Kannada Kannadigaru: Swami Vivekananda and why he is relevant a century later

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Swami Vivekananda and why he is relevant a century later

The ideas of Swami Vivekananda have been a treasure for people across the world. In the backdrop of his 150th birth anniversary, it is imperative that one looks at his ocean of knowledge to seek more clarity. In my view, even though he lived a century ago, some of his views are applicable to today's young India more than any other era. I am no expert in his works but from my limited understanding thus far of his writing, the relevance to todays world is pretty significant. This might be striking but the visionary was so ahead of his time, that it is important to understand his views on the youth even today.

Women empowerment:

The progressive agenda that Vivekananda had towards women is very well known. In his own words, he says "That country and that nation which doesn't respect women will never become great now and nor will ever in future." This relentless pursuit of his to treat both genders with equality is evident through most of this discourses. At this juncture, Indian society is at a tipping point especially with the recent increase in number of rape incidents across the country. The increase in education standards among females is triggering them to ask questions and confront the patriarchal nature of social systems which have diluted the equal space that women were offered even in our ancient scriptures. In this context, Vivekananda's message of greater education and equality for the female is pertinent especially with his visionary thinking of making female empowerment the benchmark for the measurement of any society's growth.

Positive thinking:

The works of Vivekananda are more than 100 years old. Within this time span, the world has changed so much in relation to technology and scientific development. Despite such massive change, the words of Vivekananda resonate so energetically amidst the reader even today. He thunders "Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached". He even talks about a broader vision for India with progressive values in an interview published in the 'The Hindu' in 1897(!). At this juncture in Indian history, with so much negative energy around, the positive energy of the saint is something that is so dearly needed especially for the younger generation. A leader with a level of sky level optimism, his words resonate a sense of exuberance even among his least ardent followers.