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SWAMI VIVAKANANDA : AN INTRODUCTION • Swami Vivakanand was a Hindu monk who proclaimed in

America the greatness of Hinduism and of Indian culture.• He was the first Indian saint to take the divine knowledge

of Indian scriptures to the western world.• He is best known for his inspiring speech beginning with

"Sisters and Brothers of America "through which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of world’s religions at Chicago in 1893

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•Swami Vivakananda was born on January 12th 1863 in Calcutta to Vishwanath Datta and Bhuwneshwari Devi. •His childhood name was Narendra.•Narendra was very lively and naughty. He was a natural fearless leader of the children’s in the neighborhood.•He practiced meditation from childhood and had great respect for Sanyasis or ascetics.• He would give away anything to anybody if asked for. Once on his birthday he gave away his new clothes.

CHILDHOOD

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YOUNG NARENDRA• By 1880, Narendra joined college.• His thirst for knowledge had no

limitation. • He would read not only the course books

but also anything he found in the library.• As Narendra advanced in his studies, he

had several questions about God’s creation and his very own existence.

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SEARCH FOR GURU• As young Narendra was growing up,

his curiosity was also growing by leaps and bound to know about God, so he would ask every scholar about God.

• Someone suggested him to meet Ramkrishna who was a priest at the Kali temple in Dakshineshwar. The meeting turned out to be a turning point in Narendra’s life.

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CONTINUEDAfter couple of meetings, Narendra asked Ramakrishna,

Narendra: “Have you seen God?” Sri Ramakrishna : “Of course I have. I have seen him just as I am looking at you.”Narendra : “Will you show me?” Sri Ramakrishna: “Why not? Let the right time come. I will show you God! To meet God, you will have to give up all your desires and surrender to God Almighty.”

Narendra accepted Sri Ramakrishana as his Guru.

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DIFFICULT TIME

In 1884, Narendra’s father passed away and poverty hit the family. To take care of his family’s financial needs, he accepted teaching profession. Despite this difficult time, he never forgot to meet his Guru regularly.

Sri Ramkrishana transferred all his spiritual knowledge and power to Narendra before leaving his mortal body and asked to use this knowledge for the service of the mankind. At this time Narendra was only 22 years of age and became Swami Vivekananda.

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VIVEKANANDA IN AMERICA• There was a conference of religions in Chicago on 11

September 1893. • Thousands of delegates and scholars from different parts of

world had gathered at the conference. • A young Hindu monk from India was also amongst them. • Looking at his age, all other delegates were assuming that he is

immature and inexperienced. • He was not even getting a chance to speak.• At last, this young Hindu monk got a chance to speak. • He began by addressing his audience as “ Brothers and Sisters

of America----” and what a wonder!!!.There Was a thunderous applause, it lasted full 3 minutes!!!.

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The audience loved the affectionate and respectful way with which had addressed them. He won their hearts with his opening line.

He then explained to them the meaning of God according to Hinduism. In his speech he said "people born in different religion finely reach same God, as all rivers finally reach the sea”. The delegates ,everyone of them praised his speech very much.

Newspapers published his photograph and speech. And he become a famous Hindu monk in one night.

VIVEKANANDA IN AMERICA

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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA IN

AMERICA

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA IN AMERICA AND EUROPE

•After the parliament speech, he stayed in America giving talks on Hindu philosophy. Americans started getting very interested in learning more about India and its traditions. He started Vedanta Society in NY. •After America, Swamiji went to Europe, where he was invited to give talks at many places.•He spent almost 4 years in America and England giving lectures in different universities and kindled westerns interest in Hinduism. •During this time, he spent many sleepless nights remembering his countrymen stricken with poverty and returned back to India.

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CONTRIBUTION OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDASwami Vivekananda returned to India in 1897. By now, people across the

country had heard so much about his lectures in America and Europe that they were waiting for his triumphant return to his motherland.

He made them all feel proud of the great heritage of India. He inspired his followers to dedicate themselves to God-Realization and the service to humanity. He delivered a series of lectures in India and this set of lectures is known as “Colombo to Almora”

He emphasized the importance of service. For the service of mankind he established Ramakrishna Mission. The Mission conducts extensive work in health care, disaster relief, rural management, tribal welfare, elementary and higher education and culture.

Swami Vivekananda spent the rest of his life in preaching the message of spirituality and universal goodwill. He inspired the thinking of many national and international leaders.

He is regarded as India’s foremost national-builders. After the relentless effort for his mission on 4th July 1902 at the age of 39, Vivekananda breathed his last breath and attained eternal bliss.

LAST DAYS

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The Vivekananda rock memorial is dedicated to one of the greatest spiritual philosophers of India, Swami Vivekananda.

Vivekananda came to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu on 24.2.1892 before his departure for Chicago to participate in the World Religious Conference in 1893. He sat on this rock for two days in meditation and later became a powerful spiritual leader and philosopher.

IN THE MEMORY OF VIVAKANANDA

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QUIZ•What was the childhood name of Vivakananda?•Where was he born?•What was the name of his Guru?•At what age he got the honor of Swami ?•Why did he come to USA?•How many years he spent in America and Europe ?•Why did he establish Ramkrishna Mission?•Where is Vivakananda memorial?•Why that particular rock was chosen to build Vivakananda Memorial?

Please show this movie after presentation http://www.kidsgen.com/swami_vivekananda/

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• “Great Person Celebration” for their parents, where they will present projects about a great person of their choice including posters, dioramas, and booklets. In addition each student can choose a “great person” they knew personally (such as a grandparent, parent, or coach) and draw a portrait of that person. They can write an essay describing the achievements and inner qualities of their chosen person. Coordinator will run the show, that include singing bhajan, shloka recitation, student presentations and potluck lunch.

• Ask Kids to write one or two paragraph “What they liked most about Swami Vivkananda”

CLASS PROJECT: GREAT PERSON CELEBRATION

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