Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday said Swami Vivekananda’s message of universal brotherhood and self-awakening remains more relevant today, especially in the current backdrop of widespread political turmoil around the world.

Addressing Swami Vivekananda Jan Mahothsav Samaroh held at Palampur in Kangra district, he said he was responsible for revival of Hindu spiritualism and established Hinduism as a revered religion on world stage.

Swami Vivekananda worked tirelessly towards betterment of the society, in servitude of the poor and needy. He was not just a spiritual mind, but was also a prolific thinker, great orator and passionate patriot, he added.

“Swami Ji carried on the free-thinking philosophy of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa and converted into a new paradigm. He succeeded in constructing a virtual bridge between the culture of East and the West.

He interpreted the Hindu scriptures, philosophy and the way of life to the Western people. He made them realize that in spite of poverty and backwardness, India had a great contribution to make the world culture,” he added.

Thakur said Swami Vivekananda travelled the length and breadth of the country, absorbing much of the social, cultural and religious aspects of the people he came in contact with.

He witnessed the adversities of life that the common people faced, their ailments, and vowed to dedicate his life to bring relief to these suffering, he said.

Chief Minister said on 11th September, 1893 Swami Vivekananda represented India in World Parliament of Religions and stunned everyone with his opening line “My brothers and sisters of America”.

He received a standing ovation from the audience for the opening phrase and went on to describe the principles of Vedanta and their spiritual significance, putting Hinduism on the map of World Religions.

The Chief Minister said organising such an event to educate the younger generation about the teachings and life of Swami Vivekananda was really a commendable endeavour.

The teachings of Swami Ji were inspiration to many, and his words became goals of self-improvement, especially for the youth of the country and he was against caste discrimination and believed in universal brotherhood and equality.