Back to the Main Page 

Swami Vivekananda

The valiant monk who proclaimed in America the greatness of Hinduism and of Indian culture at a time when the West regarded India as a land of barbarians. The beloved disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he was the living embodiment of sacrifice and dedicated his life to the country and yearned for the progress of the poor, the helpless and the downtrodden. He was the great thinker and mighty man of action whose ringing words galvanized the slumbering Indians. For ages to come he will be a source of inspiration.

"Brothers and sisters, the long night is at last drawing to a close. Miseries and sorrows are disappearing. Ours is a sacred country. She is gradually waking up, thanks to the fresh breeze all around. Her might no one can overcome."

Swamiji forged the unity of East and West -- all within the brief period of ten years.

 
Chronology -- Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902)
 
12 Jan 1863 
    Narendra born in Calcutta, India, in a wealthy educated family
By 1869 
    Knew stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata by heart
1880 
    Passed the Entrance Examination of the Calcutta University - stood in the first division
16 Aug 1886 
    Sri Ramkrishna died
31 May 1893 
    Swami Vivekananda sailed for America
1893 
    Attends Parliament of Religions
20 Feb 1897 
    Swamiji returned to Calcutta, India
1897 
    Founded the Ramkrishna Mission
9 Dec 1898 
    First monastery at Belur Math inaugurated
June 1899 
    Vivekananda sailed for second visit to the Western world
1901 
    Ramkrishna Mission receives legal status
4 July 1902 
    Vivekananda sat for meditation at Belur Math, and passed away at the age of 39 years

This page at http://www.oocities.org/guruforum/vivek1.htm