Swami Vivekananda and Social Change

Abstract

We often wonder what would be the relevance of the message of a monk today, who was born more than 100 years ago, lived the life of a mendicant and left for his heavenly abode at a very young age of 39 years. In this paper, I would focus on the relevance of Swami Vivekananda philosophy of work in modern era. Swami Vivekananda taught on both broad and very deep aspects (not restricted to India alone) encompassing Spiritualism, Universal values, Religion, Character building, Education, Spirit of Service and Social issues. Teachings and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda stressed on different aspects of religion, youth, education, faith, character building as well as social issues pertaining to India. His teachings influenced contemporaries, inspired innumerable followers and started off movements all over India. Swami Vivekananda symbolizes courage, boundless energy and fiery enthusiasm. Millions have been influenced just by his personality. His words ring true and shake people out of their passivity, laziness, weakness, Inertia and sufferings. The ideas of Swami ji have been seen through various eyes and new light has been thrown upon these ideas.