Thanjavur, September 26, 2013: Swami Vivekananda belonged to entire humanity and his philosophy was all-embracive, all-inclusive, and love for al, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or religion, said Swami Athmahanandaji, Head of Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, Kancheepuram, here on Wednesday.

Speaking at the reception given to the Swami Vivekananda 150th birth anniversary rath yatra at SASTRA University, Sri Athmahanandaji said that although Vivekananda was a monk, he could not leave aside his patriotism. He wanted the youth to love the country and imbibe its culture.

Swami Vivekananda faced hurdles while taking part in Parliament of Religions in Chicago. He was asked for his credentials to take part in it. Later, he lost the address of the venue. Finally, he could make it with the help of those who admired his intelligence, radiance and magnetism and when he spoke in the Parliament of Religions, he electrified the spectators by addressing them as “Brothers and sisters of America”. That was a historical speech that made foreigners to know about India and its culture.

Earlier, a pledge to love India and take pride in being an Indian was administered to the students at the meeting.

Vaidhyasubramanian, Dean of SASTRA, S. Suresh Moopanar, Chairman of the Citizens committee of Thanjavur, formed to welcome the yatra, Senthilkumar, its secretary, Balachandran, Registrar of SASTRA, took part in the meeting. On its arrival from Pudukottai, the yatra was received by the Citizens Committee members with “poornakumbam” at Gandarvakottai.

K.V.S. Gopalakrishnan, former Director-General of Police, Intelligence Bureau, garlanded the statues of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa at the chariot. The yatra was given a reception later at Parisutham Institute of Science and Technology, Big Temple, four main streets, and Keelavasal.

Source: The Hindu, September 26, 2013