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Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Swami Vivekananda for beginners: The orator who taught the world tolerance
9/11 might be remembered as the most intolerant day of them all. Except, of course, for that other 9/11 in 1893, when a saffron-robed monk stood before the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, folded his hands, and thundered: 'Sisters and brothers of America…' It was the first time an Indian addressed the West as an equal, not as a subordinate. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The applause thundered for two minutes. In that instant, Swami Vivekananda became the roaring voice of a civilisation long silenced. And today, July 4, 2025, is his 162nd birthday. A day that reminds India not just of a monk in ochre robes, but of the lion who taught her to roar again. For beginners, Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Datta in 1863, in a Calcutta teeming with imperial arrogance and native despair. He was no child saint meditating under a peepal tree. He was the neighbourhood terror: fighting wrestling bouts, belting out classical ragas, and interrogating priests on whether they had actually seen God. His restlessness led him to Dakshineswar, to a mystic named Ramakrishna. Narendra asked the question burning within him: 'Have you seen God?' Ramakrishna smiled and replied, 'Yes, I see Him as clearly as I see you.' That answer set Narendra on fire. Under Ramakrishna, he discovered that God was not a faraway being in the clouds but the living divinity within every creature. When his guru passed, Narendra renounced his identity as a lawyer's son and became Swami Vivekananda – bliss of discernment, the monk with a thunderbolt mind. He walked barefoot across India. He slept under trees, shared stale rotis with starving farmers, listened to the cries of widows, and saw the real India – not the British caricature of snake-charmers and famine skeletons, but a civilisation wounded yet radiating eternal wisdom. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His travels birthed an unbreakable conviction: India's rebirth would not come from imported ideologies or borrowed revolutions. It would come when her people realised their own inherent strength. 'Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,' he said. For Vivekananda, this was not a motivational slogan. It was a civilisational commandment. When he arrived in Chicago for the Parliament of Religions, he had no formal invitation, no wealthy patron. Yet his presence was magnetic. On September 11, 1893, he rose to speak – not to convert, but to awaken. 'We believe not only in universal tolerance, but we accept all religions as true,' he declared. His words were like a Himalayan breeze cutting through the stale air of Western supremacy. Here was a man who spoke with the confidence of a civilisation that had pondered infinity while Europe was still painting itself blue to hunt mammoths. Swami Vivekananda's genius lay in his simplicity. He took the dense verses of Vedanta and distilled them into blazing truths: Each soul is potentially divine. Religion is the manifestation of this divinity within. For him, religion was not ritual. It was strength, action, and fearless pursuit of truth. He once said, 'You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the Bhagavad Gita.' Imagine that. In an India where boys were scolded for playing in the sun, here was a monk telling them to build biceps before quoting shlokas. Because he knew spirituality without strength becomes escapism. A nation of cowards chanting Sanskrit verses cannot uplift itself. Another story often forgotten is how, during his travels, he stayed with people of all castes, eating with scavengers and sleeping in huts. When orthodox critics attacked him, he replied: ' Call me whatever you like. I am only the servant of the poor, the downtrodden, the oppressed.' He saw India's future in education – but not rote learning that produced clerks. He wanted an education that built character, inspired fearlessness, and created men and women with nerves of steel and hearts of compassion. He said: 'Give me a few men and women who are pure and selfless and I shall shake the world.' For the West, Vivekananda was the first Hindu monk they could not patronise. They invited him to lecture at Harvard and meet industrialists. Yet he never once fawned or flattered. He told them that while their material prosperity was admirable, their spiritual poverty was glaring. He saw India as the lighthouse of spiritual knowledge. Not in arrogance, but as a duty to share what was universal. And yet, he never