Commemorating Vivekananda's address at World Parliament of Religions

Over a century year ago on this very day, Swami Vivekananda received a standing ovation at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago after he had introduced Hinduism and propagated world peace.

At an event on Tuesday to commemorate the 119th year of his address, members of Ramakrishna Mission that the great saint of the 19th century founded, spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and former President A P J Abdul Kalam recounted the "positive spirit" that was present in Vivekananda.

While Kalam quoted extensively from Vivekananda's historic speech at the 1893 conference in Chicago and asked the current leadership of world countries to emulate his positive approach in dealing with issues, the Dalai Lama said the saint's spirit was still alive in the hearts and minds of people.

'Awakening India', part of the celebrations to commemorate 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, brought leaders of various religions on one

platform where they urged for peace and harmony among all communities.

Vivekananda, Kalam said, had denounced hatred among communities and sectarianism and noted that the world has progressed a long way in combating the threats that has come along but more needed to be done on this count.

Referring to the sub-continent, which has seen many conflicts, the former President said associations like SAARC and ASEAN needed to be further strengthened so as to bring about greater cooperation among countries.

Kalam and Dalai Lama echoed each other's view when they spoke about the importance of education in solving major problems that the globe faces and create awareness among people on all issues.

The Tibetan spiritual leader praised India, saying it is a "living example" of how people from all religions of the world including the home-grown ones live together.

Though there are some exceptions when "minor scuffles" happen between members of two communities, the Dalai Lama said India has shown the way on how many religions can co-exist.

... contd.

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