INTRODUCTION TO "TRIBUTE TO SWAMI VIVEKANANDA"

INTRODUCTION

        

It gives me immense pleasure indeed to talk on  scholarly papers to pay a splendid tribute to the great sage on the occasion of this conference “A Commemoration of 150^th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’ On this special occasion I would like to extend my special thanks for those who have come from far off places to participate in the glorious event and present papers flooding substantial light on the life and achievements of Swami Vivekananda and  enlighten us on the subject of this conference. The papers are really well written and made me fall into the sense of fascination to bring out all papers in this form of book.

Before I proceed further I would like to express my constraints and limitations in preparing arrangements of two day National Conference. By the time, when I was assigned to host  the conference there was little time left in my hand to hold the conference especially on this particular day i.e. on 11^th September 2014. We decided to hold this conference only today against all odds because of its special significance. Nearly 120 years ago exactly on this day of 11^th September 1893, Swami Vivekananda delivered his unforgettable speech in the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, USA. In this shortest time possible I had to make all necessary arrangements with the best possible efforts with assistance of my friends and colleagues.

Therefore, on behalf of the Organizing Committee I must confess that when I was first informed to host this conference I was rather skeptical about my ability to manage the conference at my present stage of inexperience of organizing a National conference. However, the members of the organizing committee have come to my aid, and helped me by patting on my shoulders with their fullest support and filled my heart with courage in every step to go ahead with full confidence to organize the facilities to cater for a two-day National Conference. I never forget the unexplainable help rendered by our Principal when I was groping for the right way to go ahead in the darkest hour. 

It is thus both an honour and pleasure for me on behalf of my great Veerashaiva College to host this function despite many short comings in organizing this event. I am indeed delighted to be associated with all my dear colleagues who helped me a lot and their invaluable help will never be forgotten.

We are all well-aware that Swami Vivekananda’s contributions in various fields and unparallel services for the welfare of the society. It is universally acknowledged that Swamiji revitalized his philosophy within and outside India, in spite of her (India) innumerable linguistic, ethnic, historical, and regional diversities, India has had from the time immemorial a strong sense of cultural unity.  It was, however, Swami Vivekananda who revealed the true foundations of this culture and thus clearly defined and strengthened the sense of unity as a nation. Swamiji gave Indians proper understanding of their country’s spiritual heritage and thus he gave us pride in our past. Another greatest contribution of Swami Vivekananda was to build a bridge between Indian culture and western culture. He did it by interpreting Hindu Scriptures and Philosophy and the Hindu Way Life and its Social Institutions to the western people in an idiom in which they could understand. He made western people realize that they had to learn much from Indian spirituality for their well-being. It was the principal reason for the enthusiastic reception of Yoga, Transcendental Meditation and other forms of Indian spiritual self-improvement in the West.

Further, Swami Vivekananda espoused the idea that all sects within Hinduism and all religions are different paths to the same goal. However, this view has been criticized as an oversimplification of Hinduism. He is indisputably considered that Swamiji was one of the greatest spiritual leaders of the modern world who awakened India through his invaluable messages and stirring lectures. The most inspiring and unique lectures he delivered at the World Parliament of Religions held at Chicago, USA on September 11^th 1893 and subsequent teachings for four and half years in USA and Europe, he succeeded to a great extent in changing the opinion of Western people about India.

In the background of emerging nationalism in British-ruled India, Swami Vivekananda crystallized the nationalistic ideals. In the words of social reformer C. F. Andrews, “Swamiji’s intrepid patriotism gave a new colour to the national movement throughout India. More than any other single individual of that period Swami Vivekananda had made his contributions to the new awakening of India”.  His nationalistic ideas influenced many Indian thinkers and leaders. Sri Aurobindo regarded Swami Vivekananda was the one who awakened India Spiritually; Mahatma Gandhi counted him among the few Hindu reformers “who have maintained this Hindu religion in a state of splendor by cutting down the dead wood of tradition.”

Swami Vivekananda is a universal ideal for modern youths. He achieved so much in his life and contributed so much to the welfare, progress and spiritual elevation of humanity during the short period of his youth. His unparallel teachings infuse self-confidence and inner strength to face the problems of life such as failure, criticism, and depression and so many psychological inhibitions. His teachings are perennial source of inspiration and eternal hope for the young generations to attain true fulfillment and peace in their lives. 

The inspiring god man, Swami Vivekananda with his infinite knowledge in Eastern and Western culture as well as his deep spiritual insight, with his art of eloquence, with his brilliant conversation, with his broad human sympathy, with his multifaceted personality, with his glowing and attractive countenance made an irresistible appeal strove across the world to promote peace and brotherhood on the spiritual foundation of the Vedanthic Oneness of existence.

Swami Vivekananda taught us very deep aspects encompassing Spiritualism, Universal values, Religion, Character building, Education, Spirit of Service and other social issues. His thoughts caught the imagination of people in diverse societies and cultures because of the universality of his preaching and the exalted goals that he set for human beings. The eternal idea in the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda was religious universalism. All religions are universal, equal and true! Truly he is a citizen of the world.

Many historians pointed out that swami Vivekananda will be eternal in the whole history of Indian religion, for moulding the modern world, especially as far as Asia is concerned.

During this celebration of the 150^th Birth Anniversary, it is the time for us to pay tribute to the great soul. Swamiji’s works and message could be the best inspiration for us today. We hope that, the participants must be inspired by the eminent lectures on Swamiji’s thoughts and works which will definitely help them to mould their way of thinking and the perceptions about Religion, Humanity, Selfless Service, Spiritualism, Universal values, Character building and Education. With these a few observations I conclude my introduction of this conference. I thank you and I will be thankful to one and all whose gracious presence to make this event successful and I wish every participant of this conference may reap golden harvest of invaluable Knowledge,

Thank you.

Mastanappa Puletipalli

11^th September 2014