Swami Vivekananda, born Narendranath Datta, was a Hindu monk, philosopher, and leader of the Ramakrishna Mission. He was born on January 12, 1863 in Calcutta, India and died on July 4, 1902 in Belur Math, India.


Vivekananda was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. He was a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India.


Vivekananda received his initial education at home and later graduated from the Scottish Church College in Calcutta. He became a disciple of the Bengali saint Ramakrishna in 1881, who taught him the principles of Advaita Vedanta, the non-dualistic philosophy of Hinduism. After Ramakrishna's death in 1886, Vivekananda became a wandering monk, traveling throughout India for several years and learning about the country's different religious traditions.


In 1893, Vivekananda represented India at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, where he delivered a historic speech that introduced Hinduism to the Western world and began his mission to spread the spiritual and social message of Vedanta. His speech, which began with the words "Sisters and brothers of America," received a standing ovation and made him an instant sensation.


Vivekananda spent the next several years in the United States and Europe, lecturing on spiritual and social issues and establishing the Vedanta Society. He also met several influential figures of the time, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and William James.


In 1897, Vivekananda returned to India, where he established the Ramakrishna Mission, an organization dedicated to serving the poor and promoting the principles of Vedanta. The mission, which still exists today, runs schools, hospitals, and disaster relief programs, and serves as a major religious and social service organization in India.


Vivekananda's teachings emphasized the potential divinity of every person and the unity of all religions. He stressed the importance of practical application of spiritual principles in daily life and advocated for the education and empowerment of women and lower castes. He also spoke out against religious dogma and superstition and called for the modernization and secularization of Hindu society.


Vivekananda's influence went beyond India, and his ideas continue to inspire people around the world. He has been described as a "patriot saint" of India, and his birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day in India. His teachings and writings have been translated into many languages, and his speeches and lectures have been widely published.


In summary, Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk, philosopher and leader of the Ramakrishna Mission. He was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. He was a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India. His teachings emphasized the potential divinity of every person and the unity of all religions. He stressed the importance of practical application of spiritual principles in daily life and advocated for the education and empowerment of women and lower castes. His birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day in India