Conclusion

Swami Vivekananda's address in Chicago had a profound and lasting impact on Indian
nationalism. His speech, delivered at the Parliament of Religions in 1893, instilled a
sense of pride and self-respect in Indians, helping to overcome a prevailing sense of
inferiority stemming from colonial rule. It also introduced Indian spirituality and
philosophy to the West, fostering a renewed interest in Hinduism and India globally.

After the great success of the Parliament, Vivekananda delivered hundreds of lectures
across the United States, England, and Europe, disseminating the core tenets of Hindu
philosophy. He founded the Vedanta Society of New York and the Vedanta Society of
San Francisco (now Vedanta Society of Northern California), which became the
foundations for Vedanta Societies in the West. In India, he founded the Ramakrishna
Math, which provides spiritual training for monastics and householders, and the
Ramakrishna Mission, which provides charity, social work and education.

In 1888, Narendra left the monastery as a Parivrajaka – a wandering monk, "without

fixed abode, without ties, independent and strangers wherever they go". His sole
possessions were a kamandalu (water pot), staff and his two favourite books: the
Bhagavad Gita and The Imitation of Christ. Narendra travelled extensively in India for
five years, visiting centres of learning and acquainting himself with diverse religious
traditions and social patterns. He developed sympathy for the suffering and poverty of
the people, and resolved to uplift the nation. Living primarily on bhiksha (alms), he
travelled on foot and by railway. During his travels he met and stayed with Indians
from all religions and walks of life: scholars, dewans, rajas, Hindus, Muslims,
Christians, paraiyars (low-caste workers) and government officials.

On 4 July 1902 (the day of his death), Vivekananda awoke early, went to the
monastery at Belur Math and meditated for three hours. He taught Shukla-Yajur-Veda,
Sanskrit grammar and the philosophy of yoga to pupils, later discussing with
colleagues a planned Vedic college in the Ramakrishna Math. At 7:00 pm
Vivekananda went to his room, asking not to be disturbed; he died at 9:20 p.m. while
meditating. The rupture of a blood vessel in his brain was reported as a possible cause
of death.According to his disciples, the rupture was due to his brahmarandhra (an
opening in the crown of his head) being pierced when he attained mahasamādhi.
Vivekananda fulfilled his prophecy that he would not live forty years. He was
cremated on a sandalwood funeral pyre on the bank of the Ganga in Belur, opposite
where Ramakrishna was cremated sixteen years earlier. Swami Vivekananda's Chicago
address aimed to instill pride in India's spiritual and cultural heritage, promote a sense
of nationalism, and present Hinduism as a rational and universal spiritual path, thereby
countering negative stereotypes and fostering a more respectful global dialogue.
According to Swami Vivekananda, national spirit in India could be developed by
young people by devoting their life to social service and national awakening. It was the
duty of the educated Indians to make its knowledge available to the people in their
oneness and solidarity. He exhorted Indians not to get involved in the divisive issue of
race and language and imbibe the spirit of unity.
Swami Vivekananda said, “My faith is in the younger generation, the modern
generation. They will work out the whole problem like a lion…

Swami Vivekananda was a true nationalist in heart and spirit. He believed that there is
one all dominating principle manifesting itself in the life of each nation. He said, “in
each nation, as in music , there is a main note, a central theme, upon which all others
turn. Each nation has a theme, everything else is secondary. India's theme is religion.
Social reform and everything else are secondary. Like Sri Aurobindo and Bipin
Chandra Pal, Swami Vivekananda advocated for the religious basis of nationalism.
Spirituality or religion was not to be confused with rituals, social dogmas,
ecclesiastical formulations and obsolete costumes. By religion Vivekananda
understood the eternal principles of moral and spiritual advancement. He believed in
universal toleration and not in social and religious imposition. Therefore he can’t be
charged with sectarianism or communalism.

Vivekananda’s soul like that of Bankim was lit with the luminous vision of mother
India as a deity. To him, India didn’t just mean either a geographical entity or a heaven
of opportunity for the elite. Hence Vivekananda worked for awakening the masses, the
development of their physical and moral strength and creating in them a consciousness
of the pride in the ancient glory and greatness of India. It is therefore he was hailed as
one of the great architects of modern nationalism in India. In the words of Dr. Rao,
“patriotism means love of the country and country means its masses. Only
Vivekananda arrived at this road through religion”.

Swami Vivekananda's vision of Indian nationalism rested on four key pillars: pride in
India's ancient glory, fostering moral and physical strength, awakening the masses,
and unity based on shared spiritual values.
Swami Vivekananda's philosophy, rooted in Vedanta, emphasizes the inherent
divinity of the soul, the oneness of existence, and the importance of self-realization
through service to humanity and a universal religion that transcends sectarian
boundaries.
Swami Vivekananda's famous quotes emphasize self-belief, action, and the pursuit of
one's potential, encouraging individuals to "Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal
is reached" and to believe in their own inner strength.
Swami Vivekananda in Chicago in 1893 with the handwritten words “one infinite pure
and holy—beyond thought beyond qualities I bow down to thee”. Swami
Vivekananda (1863–1902) is best known in the United States for his groundbreaking
speech to the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in which he introduced Hinduism
to America and called for religious tolerance and an end to fanaticism. Born
Narendranath Dutta, he was the chief disciple of the 19th-century mystic Ramakrishna
and the founder of Ramakrishna Mission. Swami Vivekananda is also considered a key
figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the West and is credited with raising
the profile of Hinduism to that of a world religion.

Swami Vivekananda's Chicago address significantly boosted Indian nationalism by

instilling pride in India's rich cultural heritage, promoting a sense of self-worth among
Indians, and showcasing Hinduism on a global stage, thereby challenging the
perception of India as a colonized and inferior nation under British rule; his speech at
the Parliament of World Religions effectively presented India as a land of profound
spirituality and wisdom, inspiring many Indians to actively participate in the freedom
struggle.

As the guru then died in 1886, together with others from this circle he took monk
vows (sanyāsa) and as a group they founded a monastery in Baranagar. After a period
of studying religious Sanskrit literature and intensive spiritual practice, between 1890
and 1892 he undertook a pilgrimage through India as a men-dicant (sanyāsin),
travelling on foot and by train. He was confronted with the poverty of the people and
what for him was the disillusioning real state of Hinduism. He is open to secular
elements, adopting the line of thinking taken by the natural sciences and
Enlightenment’s ideas of criticism of religion unnecessary repetition, and integrates
them into his con-cept of religion.

The pivotal role of religious experience is – as I hope to show below – closely allied to
this. Again, Vivekananda’s neo- Hinduism shares these aspirations with a number of
religious movements which have arisen since the nineteenth century. Specifically
however, the experiential- and practice- based orientation is cast into a paradigmatic
form, encapsulated by the term “yoga”, which has had – and continues to have – an
enormous influence both inside and outside of India. Before looking closer at this I
would like to turn our attention to Vivekananda’s project of a reformed Hinduism, for
which his concep-tion of a yoga- based spirituality serves as fulcrum.
Chicago address was more than just a speech; it was a pivotal moment in the history of
Indian nationalism. By challenging colonial perceptions, fostering a sense of pride in
India's rich spiritual heritage, and inspiring a generation with his powerful message,
Vivekananda's words laid the groundwork for a stronger, more unified nation. His
legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of self-reliance, unity,
and service to humanity, values that remain central to the ongoing journey of India's
national awakening.".

Vivekananda's speech, particularly his articulation of India's spiritual heritage,

helped to counter the inferiority complex that had developed under colonial
rule. He instilled a sense of pride in their own culture and history, fostering a
strong sense of belonging.

The speech served as a catalyst for a more robust nationalist movement, inspiring a
sense of unity and purpose among Indians, regardless of their religion or social
background.

Vivekananda's words resonated deeply with Indians, providing a moral and

spiritual foundation for the nationalist cause. His emphasis on strength, self-
reliance, and service to humanity resonated with young people and fueled their
commitment to the movement. His speech not only impacted India but also
introduced Indian spirituality to the West, paving the way for a more respectful
dialogue between different cultures and religions.

In conclusion, Vivekananda's Chicago address was a turning point in Indian history,

sparking a renewed sense of national pride, promoting Indian spirituality globally,
and indirectly contributing to the growth of the Indian nationalist movement. His
legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians to embrace their heritage, strive for
self-reliance, and contribute to the well-being of humanity.