The year long celebrations to commemorate 150th
birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand were inaugurated today by a
massive ‘Shobha Yatra’ (Celebratory March) in which more than 15,000
persons belonging to various walls of life participated. The march
started from Red Fort and covered Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Lahori
Gate, Novelty Cinema, Delhi Railway Station and back to Red Fort (3.5
km). Thousands of residents of the area, business establishments,
religious organisations, academic institutions etc welcomed the Shobha
Yatra by presentation of bouquets and spreading of flowers petals, etc.
The whole route was decorated with banners and welcome gates.
The purpose of the year long celebrations is
to spread the message of swami ji amongst all sections of society,
particularly the Indian youth which is the future of the country.
Swamiji’s message deals with comprehensive awakening of the nation;
spiritual, economic, cultural, academic and industrial. Even though
Swamiji is remembered the most through his Chicago “Brothers and Sisters
of America” lecture, but his concerns about India, Indians and their
portion in the world meet much beyond that iconic lecture. It is not
widely known, for example that Swamiji was responsible for encouraging
Tatas to establish Steal Factories to spur the industrial growth of the
nation. Swamiji was also the initiator of the idea of establishing
Indian Institute of Sciences.
The Shobha Yatra was addressed by prominent
spiritual, social and cultural leaders. Some of the prominent social
and spiritual leaders who inspired the march included the
renowned academic and spiritual thinker Dr. Pranav Pandya who also
addressed the gathering before the start of the march. Others who
participated included Shanta Atmanandji (Rama Krishna Ashram), Sh. P
Parmeshwaran ji of Vivekanand Kendra Kanya Kumari, Pramila Taiji Medhe,
Swami Vivekanathji of Valmiki Samaj, Swami Raghwanand ji and Swami
Retambhranand ji. The March was blessed by Poojya Amma Ma Amritanandmayi
ji. All the speakers emphasized the fact that for the reawakening of
the nation, Swami ji should be the role model of the youth in the
country.
A large number of tablens depicting various
aspects of the life and message of Swamiji (like Awake India & and
Awaken the World, Rock Memorial, Rama Krishna Paramhans, Chicago
lecture, etc) participated in the March. The Yatra was joined by a large
number of schools and students, business organisations, farmers
associations, labour unions, women organisations, cultural groups,
diverse religions groups, artists, etc. More than hundred delegates from
all followers of Swami Vivekanandji also participated.
The nodal agency of the year long Vivekanand 150
celebrations in the Vivekanand Foundation, New Delhi. The purpose of the
celebrations is to revive the spirit of Vivekanand ji among all
sections of the society across the length and breadth of the country.
Schools and colleges, Universities, Villages, Under privileged sections
of society, women, sc’s/st’s North Eastern States, etc shall be
mobilized to spread the message of swamiji. It is aimed that more than
40 million (4 crore) households are contacted during the year long
celebrations which will conclude on 12th Jan. 2014.
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