REVEIW ARTICLE: SWAMI VIVEKANANDA IN CONTEMPORARY INDIAN NEWS ( – ) (Apr )
By S RADHAKRISHNAN
Summary
The review article examines the significant period of Swami Vivekananda's life (1893-1902), focusing on his impactful Chicago Parliament address, which marked his emergence as a global spiritual leader and highlighted Indian spirituality's potential. His subsequent speeches in the West and India inspired national consciousness and laid the foundation for India's revival. Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission to advance spiritual, humanitarian, and philanthropic activities, leaving a lasting legacy of service and universal wisdom. The article discusses Prof. Sankari Prasad Basu's extensive research, compiled in the series *Swami Vivekananda in Contemporary Indian News (1893-1902)*, which meticulously collects historical data from Indian newspapers, journals, and periodicals. The third volume in the series focuses exclusively on the *Brahmavadin*, a journal founded in 1895 by Alasinga Perumal under Vivekananda's inspiration. The journal served as a key platform for promoting Vedantic teachings, featuring Sri Ramakrishna's sayings, Vivekananda's writings, and reports on the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement's activities. Despite financial challenges, the journal maintained high ideals and gained widespread acclaim, including praise from scholars like Max Müller. The article highlights the journal's role in documenting the Movement's growth, including the contributions of key figures like Prof. M. Rangacharya and Prof. K. Sundararama Iyer. It also underscores the impact of Swami Ramakrishnananda's efforts in spreading the Movement's message in South India. The *Brahmavadin* remains a valuable historical resource, offering insights into Vivekananda's life, teachings, and the broader spiritual and social movements of the era.
Conclusion
This comprehensive analysis of Swami Vivekananda's impact during 1893-1902 underscores his transformative role in shaping modern thought and Indian revival. Prof. Basu's meticulous research, particularly through the *Brahmavadin* journal, reveals how Vivekananda's teachings and the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement catalyzed spiritual and social awakening, both in India and abroad. The journal's emphasis on Sri Ramakrishna's sayings, Vedantic discourse, and global missionary activities highlights its enduring influence in promoting universal harmony and India's cultural legacy. By consolidating Vivekananda's vision through institutions and publications, this period laid the foundation for national consciousness and humanitarian progress, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary Indian identity. The study reaffirms Vivekananda as a pivotal figure whose ideals of service, renunciation, and wisdom continue to inspire generations.