Swami Vivekananda was a towering spiritual leader and philosopher from India, whose teachings and vision significantly shaped modern Indian thought and spirituality. Born as Narendranath Datta in 1863 in Kolkata, he became a chief disciple of the saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Vivekananda is best known for introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, particularly through his landmark speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893. His opening words, “Sisters and brothers of America,” earned him a standing ovation and marked the beginning of a global appreciation for India’s spiritual heritage.
Though Vivekananda was born in Bengal, his deep connection with the Himalayan region, including Uttarakhand, came through his spiritual practices and pilgrimage to sacred sites. He emphasized the importance of self-realization, universal brotherhood, and service to humanity, inspiring countless individuals to pursue spiritual awakening while actively engaging in social reform.