National Youth Day: Swami Vivekananda’s Birth Anniversary
Why in the news
Droupadi Murmu honoured Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, which is marked every year as National Youth Day on 12 January.
Key facts
- Birth name: Narendranath Datta; born in Kolkata on 12 January 1863.
- Blended modern education with serious study of Indian philosophy.
- Stressed mental and physical strength as the base of character.
- Chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Global impact
- Took Vedanta and Yoga to the world stage.
- His 1893 Chicago address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions introduced India’s spiritual heritage and the message of universal brotherhood.
Exam angle
- Motto: ‘Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha’, meaning self-realisation and service of the world.
- National Youth Day date: 12 January.
- Organisation founded: Ramakrishna Mission.