On September 11, 1893, at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Swami Vivekananda delivered a speech that would echo through history, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of people across the globe. Representing Hinduism, Vivekananda’s words transcended boundaries of time, space, and creed, embodying the essence of Indian culture and its values.

Born in Kolkata, India, in 1863, Swami Vivekananda was not merely a man but a luminary, a sage whose wisdom illuminated the darkest corners of ignorance. A disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, he imbibed the teachings of his master, becoming a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment himself. When the opportunity arose to represent Hinduism at the World Parliament of Religions, Vivekananda seized it with unwavering determination.

The Parliament was a melting pot of diverse beliefs, a forum where religious leaders from around the world converged to foster understanding and tolerance. Vivekananda’s speech was not just a representation of Hinduism but a clarion call for a universal religion that transcended the boundaries of caste, creed, and nationality. His opening words, “Sisters and brothers of America,” resonated deeply, encapsulating his belief in the unity of all beings.

In his address, Vivekananda articulated the importance of recognizing the common thread that binds all religions together. He spoke passionately about the need for tolerance and understanding, emphasizing that true strength lies in unity, not division. His message of universal brotherhood struck a chord with the audience, eliciting a standing ovation that lasted for minutes.

Vivekananda’s words were not mere rhetoric but a reflection of the ancient wisdom of India, a wisdom that had nurtured a culture of tolerance and acceptance for millennia. He took pride in belonging to a religion that had championed these values since time immemorial, a religion that embraced diversity as a source of strength rather than a cause for conflict.

It was for the first time that the message of universal Brotherhood and its proper understanding was given to the Western world. He spoke about the importance of tolerance and understanding among different religions. He said, “I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance.”

Swami Vivekananda gave his first lecture on the first day. He began his speech with a salutation, “Sisters and brothers of America!”. To these words, he got a standing ovation from a crowd of seven thousand, which lasted for two minutes. When silence was restored he began his address. He greeted the youngest of the nations on behalf of “the most ancient order of monks in the world, the Vedic order of sannyasins, a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance.”

As Vivekananda concluded his speech, he left an indelible imprint on the hearts of all who were present, igniting a spark of hope in a world plagued by strife and discord. His message of universal brotherhood continues to resonate today, reminding us that in the tapestry of humanity, every thread is precious, every soul worthy of love and respect.

Following is the extract from the speech that Swami Vivekananda delivered on September 11, 1893:

Sisters and Brothers of America,

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. l thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of the millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects. My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration.

I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to the southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny.

I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings:

As the different streams having there sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world, of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita:

Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to Me.

Sectarianism, bigotry, and their horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

Swami Vivekananda, Parliament of World’s Religions, Chicago, USA, Sep 11, 1893

Swami Vivekananda’s speech was also a reflection of the Indian culture and its values. He spoke about the importance of spirituality and self-realization. He said that “the Hindu religion is the only one which is not founded on a single prophet or a book, but which is based upon the eternal truths revealed by countless sages and seers.”

Swami Vivekananda’s speech at Chicago had a profound impact on the Western world. His message of universal brotherhood and tolerance resonated with people around the world. He inspired many people to study Indian culture and its values. His message also had an impact on the civil rights movement in America.

Annie Besant, a British Theosophist and a conference delegate, described Vivekananda’s impact, writing that he was “a striking figure, clad in yellow and orange, shining like the sun of India in the midst of the heavy atmosphere of Chicago…a lion head, piercing eyes, mobile lips, movements swift and abrupt.” The Parliament, she said, was “enraptured; the huge multitude hung upon his words.” When he was done, the convocation rose again and cheered him even more thunderously.

Another delegate described “scores of women walking over the benches to get near to him,” prompting one wag to crack wise that if the 30-year-old Vivekananda “can resist that onslaught, [he is] indeed a god.”

Swamiji concluded his speech on the final session of the Parliament with these golden words:

If the Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the world it is this: It has proved to the world that holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character. In the face of this evidence, if some people still dream of the exclusive survival of their own religion and the destruction of the others, I pity them from the bottom of my heart, and point out to them that upon the banner of every religion will soon be written, in spite of resistance: “Help and not Fight”, “Assimilation and not Destruction”; “Harmony and Peace and not Dissension.”

Swami Vivekananda, Chicago, Sep 1893

Unfortunately, everybody has forgotten his message. Had the world followed the message of the universal brotherhood, possibly, 108 years later it would not have had to face the fatal day of the World Trade Center attack, September 11, 2001.

Today, the world is remembering the horrors of September 11, 2001. We need to remember the messages of Swami Vivekananda to avoid the horrors of September 11, 2001.

Swami Vivekananda’s message is more relevant today than ever before. In a world that is increasingly divided along religious, ethnic, and national lines, his call for universal tolerance and acceptance is a beacon of hope.

Swami Vivekananda’s speech in Chicago was a reflection of the Indian culture and its values. His message of universal brotherhood and tolerance inspired people around the world. His message also had an impact on the civil rights movement in America. Swami Vivekananda’s speech at Chicago is a testament to the power of words and the importance of understanding and tolerance among different religions.

We must strive to build a world where everyone is accepted for who they are and where their beliefs and practices are respected. We must recognize that we are all part of the same human family and that our differences are what make us unique and beautiful.

In the annals of history, Swami Vivekananda’s speech stands as a testament to the power of words to inspire, to unite, and to transform. May we heed his message and strive to build a world where the light of tolerance and understanding shines bright, illuminating the path to a brighter tomorrow for all.

Let us take inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s message and work towards building a world where peace, harmony, and understanding reign supreme. Let us embrace our differences and celebrate our diversity, for it is only then that we can truly create a world that is just and equitable for all.