Prime Minister Modi has always been inspired by Swami Vivekananda and looks up to him as a role model and his high regard and admiration for the spiritual leader is reflected in his speeches and messages.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to supporters during a public rally ahead of the seventh phase of the Indian Lok Sabha elections in Kendrapara district of Odisha on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meditate at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1 after marking the climax of the Indian Lok Sabha election campaign. Before the final phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi visited Kedarnath temple and meditated in the cave.
According to sources, the Prime Minister will meditate day and night at the same place where revered spiritual leader and reformer Swami Vivekananda meditated. This place, Dhyan Mandapam, holds great significance as Swami Vivekananda’s meditation here had a profound impact on his life. It is believed that while meditating here in 1892, Swami Vivekananda had a vision of Bharat Mata.
PM Modi has always regarded Swami Vivekananda as his role model and great inspiration. As a young man, PM Modi was a member of the Ramakrishna Mission, a spiritual charity founded by Swami Vivekananda.
“He had a grand vision for India.”
Prime Minister Modi has referred to Swami Vivekananda many times in his speeches and has cited the spiritual leader in his inspirational messages.
“Swami Vivekananda had a grand vision for India and I am sure he would be watching with pride as India strives to realise this vision,” he said at the celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary of the Ramkrishna Mission in 2023.
In his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2019, PM Modi cited the words of Swami Vivekananda to drive home the message that a divided world serves no one’s interests. In this new era, the world must give a new direction to multilateralism and the UN, he said. “125 years ago, the great spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda conveyed this message to the world at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. That message was of harmony and peace, not discord,” PM Modi said.
In November 2020, PM Modi unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda at an event held at the Janatara National University campus in New Delhi. Speaking at the event, PM Modi emphasised, “I hope this statue will inspire students with the courage, inspiration and compassion that Swami Vivekananda wanted everyone to see. It should teach us the most important message of his life – strong love for our country.” He added, “Swami Vivekananda had a vision. He knew what India could give to the world. He went around the world carrying India’s global brotherhood and cultural values.”
On December 24, 2020, the Prime Minister, speaking at the centenary celebrations of Visva-Bharati University, said, “Swami Vivekananda was the embodiment of faith, knowledge and karma. While broadening the scope of faith, he began to see divinity in everyone.”
Addressing the 54th graduation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur on December 28, 2021, PM Modi pointed out, “Swami Vivekananda said, ‘Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil and a destiny to reach. If we do not become self-reliant, how will our nation achieve its goals and reach its destination?'”
Speaking at the farewell ceremony of the Second National Youth Parliament Festival on January 12, 2021, Prime Minister Modi said, “What Swamiji gave to the country and society will transcend time and place and will inspire and guide all generations. Swami Vivekananda reminded and awakened India to its strength, revived its spirit and awakened its national consciousness. You will be amazed to know that those who were fighting the war of independence back then through revolutionary and peaceful paths were inspired by Swami Vivekanandaji. Swami Vivekananda gave us another priceless gift, and this gift is the creativity of individuals and organisations.”
In September 2017, the prime minister was addressing a student rally marking the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. “Swami Vivekananda said that rituals alone cannot connect an individual with God…” Modi said, adding: “Jan seva is prabhu seva. Swami Vivekananda was searching for truth more than searching for a guru.”
A glowing tribute to Swami Vivekananda
On January 12 this year, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda on the occasion of his birth anniversary and National Youth Day. In a post on X, PM Modi highlighted Vivekananda’s contribution in elevating Indian spirituality and culture to the global stage. He also noted that Swami Vivekananda’s message remains relevant and relevant for today’s youth.
“On the occasion of his birth anniversary and National Youth Day, I pay hundreds of tributes to Swami Vivekananda, who established Indian spirituality and culture on the global stage. Full of energy and enthusiasm, his thoughts and message will continue to inspire the youth to do something every now and then,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“He (Swami Vivekananda) dedicated his life to rejuvenation of the nation. He has motivated many young people to work towards nation building. Let us continue to work together to fulfil the dreams he had for our country,” the Prime Minister tweeted on his birthday in 2022.
In 2021, PM Modi asked people to spread the thoughts and ideals of Swami Vivekananda. In a tweet, PM Modi shared a link to his app (Namo) where people can share Vivekananda’s thoughts. “Let’s spread the dynamic thoughts and ideals of Swami Vivekananda far and wide!” he said. In 2020, PM Modi paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda at Belur Math.
