and is still fostering — the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation.”

On this inspiring day, we are dedicating our “Mera Bharat Mahaan Charm” to Swami Vivekananda’s patriotism.

Focus & Dedication

In the age of multitasking, his views on work and focus are worth remembering.

“Do one thing at a Time, and while doing it put your whole Soul into it to the exclusion of all else.”

His Views on Progress and Ritualism in Religions

At fourseven, we celebrate the traditions and symbols of various cultures and religions.

“Why does a Christian go to church? Why is the cross holy? Why is the face turned toward the sky in prayer? Why are there so many images in the Catholic Church? Why are there so many images in the minds of Protestants when they pray? My brethren, we can do no more thinking about anything without a mental image than we can live without breathing- by the law of association, the material image calls up the mental idea and vice versa. This is why the Hindu uses an external symbol when he worships. He will tell you it helps to keep his mind fixed on the Being to whom he prays.

“Man is to become divine by realising the divine. Idols or temples or churches or books are only the supports — the helps — of his spiritual childhood. But on and on he must progress.”

As we celebrate Swami Vivekanada Jayanti, let’s learn to live the truth and though this process, “to reveal the light within our souls”.