Activities of the Ashrama along the lines laid down by Swami Vivekananda – "Atmano Mokshartham Jagadhitaya cha" or "for the liberation of self & welfare of the world."
None can deny the influence of the cyclonic monk on pre-independent India. The whole of India came to a standstill when he landed on the coast of Rameshwaram after a very successful stay in USA and Europe. From kings to commoners, from the very lowly placed people in the society to the highest, people stood in ques to have darshan of the Savior of Hinduism. Everywhere he went, he was venerated as the new leader of the masses, a monk who was seen by some as the Incarnation of Lord Shiva and others as the Patriot Saint of India. He put the pride back onto Indians which culminated in getting us freedom 50 years later.
He had seen the problems facing his motherland when he sat on the now immortalized rock in Kanyakumari. He had seen the problems facing India’s poor – the dreaded untouchability among others – from close quarters as he moved about India as a wandering monk. Later he embarked on the plan to revive Hinduism and Hindustan through representing the Ancient Religion in Chicago on 11th September 1893.
His Speeches were burning fire and questioned the basic beliefs of people in both the West and the East. He wanted India to shake off her lethargy and learn the good things from the West. At the same time, he cautioned the West from blindly running behind materialism and wanted her to imbibe the age-old philosophies of the East. He was not a missionary in the common sense of the term. He never encouraged conversions, even when he had the brightest in America at his feet.
He preached tolerance and acceptance of all religions. He preached the secret of work; he talked about the Universal Religion and love for all Mankind. He was equally disturbed to see the conditions of African Americans and of the untouchables in India. The suffering of people in Philippines and India to natural disasters moved him equally. Human suffering moved him the most.
Eminent leaders like Tilak and Gandhi listened to him. Even the self-acknowledged agnostic in Nehru was impressed by his teachings. India and the world benefited a lot from his teachings then.
The present India and the world seem to be going through a moral vacuum. The leaders and heroes of people seem to be sportstars or actors and actresses. Corruption is very high in free India. Religious intolerance is at its highest. The youth of India in the past responded to Swamiji in a grand fashion about a century ago culminating in the establishment of the Ramakrishna Mission. The Youth of India today is struggling with unemployment and corruption. They have no real leaders to turn to.
What is the status of Vivekananda today? We think that this is a very serious point to ponder over. How can we, as belonging to the educated society of India, bring back the teachings of Swami Vivekananda to the centre of our society? Is there a solution to the modern day’s problems in the teachings of Swami Vivekananda?
We wish to know your views on this subject. We request each of you to respond to this mail giving your views and also invite others to participate in this by forwarding this email to as many people as possible. Please send your replies latest by May 15th 2007.
We will consolidate all the feedbacks and publish on our website as also circulate among friends for their benefit.
So please take some time off your busy schedule and give your opinion on the ‘Relevance of Swami Vivekananda to the Modern India.’
With best wishes
Yours in Service