National Youth Day is observed in India every year on January 12 to honour the ideals of Swami Vivekananda who was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata.

• 12th of January 2025 marks the 162nd  birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, and is celebrated as National Youth Day. 

About National Youth Day 2025

• Objective 
• • To involve youth in various activities and to promote spirit of service and volunteerism.
• It is hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, in partnership with one of the States or Union Territories (UTs).
• The theme for the NYF 2025 is “Youth for a Sustainable Future: Shaping the Nation with Resilience and Responsibility“.

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About Swami Vivekananda

• Initially his name was Narendra Nath Dutta, born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata. 
• Swami Vivekananda was the chief disciple of 19th century mystic and yogi Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
• He founded the Ramakrishna Math in 1897, a monastic order based on his guru’s teachings in Kolkata and a worldwide spiritual movement known as the Ramakrishna Mission based on the ancient Hindu philosophy of Vedanta.
• Swami Vivekananda is considered one of the great Indian monks who enlightened the Western world about Hinduism. 
• As a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, he pushed for national integration in colonial India and is credited with reviving Hinduism in the nation.

Swami Vivekananda’s Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

• Showed an early interest in Western philosophy, history, religion, and spirituality. Swami Vivekananda was Well-read in various subjects and meditated in front of Hindu deities’ images.
• Met Ramakrishna Paramhansa, who became his Guru, and remained devoted to him until Ramakrishna’s death in 1886.
• Adopted the name ‘Vivekananda’ in 1893 at the request of Maharaja Ajit Singh of the Khetri State, changing from his previous name ‘Sachidananda.’
• Literary Works: Wrote books like Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Karma Yoga.
• Death: Passed away on July 4, 1902.

Contributions Of Swami Vivekananda 

Swami Vivekananda’s achievements left a lasting impact on society. He worked tirelessly to improve humanity, promote spiritual enlightenment, and cultivate harmony, social justice, and interfaith understanding.

• Introduction of Indian Philosophies: Swami Vivekananda played a crucial role in introducing the world to Indian philosophies, particularly Vedanta and Yoga. 
  • He preached a philosophy called “neo-Vedanta,” which provided an interpretation of Hinduism through a Western lens. 
  • Vivekananda believed in the harmony between spirituality and material progress.
• Emphasis on Education: Swami Vivekananda laid significant emphasis on education as a means of regenerating India. 
  • He advocated for a holistic and character-building education system that aimed at shaping individuals to become self-reliant and morally upright.
• World Parliament of Religions: Swami Vivekananda gained global recognition for his remarkable speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.
  • He introduced Hinduism to America and called for religious tolerance and an end to fanaticism at the Parliament.
  • His address highlighted the universality of religions, emphasizing the need for religious tolerance, harmony, and the unity of humanity.
• Pathways to Liberation: In his books, Swami Vivekananda expounded on the four paths to attaining liberation (moksha) from worldly attachments and pleasures: 
  • Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. 
  • He provided practical insights into these paths to guide individuals on their spiritual journeys.
• Influence on Modern India: Swami Vivekananda’s ideas and teachings deeply influenced modern India. 
  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose referred to him as the “maker of modern India.” 
  • Vivekananda’s emphasis on self-confidence, national pride, and spirituality instilled a sense of purpose and revitalized the nation.

Associated Organizations of Swami Vivekananda

• Ramakrishna Mission: As the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897. 
  • This organization focuses on value-based education, cultural preservation, healthcare, women’s empowerment, youth and tribal welfare, and relief and rehabilitation efforts.
• Belur Math: In 1899, Swami Vivekananda established Belur Math as his permanent abode. 
  • Belur Math serves as the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, providing a spiritual sanctuary and a hub for disseminating Vivekananda’s teachings.
• Advaita Ashrama: Swami Vivekananda founded the Advaita Ashrama in Mayavati, Uttarakhand, to encourage the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. 
  • The ashrama concentrates on book printing and distribution, spiritual retreats, and educational and healthcare initiatives.
• Vedanta Society: Swami Vivekananda inspired the establishment of Vedanta Societies in the United States and other regions of the world. 
  • These organizations endeavor to improve their understanding of Vedanta philosophy and to provide a forum for spiritual seekers to investigate its teachings.
• Bharat Sevashram Sangha: Swami Vivekananda encouraged the formation of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, despite the fact that it was not created by him. 
  • This group places an emphasis on altruistic service to humanity, addressing societal issues through educational, medical, and relief efforts.

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