romanticised poverty. He called for industries, science, technology – but rooted in Dharma, so India would never become a third-rate clone of Europe. Today, when you see his images circulating on WhatsApp, know that he was not just a quote bank for gym bros and motivational speakers. He was the blazing force that ignited India's psychological independence decades before political freedom came. He was the monk who made India see herself not as a victim, but as a Vishwa Guru – a teacher to the world. On his birthday today, it is worth remembering what he really stood for: Strength, not sentimentality. Universalism, not narrowness. Fearless enquiry, not blind faith. Action, not escapism. Service, not selfishness. He said, 'They alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.' And he lived those words till his last breath at the age of 39. In four short decades, he compressed centuries of wisdom into a life that continues to inspire revolutionaries, scientists, monks, and students alike. 9/11 may have become a symbol of hate in modern history. But that other 9/11 in 1893 gave humanity a message it still struggles to practise: That the world is one family, and each of us carries within a spark of the infinite. For beginners, this is Swami Vivekananda: The lion who taught India to roar – with strength, wisdom, and unbreakable dignity.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Oppn dividing society along caste lines for survival: CM
1 2 Lucknow: In the latest of several successive attacks on the opposition over caste politics, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday accused them of resorting to caste divisions for political survival. He said those who "once bowed before the mafia are now trying to divide society along caste lines" and reiterated "batoge toh katoge, ek rahoge toh nek rahoge". Speaking at an event in Lucknow on the eve of the birth anniversary of Bhamashah, a 16th-century philanthropist who aided Maharana Pratap in his fight against the Mughals, also celebrated by the UP govt as Vyapari Kalyan Diwas, the CM urged people to rise above caste considerations. Giving the example of Mysore's King Chamarajendra Wadiyar and Khetri's King Ajit Singh, who supported Swami Vivekananda's journey to Parliament of Religions in Chicago, and how in another case Baroda's King Sayajirao Gaekwad awarded a scholarship to Dr BR Ambedkar for higher education abroad, the CM said: "Where was caste in these acts of support? These were examples of selfless, noble contributions that gifted the world great minds like Vivekananda and Ambedkar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here to Read More - Small Business Help Desk Software Expertinspector Click Here Undo " Calling traders the key pillars of nation-building, he said under his leadership, their interests will always be protected. To highlight the law and order situation in the state before 2017 and now, the CM mentioned the 2016 murder of a trader in Lucknow and the murder of a jeweller in Sultanpur, accusing the previous govts of providing shelter to criminals. He said under his tenure, it was made clear to anyone who endangered the safety of others that they would face strict consequences. He added that when his govt took action against miscreants, those who once thrived on caste-based politics began shedding tears for them. Among the schemes brought in by his govt to support MSMEs, Yogi spoke about the One District One Product scheme which, he said, has boosted traditional industries and generated employment for crores. In contrast, he said, previous govts were known for One District One Mafia, which led to a complete breakdown in law and order. The CM instructed the GST department to organise annual felicitation ceremonies for the top 10 GST-paying traders in the state capital and the top 10 traders in each district. He also announced that any GST-paying trader who suffers an accident will be given Rs 10 lakh in assistance from the govt. On the occasion, Yogi presented the Bhamashah Samman to the state's top revenue-contributing traders and honoured several others for their contributions to society. Relating stories about Bhamashah's life, the CM said that he was born on June 29, 1547, in Rajasthan. "His sharp business acumen and loyalty to the Mewar kingdom earned him the position of minister. During the crisis following the Battle of Haldighati, when Maharana Pratap faced severe resource shortages, Bhamashah donated his entire wealth to him. With this support, Maharana Pratap was able to reclaim key forts like Mewar and Chittorgarh from the Mughals. Bhamashah's sacrifice symbolised the true spirit of 'Nation First'," the CM said.
