Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday shared Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, describing it as one of the most celebrated and inspiring moments in Indian history.
Delivered in 1893, Swami Vivekananda’s speech is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and remarkable speeches that introduced India and its spiritual heritage to the world.
Sharing the speech on X, PM Modi said, “This speech by Swami Vivekananda, delivered in Chicago on this day in 1893, is widely regarded as a watershed moment. Emphasising harmony and universal brotherhood, he passionately spoke about the ideals of Indian culture on the world stage. It is truly among the most celebrated and inspiring moments in our history.”
Swami Vivekananda began his speech with the now-famous words “Sisters and Brothers of America” – a greeting that was unusual in formal addresses at the time. The phrase drew a standing ovation that reportedly lasted more than two minutes and left a lasting impression on the audience.
In his address, he made a passionate plea for religious tolerance and harmony. “It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I 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,” he said.
Swamiji introduced Hindu philosophy to the world, stressing universal acceptance and the inclusive character of Indian civilisation. “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,” he declared.
He recalled how India had offered refuge to persecuted communities over the centuries. “I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to 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.”
The speech reflected the essence of Hindu thought on tolerance and spiritual unity. Quoting an ancient hymn, Swamiji said: “As the different streams having their 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.”
He also cited the Bhagavad Gita to reinforce the message of oneness: “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.’”
Warning against divisions and intolerance, Vivekananda lamented how sectarianism and fanaticism had long afflicted humanity. “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its 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 civilisation, 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,” he observed.
Concluding on a note of hope, Swamiji said: “But their time has come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour 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.”