PM Modi at students’ convention: Vivekananda converted ideas into idealism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed more than 1,000 students in New Delhi to mark the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's Chicago address and Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya centenary celebrations.

Addtessing the youths at Vigyan Bhawan the Prime Minister said "Before 2001, no one knew significance of 9/11 and related it to Swami Vivekananda's Chicago address. "There was a significant 9/11, 125 years ago too."

"Swami Vivekananda raised his voice against the social evils that has entered our society. Just with a few words, a youngster from India won over the world and showed the world the power of oneness," PM said.

"Swami Vivekananda said that only rituals will not connect an individual to divinity...he said 'Jan Seva is Prabhu Seva'. More than being in search of a Guru, Swami Vivekananda was in search of the truth," PM Modi said.

He further went on to ask the youths to respect women. He said those who do not respect women need to think about the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. "The word of Swami Vivekananda My Brothers and Sisters gave the world the message of Universal Brotherhood," the Prime Minister said.

Swami Vivekananda did not believe in sermonising. He further said that his idealism paved way for an institutional framework via Ramakrishna Mission.

As I entered, I head people chanting loudly "Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!" The value of patriotism fills my heart. But do we have the right to say Vande Mataram?" PM Modi said. He went on to say that those who chant Vande Mataram go on to throw litter and garbage on the roads. "Those who clean the roads have the first right in our country," the Prime Minister said.

Speaking about the reasons for Swami Vivekananda's achievements, the Prime Minister said he was filled with confidence even at the time we were under British rule.

In a bid to motivate youths, Prime Minister asked students to stop being afraid of failures. He said that no one in this world has succeeded without failures. He further said knowledge and skills are equally important. There is no better place for creativity and innovation than university campuses," he added. He further added that celebrating such days in college universities will lead to formation of United India.

Modi said Swami Vivekananda gave the concept of 'One Asia'. "He (Swami Vivekanda) said that the solutions to world's problems will come from Asia," PM Modi said. India is standing at a global stage due to the people power. "India is changing, India's standing at the global stage is rising and this is due to Jan Shakti," he said.

The Prime Minister addressed a students' convention based on theme, 'Young India, New India'.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister, in a series of tweets, said the theme of his address will be "Young India, New India". He further added that the convention will take place on the same day Swami Vivekananda delivered his Chicago address in 1893. "This year, we are marking 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's Chicago address & Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya centenary celebrations," he wrote on Twitter.

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