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Some politicians resorting to caste divisions: Yogi Adityanath
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday accused a section of politicians of resorting to caste divisions for survival. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath pays homage to Bharat Mata during an event organised on the eve of the birth anniversary of the great son of Mother India, the philanthropist Bhamashah, in Lucknow on Saturday. (ANI) 'Those who once bowed before mafias and mortgaged power are now trying to divide society along caste lines,' he said, addressing a gathering at Lok Bhavan on the eve of Bhamashah Jayanti and Vyapari Kalyan Diwas. ' Earlier, they extorted money in the name of jobs. Now, they are trying to divide society in the name of caste. That is why I say: 'Batoge toh katoge, ek rahoge toh nek rahoge',' the chief minister asserted. Adityanath called upon society to rise above caste divisions and embrace the ideals of Bhamashah, the legendary figure known for his unwavering patriotism, sacrifice and support to Maharana Pratap. He described Bhamashah as a timeless symbol of unity, service, and dedication to the nation. He also cited the historical contributions of Mysore's King Chamarajendra Wadiyar and Khetri's King Ajit Singh, who supported Swami Vivekananda's journey to the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Similarly, he mentioned how Baroda's King Sayajirao Gaekwad awarded a scholarship to Dr B.R. Ambedkar for higher education abroad. 'Where was caste in these acts of support?' he asked, adding, 'These were examples of selfless, noble contributions that gifted the world great minds like Vivekananda and Ambedkar.' 'Bhamashah's sacrifice symbolised the true spirit of 'Nation First'. He believed that wealth earned from the country should be returned in service of the country,' the chief minister said. 'Every time we remember Maharana Pratap, we will also remember Bhamashah,' he added. Adityanath stated that in 2016, the murder of a trader took place in Lucknow and a jeweller was shot in Sultanpur—incidents that occurred under a regime which provided shelter to criminals. He stated that under his administration, the security of both traders and women has been treated as paramount. 'We made it clear that anyone who endangers their safety will face strict consequences—Yamraj will cut their ticket,' he remarked. The chief minister added that when action was taken against miscreants, those who once thrived on caste-based politics began shedding crocodile tears. He also talked about the 'One District One Product' (ODOP) scheme, which he said has boosted traditional industries and generated employment for millions. He instructed the GST department to organise annual felicitation ceremonies for the top 10 GST-paying traders in the state capital and the top 10 in each district. The chief minister announced that any GST-paying trader who suffers an accident will be given ₹ 10 lakh in assistance from the government. Adityanath called on traders to join the government's efforts for environmental protection. 'River rejuvenation and plantation drives are ongoing in every district. Traders and business organisations should actively participate,' he urged. CM felicitates top taxpayers The chief minister visited an exhibition showcasing the life of Bhamashah. He also presented the Bhamashah Samman to the state's top revenue-contributing traders and honoured several others for their exemplary contributions to society.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Practise yoga for health and unity: CM urges people on Yoga Day eve
Bhopal: On the eve of World Yoga Day , chief minister Mohan Yadav made a fervent appeal to the people of the state to practice Yoga for a healthy body and mind. In a blog, he stated that Yoga is a divine state where individual consciousness unites with the supreme consciousness. Irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, every person has the opportunity to attain this divine state through Yoga. It is a precious gift of India to humanity, he said. Yadav further mentioned that it was the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that led the United Nations General Assembly to declare 21 June as International Yoga Day. With this, he ushered in a new era of comprehensive health awareness across the globe, focusing more on prevention rather than cure. We are now celebrating the 11th International Yoga Day, which is dedicated to the theme: "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." The aim is to highlight the interrelationship between human well-being and the health of our planet. It is simple to understand that when the body and mind are healthy, we are also able to take care of our fellow communities and the environment. He expressed pride in the fact that the scientific practice of Yoga has been well-preserved in India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40代以上でPC持ってるなら、このゲームはあなた向け！ Hero Wars ゲームをプレイ Undo The entire world is now benefiting from the rich heritage of Yogic philosophy. Yoga transcends boundaries of religion, caste, and colour, he said, adding that people often ask about the benefits of Yoga. The simplest answer is peace. The body and mind need peace the most. A disturbed mind and uncontrolled body can negatively affect society. Yoga is a divine gateway towards peace. After Swami Vivekananda's historic address on Vedanta at the 'Parliament of Religions', he was invited across the US to speak on Vedanta philosophy. When he met American students, they asked how to focus on studies. Swamiji said: The only way is concentration, which arises from peace of mind that is achieved through meditation. The Katha Upanishad describes Yoga as the art of controlling the senses. The Bhagavad Gita defines it as detachment from sorrow. Sage Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, explains Yoga as the method to control the fluctuations of the mind. Sri Aurobindo went further to say that human life itself is Yoga. The ultimate goal of Yoga is to experience supreme consciousness. It is a state where the mind is aligned only with justice and righteousness, where values like compassion, kindness, friendship, and peace shine brightly. This state is essential for every human being, regardless of their religion, caste, community, or nationality. Imagine a world where everyone practices Yoga together — all differences disappear. The sense of geographical boundaries vanishes from the mind. Regardless of the country, the whole world becomes one. When the mind becomes unified through Yogic practices, inner joy remains constant, he said.
