Q.10 Swami Vivekanand is the spiritual father of modern nationalist movement. Elaborate.
Ans: Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in India’s spiritual and cultural renaissance, is often regarded as the spiritual father of the modern nationalist movement. His teachings emphasized spiritual nationalism, rooted in India’s ancient traditions, and inspired Indians to awaken their self-respect and pride in their heritage.
- Spiritual Nationalism: Vivekananda linked India’s regeneration to its spiritual heritage, emphasizing humanism and universalism as the core of Indian culture. Example: He declared that India’s mission was to spread spiritual knowledge globally, as seen in his famous speech at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
- Focus on Mass Upliftment: He identified the neglect of the masses as the root cause of India’s decline and stressed the need for education and self-reliance. Example: He advocated for secular and spiritual education to empower the masses economically and morally.
- Karmayoga and Selfless Service: Vivekananda promoted Karmayoga (selfless service) as a means to achieve both political freedom and spiritual growth. Example: He inspired youth to dedicate themselves to social service and national awakening, as reflected in his call: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
- Cultural Unity and Pride: He emphasized India’s cultural unity despite its diversity and urged Indians to take pride in their history and traditions. Example: His teachings strengthened the sense of national identity and unity among Indians.
- Global Recognition of Indian Philosophy: Vivekananda introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the West, placing Indian spirituality on the global stage. Example: His address at the Parliament of Religions highlighted India’s spiritual contributions to the world.
Swami Vivekananda’s vision of spiritual nationalism and his emphasis on mass upliftment, cultural pride, and selfless service laid the foundation for India’s modern nationalist movement. His teachings continue to inspire generations, fostering a sense of unity and self-respect.
| Source : Book NCERT : Chapter :2 Page Number : 2 : PDF Link |
Questions of the Day:
- Globalisation is not necessarily westernisation. Examine.
Topics to be Covered
| Hindi – संधि / संधि विच्छेद English – Paragraph Writing |