Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) was a towering spiritual leader, philosopher, and social reformer from India. Born as Narendranath Datta in Kolkata, he became a disciple of the mystic saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who profoundly influenced his spiritual outlook and philosophy. Key Contributions and Philosophy: 1. Universal Brotherhood and Interfaith Harmony Vivekananda is best remembered for his historic speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. He began with the famous words, "Sisters and Brothers of America," which won him a standing ovation. He advocated for religious tolerance, harmony, and the unity of all faiths, emphasizing the underlying spirituality common to humanity. 2. Revival of Indian Culture and Spirituality Vivekananda worked tirelessly to uplift Indian society, encouraging self-confidence and pride in India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. He believed that the Vedantic philosophy could offer solutions to the social and moral challenges of the modern world. 3. Focus on Youth Empowerment He stressed the power of youth to shape the future of society. Vivekananda’s teachings often emphasized strength, self-reliance, and service to humanity, urging young people to strive for excellence and lead lives of purpose. 4. Ramakrishna Mission In 1897, he established the Ramakrishna Mission, an organization dedicated to social service, education, and spiritual upliftment. Its motto, "For one's own salvation and for the good of the world," reflects his vision of combining personal growth with service to society. 5. Education as a Tool for Transformation Vivekananda believed that education should not merely focus on academics but also on character-building and holistic development. He famously said, *“Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man.”* Inspirational Teachings: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” “The greatest sin is to think yourself weak.” Swami Vivekananda’s legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide. His vision of a harmonious world driven by spiritual and moral values remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.