Event in Chicago on Vivekananda''s 150th birth anniversary: PM

New Delhi, Jan 12 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singhtoday said a commemorative event to mark the 150th birthanniversary of Swami Vivekananda is being planned to be heldin Chicago where the 19th century philosopher had earnedaccolades for his discourse on Hinduism at the Congress ofworld religions in 1893.

Announcing this at the inauguration here of four-yearcelebrations to be held across the country to markVivekananda''s 150th birth anniversary, the Prime Ministerlisted out the activities planned to popularise thephilosopher''s teachings during the celebrations.

"Swami Vivekananda had very definite and enlightenedviews on education. He conceived of education as the primarymeans of rebuilding Indian society," Singh said.

"We are working on a suitable commemorative event inChicago," he said.

The Government of India has already approved a film onSwami Vivekananda by the Public Service Broadcasting Trust, hesaid.

It has also set up a National Committee under thechairmanship of the Prime Minister to guide the conduct of thecommemorative events.

The committee has chalked out programmes includingpublication of his complete works, international conferencesand seminars on his teachings, establishing chairs inuniversities, annual lectures and encouraging research ininter-faith dialogue.