Swami Vivekanand (Author)
Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was a Hindu monk and spiritual leader who played a pivotal role in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. Born as Narendranath Datta in Kolkata, he became the chief disciple of the mystic Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Vivekananda gained international recognition at the 1893 Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, where his powerful speech, beginning with "Sisters and Brothers of America" captivated audiences and introduced Hinduism to the global stage. He emphasised the unity of all religions and the potential divinity within every human being. In 1897, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission, dedicated to social service, education, and spiritual development. His teachings combined ancient Indian wisdom with modern scientific thinking, inspiring countless individuals toward self-realisation and service to humanity. Vivekananda's legacy continues to influence spiritual seekers and social reformers worldwide, particularly through his emphasis on strength, fearlessness, and the harmony of religions.