Indian Express
20-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Unroll your mat, open a book: 7 yoga books for mind, body & soul
On June 21, for the 11th consecutive year, practitioners around the world will spread out their yoga mats, and perform a bevvy of poses – from the warrior pose (virabhadrasana) to downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana) – in a tribute to the ancient Indian discipline of yoga. When the United Nations declared an International Day of Yoga in 2014 (though it was observed for the first time in 2015), people in the West were already flocking to classes on hot yoga, aerial yoga, and Bikram yoga. The practice, one of the few that focuses on holistic wellbeing (bridging the conscious and unconscious), is arguably India's most influential cultural export. Before yoga studios opened around every corner, enthusiasts would turn to illustrated books to learn the postures and understand their benefits. Indeed, finding a book or two on yoga was commonplace in Indian middle-class households. Here are six books that might serve as faithful companions on the journey to mastering the practice and embracing the philosophy of yoga. If one were to pinpoint the moment the ancient Indian practice of yoga captured the western imagination, it would be Swami Vivekananda's speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. This volume compiles the spiritual leader's teachings on the four main paths of yoga—karma (spiritual liberation through duty to others), bhakti (devotion), jnana (self-realisation), and Raja (control of body and mind). Drawing from ancient scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the helps explain the philosophical and spiritual foundations of yoga. Muthanna, who runs a popular yoga school in Bengaluru carries out workshops across the world, blending tradition and modern wellness in her book. She melds the wisdom of ancient Sanskrit texts with contemporary lifestyle needs. In the book, she offers 21 yoga routines designed to address several common maladies. The book, which is also inspired by Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, demystifies yogic philosophy while offering visual guides and practical tools for those navigating busy schedules. Focussing on yoga tailored to the individual (viniyoga), the book outlines a step-by-step sequence to develop a customised yoga routine taking into account the practitioner's health, age, occupation and lifestyle. Desikachar – the son of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga – draws from his father's teachings as well as his own practical approach. In his own words, he offers 'a programme for the spine at every level: physical, mental, and spiritual.' Desikachar discusses all the elements of yoga, including, but not limited to poses and counterposes, conscious breathing, meditation, and philosophy. For those going for the latest edition, the book now comes with 32 poems of Krishnamacharya that capture the essence of his teachings. Iyengar – Krishnamacharya's brother-in-law – gave the world 'Iyengar Yoga', a form of Hatha yoga that reinforces precise body alignment and encourages learners to use props to achieve proper posture. His students famously include the violinist Yehudi Menuhin and Standard Oil heiress Rebekah Harkness. His 1996 book, Light On Yoga, is recommended reading for beginners as it serves as a comprehensive introduction to the discipline. Iyengar breaks down poses into steps allowing students to practice yoga on their own. He explains the meaning of yoga, asanas and kriyas and dedicates a whole section to Pranayam and its effects. The Latvian actor, Eugenie Peterson, better known by her stage name Indra Devi, was once known as the First Lady of Yoga. Another disciple of Krishnamacharya, she is known to have taught Hollywood actors such as Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson. Her guide for her American audience, who she said needed yoga the most, victims as they were of a competitive, tension-ridden society suffering from its own 'superabundance.' With obesity, 'underactivity,' and psychosomatic illness becoming common outside the continent, one might crack the spine of her book, which includes introductory FAQs (Frequently-asked-questions), illustrations, diets, and advice for those suffering from arthritis, asthma, and overweight. In Swami Satchidananda, a widely respected yoga master and spiritual teacher, presents Patanjali's Yoga Sutras with English transliteration, translation, and analysis. The book is structured as a manual for self-discipline and mental clarity, covering the eight limbs of yoga, from ethical living (yamas and niyamas) to meditation (dhyana) and bliss (samadhi). This book serves as a meditative companion for both seasoned seekers and those new to the spiritual path. Known for his mastery over Hatha Yoga techniques (asanas, pranayamas, mudras, bandhas, and kriyas), Vishnu-Devananda was a discipline of Swami Sivananda and trained under him at an ashram in Rishikesh before he set up yoga centers across the United States and Canada, establishing the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta headquarters in Montreal. First published in 1960, the book comprises photos of different yoga poses and touches upon a variety of allied philosophies, including the conquest of old age and the astral body.
