Believe in Yourself: Swami Vivekananda’s Timeless Message to the World

On September 11, 2024, the Department of English organized a special daily assembly on 9/11.

So, why was this assembly organized?

1) September 11, 2001, or 9/11, is a day that will always be remembered globally as the tragic day that the World Trade Center twin towers were attacked.

2) 1973 - Chilean Coup d'état: On September 11, 1973, General Augusto Pinochet staged a military takeover that resulted in the removal of Salvador Allende, the country's democratically elected president. This signaled the start of Pinochet's 17-year dictatorship, which had a significant and long-lasting effect on Chile's social and political climate. The US's role in this is also extensively documented in history.

The day also brings back some positive coincidences in addition to this awful and depressing memory:

3) The well-known speech made by Swami Vivekananda in 1893 at the World Parliament of Religion in Chicago: https://youtu.be/MLymb35WOqE?si=ksUqX4nY1CxoRbr3

I have also participated in this daily assembly in which my presentation was based on the topic 'Believe in Yourself: Swami Vivekananda’s Timeless Message to the World.'

Here is the link to view my presentation: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/believe-in-yourself-swami-vivekananda-s-timeless-message-to-the-world/271737491

If you want to see this presentation in a proper way, then I request to download it and open it in Microsoft PowerPoint.

Believe in Yourself: Swami Vivekananda’s Timeless Message to the World from Rajdeep Bavaliya

4) 1906 - Mahatma Gandhi - He initiated Satyagraha for the first time while living in Johannesburg. On September 11, 1906, he presided over a large gathering of more than three thousand persons at the Empire Theatre in downtown Johannesburg. This was done in opposition to an ordinance that required Asians to carry passes and register for them by providing their fingerprints.

5) On this day in 2007, the inaugural T20 World Cup got underway, with India emerging victorious after downing Pakistan in the championship match.

At the end, the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir, gave their insights and also recited one poem on this day. Here is the link to read that poem: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/naQEXhPctt6kvQBK/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Explanation of presentation:

Introduction to Swami Vivekananda:

• On September 11, 1893, Swami Vivekananda, a young monk from India, spoke at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago.

• He was dressed in a saffron robe, a traditional symbol of spirituality in India.

• The audience included scholars, religious leaders, and curious people from different countries.

A Speech That Changed History:

• His speech would change both his life and the way the world looked at interfaith dialogue.

• This speech is now remembered as a turning point for promoting understanding between different religions.

The Famous Opening Line:

• Vivekananda began his speech with the simple but powerful words: "Sisters and Brothers of America."

• These words moved the audience deeply, and they responded with a standing ovation.

• The applause lasted for two full minutes, which is a very long time in public speaking.

Why Did It Have Such an Impact?

• At that time, the world was divided by differences between East and West, religions, and races.

• Vivekananda's opening phrase acknowledged the unity of all people, regardless of those differences.

• He treated everyone as family, showing a strong belief in the brotherhood of all humanity.

A Message of Unity:

• His words were not just a polite greeting; they reflected his deep belief in unity.

• This belief came from Vedanta, a philosophy that teaches that divinity exists in every being.

• Through his words, Vivekananda helped the audience feel this connection and unity.

Historical Context:

The Event: Parliament of Religions:

• The Parliament of Religions was part of the World’s Columbian Exposition.

• This event celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in America.

Purpose of the Event:

• The main goal was to encourage dialogue among different world religions.

• This was a new and radical idea, especially in a time of colonialism and religious conflicts.

Swami Vivekananda’s Role:

Vivekananda, a relatively unknown figure outside India, was chosen to represent Hinduism. His selection was met with skepticism, but he would soon captivate the audience with his eloquence and profound insights.