- Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Dutta on 12 January 1863 and died on 4 July 1902.
- He and was chief disciple of the 19th century saint Ramakrishna Paramhamsa.
- He was one of the most prominent figures of India who introduced Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the “Western” World.
- He is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century.
- He is also considered as the major force in the revival of Hinduism in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India.
- He is best known for his speech which began, “Sisters and brothers of America …,” at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893 in which he introduced Hinduism.
- This speech was considered as one of his most significant contributions to the world and was a breakdown of the ancient philosophy of Hindusim, aided with logic and impeccable scientific insight.
- His Birth Anniversary is observed as “National Youth Day”
- Observance of the day seeks to propagate the philosophy and the ideals of Swami Vivekananda for which he lived and worked. It will also help and act as a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.