'Resonates Even Today': PM Modi Shares Swami Vivekananda's Chicago Speech Delivered 130 Years Ago

PM Modi has marked the 130th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's historic speech at the World's Parliament of Religion in Chicago, emphasising its enduring message of global unity and harmony.

File photo of PM Modi paying tribute to Swami Vivekananda.

Source : PTI Images

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (September 11) highlighted the enduring relevance of Swami Vivekananda's historic speech, delivered exactly 130 years ago at the World's Parliament of Religion in Chicago. In a recent post, PM Modi referred to the speech as a resounding call for global unity and harmony that continues to inspire today.

On social media, the Prime Minister said, "Swami Vivekananda's Chicago speech, delivered on this day 130 years ago, resonates even today as a clarion call for global unity and harmony. His timeless message, emphasizing the universal brotherhood of humanity, remains a guiding light for us".

Swami Vivekananda's Chicago speech, delivered on this day 130 years ago, resonates even today as a clarion call for global unity and harmony. His timeless message, emphasising the universal brotherhood of humanity, remains a guiding light for us. https://t.co/1iz7OgT5Ab

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2023

Swami Vivekananda's iconic address at the World Religion Conference in Chicago is etched in history. On September 11, 1893, Swami Vivekananda delivered a speech brimming with wisdom. In this memorable speech, he famously addressed the audience as 'Brothers and Sisters of America.' In his address, Swami Vivekananda articulated essential life principles, including patriotism, respect for all religions, the pursuit of religious understanding, a grasp of science, recognition of the significance and necessity of rituals, knowledge of the roots of Hinduism, awareness of the objectives of science, insight into the causes of India's decline, and opposition to religious discord.

Here Is An Excerpt From His Speech:

"Sisters and Brothers of America,

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of the millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration."

You Can Listen To The Full Speech Here:

Here Are 5 Iconic Lines From His Speech:

"I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance."

"We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true."

"The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: 'Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to Me."

"If the Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the world, it is this: It has proved to the world that holiness, purity, and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character."

"Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair."