Swami Vivekananda was not just a saint or a philosopher, but he was the flame of thought who taught the youth of India the lessons of self-confidence, self-respect and self-reliance. Vivekananda, born on 12 January 1863, left such an ideological impact at a very young age that even today his words seem equally relevant. Generally we know about his Chicago speech, being a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Vedanta philosophy, but there are many such stories in his life which are less heard, yet very interesting and inspiring.
Come, let us know 10 such unheard stories related to his life, which not only inspire but also reveal the depth of his personality.
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The boy who asked direct questions to God in childhood
Swami Vivekananda was logical and fearless since childhood. When he was young, he asked many sages and pundits the same question—Have you seen God? Most people would give vague answers, but child Narendra was not satisfied. This question ultimately took him to Ramakrishna Paramahansa. Ramakrishna said without hesitation, yes, I have seen God just as I see you. This honest answer proved to change the direction of Narendra’s life.
Inspiration: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. True knowledge is born only from curiosity.
to Swami Vivekananda Had deep interest in classical music and Bengali bhajans.
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Dream of becoming a musician and path of becoming a monk
Very few people know that Narendra Nath was an excellent singer. He had a keen interest in classical music and Bengali bhajans. He often sang for Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Once someone told him that he could become a great singer. On this he smiled and said – If music connects the soul to God, then that is my music. This thinking later transformed into his path of retirement and service.
Inspiration: The highest use of talent is that which benefits both society and soul.
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On the days of father’s death and poverty
When Narendra was in college, his father died suddenly. Financial crisis hit the family. For many days there was not enough food in the house. One day he roamed the whole city in search of a job, but did not get success anywhere. Tired and exhausted, Ramakrishna reached Paramhansa. The Guru said, ask Mother Kali and see. Narendra went to the temple several times, but every time he could not ask for anything for himself. He could only say, Mother, give me wisdom and renunciation.
Inspiration: True sacrifice is one in which a person rises above his suffering.
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Story of name change after retirement
After retiring, Narendranath got a new name, Vivekananda. Prudence means the power to differentiate between right and wrong and happiness means spiritual happiness. This name was the essence of his aim in life to pursue happiness with wisdom.
Inspiration: It is not the name but the purpose that makes a person great.
Vivekananda told the youth – Get up, stay awake and do not stop until the goal is achieved.
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Insult of a hungry monk during his visit to India
During his visit to India, Vivekananda once went to a village to beg for alms. People saw him and said, ‘Idle sadhu, go away from here.’ Vivekananda felt sad, but he did not get angry. Coming out he said, as long as the people of India are hungry, I do not want salvation. This idea later became the basis of the spirit of service of Ramakrishna Mission.
Inspiration: Don’t be broken by insult, turn it into a purpose.
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Didn’t even have shoes before going to Chicago
Before going to Chicago in 1893, Vivekananda had neither money nor proper clothes. Many people made fun of him. Raja Ajit Singh (Khedagram) helped him and the journey became possible. Vivekananda said, if even one person believes in my ideas, then the path is made.
Inspiration: Trust is greater than resources.
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Barred from entering hotel after Chicago speech
Even after his famous speech in Chicago, the hotel guard once stopped him from going inside because of his simple clothes. When the organizers found out, they immediately removed the guard and apologized to Vivekananda. Vivekananda said, respect is not gained by clothes, but by thoughts.
Inspiration: What matters is not external identity, but internal values.
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Clear opinion on racism in America
While living in America, he criticized racism and discrimination on the basis of color. He said, a society which does not consider man as man cannot be spiritual. At that time it was an act of courage to say this. Because apartheid existed as a big social problem in America at that time.
Inspiration: The courage to speak the truth is the hallmark of leadership.
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Only 39 years old and foreseeing the future
Swami Vivekananda had said, I will not live more than forty years. He left his body on July 4, 1902 at the age of just 39. He died while meditating in his room.
Inspiration: What matters is not the length, but the depth of life.
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The biggest message for the youth
Vivekananda told the youth – Get up, stay awake and do not stop until the goal is achieved. He believed that youth are the soul of the nation. Therefore, the Government of India declared 12 January as National Youth Day.
Inspiration: If the youth power awakens, the nation itself changes.
Why are Vivekananda’s thoughts important even today?
Swami Vivekananda’s life teaches us that self-confidence is the greatest wealth. Religion means service. Nation building happens through character building. Today, when the youth is struggling with confusion, stress and identity crisis, Vivekananda’s thoughts show the way like a lamp. 12 January is not just a birth date, but a day of self-awareness.
Also read: Why is youth population important for the country, in which state is it highest?