On the 156th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalls the great leader who continue to inspire many. Swami Vivekananda who was born in Kolkata on January 12, 1863, as Narendra Nath Datta, delivered an iconic speech at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. That speech touched topics like universal acceptance, tolerance and religion and got him a standing ovation at the parliament.

In his remarks on Swami Vivekananda Jayanti which is also celebrated as National Youth Day, PM Modi said, “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached. Remembering these powerful words, and the rich thoughts of the venerable Swami Vivekananda on his Jayanti. He emphasised on the ideals of service and renunciation. His belief in Yuva Shakti was unwavering.”

“The thoughts and ideals of SwamiVivekananda inspire and energise crores of Indians, particularly our youth. It is from him that we draw the motivation of building an India that is strong, vibrant, inclusive and an India that takes global leadership in several areas”, said the PM Modi.

In 1887, Swami Vivekananda along with other disciples of Ramakrishna Paramhansa took formal vows of sannyasa and renounced the worldly pleasures. Through his speeches and lectures, he tried to awaken the religious consciousness among people and also tried to uplift the downtrodden using the principles of practical Vedanta.

“The thoughts and ideals of Swami Vivekananda inspire and energise crores of Indians, particularly our youth. It is from him that we draw the motivation of building an India that is strong, vibrant, inclusive and an India that takes global leadership in several areas,” said PM Modi.