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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Spiritual Leader

Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Swami Vivekananda was an Indian Hindu monk and philosopher who introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. His 1893 speech in Chicago made him an international figure.

Who he was

Born Narendranath Datta in Calcutta on 12 January 1863, Vivekananda became the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. He later founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 and is known for popularising Indian spiritual traditions abroad.

Why he matters

His address at the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago opened with “Sisters and Brothers of America” and earned him global recognition. His teachings on self-realisation, service to humanity, and religious harmony continue to influence interfaith dialogue and Hindu communities, including in Canada.

Key details

Vivekananda died near Calcutta on 4 July 1902. He is remembered for quotes like “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached” and for stressing practical spirituality. The Ramakrishna Mission carries on his work in education and social service.

In short

  • Chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission
  • Introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the West via his 1893 Chicago speech
  • Taught self-realisation, service to humanity, and harmony among religions
  • Influenced Hindu and interfaith communities in Canada
Canadian angle

Swami Vivekananda’s ideas have influenced Hindu and interfaith communities in Canada, including Vedanta and Ramakrishna-related groups, and his Chicago address remains significant in discussions of global religious pluralism.

Quick questions

Who was Swami Vivekananda?
An Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, and chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.
What did he do?
He introduced Vedanta and Yoga to Western audiences, gave a famous speech in Chicago in 1893, and founded the Ramakrishna Mission.
What was his Chicago speech about?
It was delivered at the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions, opening with “Sisters and Brothers of America,” and promoted religious pluralism.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Vivekananda
    Supports: Birth name, dates, role as chief disciple, international influence, and founding of Ramakrishna Mission.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vivekananda
    Supports: Biographical details, role as Hindu monk and reformer, and emphasis on service to humanity.
  3. Vedanta Society — https://vedanta.org/our-teachers/swami-vivekananda/
    Supports: Teachings on practical Vedanta, harmony of religions, divinity of the soul, and service to humanity.
  4. Poetry Foundation — https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/swami-vivekananda
    Supports: His identity, influence in introducing Hindu philosophy in the United States, and public prominence.