Swami Vivekananda holds a pride of place among the makers of modern India. He was one of the greatest patriots to have ever been born in this country. During his visit to Belur Math, Mahatma Gandhi said, “I have gone through his works very thoroughly and after having observing them, the love that I have for my country became a thousand folk that our younger generation will take advantage of this fountain of wisdom, of spirit and fire that flows through Swami Vivekananda”. Shri Rabindranath Tagore said, “If you want to know India, study Vivekananda. In him everything is positive and nothing negative.” A large number of his friends and admirers repeatedly spoke about his love.
India today is poised for a giant leap from the ranks of developing countries to developed nation. Our economic growth is robust and we boast of a very high percentage of youth population among the nations’ of the world. But, all these would be really fruitful and meaningful only if we can ensure that the benefits of prosperity and growth percolate down to the level of the masses across the length and breadth of the country. This is where many of the serious thinkers and well-wishers of this nation are really apprehensive. The growth seems to be lopsided and the distribution of the benefits inequitable. He is the perfect role model for the youth of this country and it is under his banner that the Indian youths can safely march towards their cherished goal holding their head high among the comity of nations.
Nickhil Mani
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
