Grand opening for Swami Vivekananda 150th Birth anniversary celebrations at Dubai

World needs Vivekananda’s integral humanism today – Dr. Sharma

Grand opening for Swami Vivekananda 150th Birth anniversary celebrations at Dubai
World needs Vivekananda’s integral humanism today – Dr. Sharma Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth anniversary celebrations “VIVEK 150”inauguration program was organized by “Friends of India” in association with “Consulate General of India, Dubai”. On 12th January 2013 at Indian High School, Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Dubai, UAE.

Curtain raiser of the event was with the program “Vivekavandanam” – salutation to Swami Vivekananda by Balabharati & Yuvabharati students, with the playing of the song “Bhuvan Mandale Nava Yuga Mudayatu Sada Vivekanandamayam” The integral humanism preached by the great Indian spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, if put into practice, can help solve much of the problems facing the world today, according to Dr Bhagwati Prakash Sharma, Pro President of Pacific University at Udaipur in India.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Sharma said had a unique feeling of oneness with the whole world and indeed the entire cosmos. Such a vision is badly needed today when the Earth is facing serious crises like Global warming, Food shortage, Economic meltdown, Eurozone debt etc.

Faith in oneself and God, truth, purity of mind and thought and total unselfishness can be considered to be gist of Vivekananda’s bold message to India and the world, said Dr Sharma.

Recalling Vivekananda’s world famous ‘Sisters and Brothers of America’ speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Dr Sharma said that single speech changed the mindset of the western world’s intelligentsia about India and the Orient, said Dr Sharma. “We can learn much from India,” editorialized the New York Times the very next day, he noted.

Unlike other spiritual leaders of the time, Swami Vivekananda’s speeches covered the entire gamut of life, contributing to every area of human knowledge. Above all, he dedicated his short and brilliant life to the wellbeing of all beings, not just human beings, Dr Sharma said.

Vivekananda boldly told a selfish world that the real means of salvation is by serving the underprivileged. “You are not obliging the weak by serving them, rather they are obliging you by giving you an opportunity to better your chances of salvation,” the swami had roared, noted Dr Sharma.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Consul General of India H.E Mr. Sanjay Verma referred to Swami Vivekananda as one of the greatest s sons of Mother India. India needs spiritual leaders like Vivekananda to help the country to make societal progress to match its recent speedy economic growth, he said.

Mr. Verma said Vivekananda appeared on the world stage at a time when the West, which dominated the word politically and economically, had written off the East completely. The swami’s speech in Chicago brought a breath of fresh air and compelled the West to wake up and take notice of ancient Indian wisdom.

The Consul General said the Government of India had decided to hold functions for one full year from January 12, 2013 to January 12, 2014 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Vivekananda who can also be considered as one of the earliest founts of the nationalist movements, culminating in independence for India from British colonial rule in 1947.

After the key note address a Dance-Drama titled ‘Vivekanandam’ -Kuru Seva Tvam-was conducted by the team ”Mohana”, highlighting the stages of Swamiji’s life.

At the end there was a lovely song “Murtha Mahehswaram”-a homage to Swami Vivekananda, a Sanskrit hymn to Swami Vivekananda, also known as Sri Vivekananda Giti Stotram, was composed by his disciple Sharat Chandra Chakrabarty was sung by a group of nearly 45 children. It was followed by “Vande Mataram”.

Highlights of the Program:

• Program was attended by more than 1000 invitees
• It was conducted in association with Consulate Genral of India, Dubai.
• Presided over by Consul General of India, Dubai HE Mr. Sanjay Verma
• Key note speaker was Dr. Prof. Bhagwati Prakash Sharma, Pro President, Pacific University, Udapipur.
• It was attended by various prominent personalities and businessmen of the community which includes:
• Mr. Meghanmal Pancholia (Founder President of Indian High School, India Club, first man to bring electricity to Dubai, Ex- director of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Directors of many companies)
• Mr. Vashu Sheroff, (Trustee of Dubai Temple committee, Owner of Regal Traders, Ex-President The Indian High school)
• Mr. Nari Sawlani, (Ex-President The Indian High school, Director of Many companies)
• Dr. Ram Buxani, (Chairman of Chinmaya family Dubai, Ex-President The Indian High school, India club, director of many companies,
• Dr. Bharat Butaney, (President of Indian Business and Professional Council)
• Mr. Bharat Bhai Shah, (Prominent and eminent community member and Director of Many companies)
• Mr. Subash Jindal, (Biggest Rice dealer in the region)
• Dr. Satish, (Presidernt of All Kerala Medical Graduate,Dubai Chapter)
• Mr. Suresh Kumar (Ex-CEO of ENBD Investments)
• Mr. Dutta (Prominent businessmen)
• Mrs.Kusum Dutta (Ex- President of Indian Ladies Association)
• Mr. Rajesh Somani (President - Aditya Birla Group)
• Many other prominent business and community leaders
• Officials of various regional / social Organisations

Ref  : http://www.vivekananda150jayanti.org/report/2013/january/12/celebration-at-dubai