On the 131st anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, I reflect on his teachings and philosophy, and their relevance and connection to the mission of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Swami Vivekananda’s teachings transcend time and resonate deeply with India’s mission of creating a Viksit Bharat. His ideals serve as guiding principles in building an empowered, prosperous, and inclusive society. As Rabindranath Tagore said, “If you want to know India, study Vivekananda. In him, there is everything positive and nothing negative.”
The Vision of Viksit Bharat
Viksit Bharat is an ambitious national vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, when the country will celebrate 100 years of independence. This vision encompasses various aspects of national development, including economic growth, social welfare, educational empowerment, technological advancements, and sustainable living.
Viksit Bharat is a national endeavour that calls upon every citizen to contribute towards the nation’s development. Unlike traditional top-down approaches, Viksit Bharat embodies a bottom-up philosophy, empowering individuals to become agents of change in their own right.
Swami Vivekananda’s teachings are incredibly relevant to this vision, as they promote the holistic development of individuals and societies. His ideas of self-reliance, strength, and education align with the core objectives of Viksit Bharat. His philosophy encourages individuals to rise above their limitations, aim for excellence, and contribute to the nation’s collective progress.
Self-Reliance and Economic Empowerment
One of the most profound lessons from Swami Vivekananda’s teachings is the call for self-reliance. He believed that a nation’s strength comes from its people, particularly their ability to stand on their own feet, both economically and spiritually. Hence, he advised them to “arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”, urging Bharatiyas to strive for self-sufficiency, resilience, and excellence. This philosophy is reflected in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
His teachings remind us that self-reliance is not just about economic independence but also about building inner strength, confidence, and character—qualities that will drive India’s progress. By fostering entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and sustainable development, India can reduce its dependence on foreign resources and emerge as a global leader, fulfilling Viksit Bharat’s vision.
Spiritual Strength as a Foundation for Progress
For India’s mission of Viksit Bharat to be truly successful, it must balance material progress with ethical and spiritual growth. As the nation modernises and embraces technological advancements, Swami Vivekananda’s spiritual teachings provide the moral compass needed to ensure that progress benefits humanity as a whole. His philosophy encourages the pursuit of excellence while maintaining humility, compassion, and a sense of duty toward society.
Emphasis on Education
Education was central to Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, and he viewed it as the key to national development. He believed that true education goes beyond mere bookish knowledge; it is about the “manifestation of the perfection already in man.”
This emphasis on education resonates strongly with Viksit Bharat’s focus on creating an inclusive, knowledge-driven society. The government’s efforts to increase access to education through initiatives like the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to make India a global knowledge hub, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.
His call for empowering women and marginalised sections through education remains relevant as India seeks to ensure equitable access to quality education for all. Swami Vivekananda said, “My faith is in younger generation, the modern generation. They will work out the whole problem like lions”
Speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions in 1893
Swami Vivekananda’s speech on September 11, 1893, is also profoundly relevant to the vision of Viksit Bharat. His message of tolerance, unity, and universal acceptance serves as a guiding philosophy and also offers valuable lessons for the business world.
His call for empathy and compassion is reflected in the modern concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The focus on inclusive growth and lifting the underprivileged sections of society aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat.
His belief that “all paths lead to the same goal” encourages businesses and individuals to align their strategies with national priorities, contributing to India’s growth in a way that benefits all citizens.
Meeting of Two Great Minds
The story of Swami Vivekananda’s and Jamsetji Tata’s encounter in May 1893 aboard the SS Empress of India remains one of the most fascinating yet lesser-known chapters in India’s history. They met on a ship travelling from Yokohama to Vancouver. They were on their way to Chicago, where Vivekananda was to participate in the World’s Parliament of Religions, while Jamsetji was visiting for an industrial exposition.
One of the key points of their conversation was Jamsetji’s dream of building India’s scientific and industrial base. Vivekananda, deeply moved by the idea, emphasised that India’s hope lay in the progress and prosperity of its common people.
Five years after this meeting, Jamsetji wrote a letter to Vivekananda and sought his guidance in establishing a research institute in India that would be inspired by the ascetic spirit of India and devoted to scientific research. He believed that the asceticism that characterised India’s spiritual heritage could be directed toward scientific inquiry, bridging India’s past and future. His vision eventually materialised with the establishment of the Tata Institute of Science, which later became the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore in 1911.
In today’s context, Indian businesses are called upon to innovate and grow while also contributing to the larger societal good, much like the mission that Swami ji and Jamsetji Tata envisioned over a century ago. The emphasis on CSR, sustainable development, and inclusive growth that defines India’s business environment today finds its roots in the conversations between these two visionaries.
Conclusion
Swami Vivekananda’s timeless message of tolerance, unity, and compassion and his emphasis on education, self-reliance, unity, and spirituality serve as a roadmap for Viksit Bharat. His philosophy encourages businesses to foster inclusivity, embrace innovation, and contribute to the greater good of society.
In a note penned after a meditation retreat in Kanniyakumari earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi wrote “Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely to the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let’s dedicate the next 25 years solely to the nation.”
As Swami Vivekananda said, “Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfill, a destiny to reach.”
The author is an angel investor and startup mentor for the Atal Innovation Mission, Government of India, and the Atal Incubation Centre-Rambhau Mhalgi Prabhodhini. He is presently the Convenor (Western Maharashtra) of the BJP Intellectual Cell and has recently co-edited the book – Modi’s North East Story. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.