Probir Chandra Das:
On 11 September 1893, in a packed auditorium in Chicago, a saffron-clad monk from India stood to speak. With a steady voice and folded hands, he began, “Sisters and Brothers of America.” In those five words, Swami Vivekananda created a moment that still echoes through history—a moment of warmth, unity, and deep spiritual connection. That greeting, so full of genuine love and human solidarity, brought the audience to its feet in a thunderous two-minute standing ovation.
Tomorrow, 11 September 2025, the world observes the 132nd anniversary of that historic moment. It was no ordinary speech; it was a turning point in how the world would come to see India—not as a land bound by caste and poverty, but as a fountain of timeless spiritual wisdom. More importantly, it was a voice for all of humanity, transcending religion, race, and nationality. In his now-famous address to the World’s Parliament of Religions, Vivekananda delivered not just an exposition of Hinduism, but a message of universal tolerance, spiritual unity, and global brotherhood.
“I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance,” he declared, adding, “We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true.”
At a time when the world was divided by religious exclusivism, colonial superiority, and racial prejudice, his words were revolutionary. Swami Vivekananda called upon all people to look beyond narrow sectarian beliefs and to recognize the deeper, shared truths that unite all spiritual paths. He did not argue for the greatness of one religion over another; rather, he honoured all paths that lead to the Divine.
“As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take… all lead to Thee.”
This inclusive vision positioned him not merely as a Hindu monk but as a spiritual ambassador of humanity. He offered a model for coexistence—a spiritual globalism rooted not in conversion, but in understanding.
Swami Vivekananda’s words were not just philosophical—they were also deeply practical. He condemned religious fanaticism and violence in unequivocal terms:
“Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism… have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often with human blood… Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now.”
In these words lies a universal warning, and also an enduring hope. He urged the world to rise above divisions and build a future based on mutual respect and compassion.
During his many subsequent speeches in the West, Vivekananda expanded upon key spiritual concepts from Indian philosophy—the divinity of the soul (Ātman), the universality of God (Brahman), karma, dharma, and the purpose of life as self-realisation. But at the heart of all his teachings was one clear message: “Each soul is potentially divine.”
“The goal is to manifest this Divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal.
Do this either by work, or worship, or psychic control, or philosophy—by one, or more, or all of these—and be free.”
This powerful idea transcends any religious label. It presents a vision of human life rooted in dignity, spiritual freedom, and moral responsibility. He taught that true religion lies not in dogma, but in service, in seeing God in every living being.
“Where can we go to find God if we cannot see Him in our own hearts and in every living being?”
Swami Vivekananda’s influence went far beyond that September morning in Chicago. Over the following years, he lectured across the United States and Europe, drawing thousands. He met scientists, philosophers, social reformers, and spiritual seekers, inspiring a global movement of introspection and service. His ideas laid the groundwork for East-West spiritual dialogue and continue to shape discussions on interfaith cooperation and human rights to this day.
Now, on the 132nd anniversary of his Chicago speech, the world finds itself in need of the very values he upheld—tolerance, unity, empathy, and faith in the divinity of every person. The challenges we face—be they religious intolerance, racial division, or cultural misunderstanding—can still be addressed by the timeless wisdom of Swami Vivekananda.
His speech on 11 September 1893 was not merely a proud moment for India; it was a gift to the world—a blueprint for peaceful coexistence, grounded in spirituality and shared humanity.
“Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” he said—not just to Indians, but to all people striving to build a better world.
As we commemorate this 132nd anniversary, we are reminded of the extraordinary power of words born from conviction and compassion. Swami Vivekananda’s message remains a guiding light—a call to recognise the oneness of all existence, to break the barriers of hate, and to walk the path of love, truth, and universal brotherhood.
The writer is a columnist, social observer and strategic thinker. He works as Senior Assistant Director at Strategic Planning, Quality Assurance Division, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC).