In his speech at the first World Parliament on Religion on 11 September 1893, Vivekananda spoke about the need to end religious supremacy and propagated the message of tolerance and acceptance
Universal brotherhood day is observed every year on 11 September to commemorate the historic speech delivered by Indian thinker and spiritualist Swami Vivekananda in Chicago in 1893. This year marks the 127th year of iconic speech.
Vivekananda delivered the speech to an audience of delegates from all across the world at the first-ever World Parliament of Religion that was held between 11 and 27 September 1893.
The speech started differently from the conventional usage of more formal salutations. The opening remarks were, “Sisters and brothers of America,” for which he received a two-minutes-long standing ovation.
According to a report , between 11 September and 27 September, 1983, Swami Vivekananda actually gave six speeches in Chicago, of which the opening address is best known due to its novel and dramatic way of beginning.
Vivekananda introduced Hinduism to the world and spoke about intolerance and the need to put an end to religious supremacy. He propagated a message of religious acceptance in addition to mutual tolerance while attempting to define both the concepts.
Vivekananda explained that tolerance is the act of putting up with something that one disapproves of, while acceptance was admitting that even the seed of an idea can take root and produce an offshoot that was completely different and unique from the original ideology.
Speaking about Hinduism, he said that he is proud to belong to a religion that has taught the worth both – tolerance and universal acceptance. “We believe not only in universal tolerance but we accept all religions as true,” he said.
As per a report the speech garnered major attention and earned Vivekananda the title of ‘the cyclonic monk of India’.
Several political leaders remembered Swami Vivekananda ‘s speech in Chicago today which marks its 127th anniversary.
Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu said that in 2018 he had the “good” fortune of speaking at the same Art Institute of Chicago where Swami Vivekananda delivered his legendary speech in 1893.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Vivekananda’s speech in 1893 perfectly demonstrated the spirit of India’s ethos and the values. The prime minister also shared a link to Vivekananda’s speech and urged youngsters to read the text of his address.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Vivekananda’s “vigorous” address was a transformational and stirring moment that introduced the entire world with a new idea of humanity.
Amit Shah also said that Swami Vivekananda will always be remembered as one of the moulders of the modern world across the globe.
BJP national president JP Nadda said the country remembers Vivekananda’s scintillating address to the world where he highlighted the Indian values of tolerance and universal acceptance. He also said that the teaching of Vivekananda will always inspire and motivate generations.
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said that Vivekananda’s historic address changed the world’s perspective on India.
Remembering the historic speech, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said the “ideals and principles based on humanism and universal brotherhood” will always inspire.
The report attributes Vivekananda’s popularity in Chicago to factors such as his charisma and some of his statements which resonated with the contemporary American psyche.
