New Delhi/West Bengal/Lucknow, 4 July

On the 123rd death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, political leaders across India took to social media to pay tribute to the revered monk, philosopher, and spiritual reformer. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, tributes highlighted his enduring influence on India's cultural and philosophical landscape.

PM Modi paid homage to Swami Vivekananda, praising his contribution to India's spiritual resurgence and cultural confidence. “I bow to Swami Vivekananda Ji on his Punya Tithi. His thoughts and vision for our society remain our guiding light. He ignited a sense of pride and confidence in our history and cultural heritage. He also emphasised walking the path of service and compassion,” the Prime Minister said on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also paid her respects, aligning herself with Vivekananda’s inclusive interpretation of Hinduism.“The Hinduism that Swamiji believed in is the one I believe in, and that religion says that humanity is the greatest,” she wrote on X.

Calling Vivekananda a “saint-patriot,” Banerjee emphasised the relevance of his ideals of peace and universal brotherhood. She also outlined the state's initiatives to honour his legacy, including annual grants to maintain his ancestral home and the construction of ‘Vivek Tirtha’ — a cultural and educational centre in Newtown.

“To spread Swamiji’s ideals further among the new generation, the state government launched the ‘Vivek Chetna Utsav’ held on his birthday, 23 January,” she added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed Swami Vivekananda as a global voice of Sanatan Dharma and a spiritual icon who awakened national consciousness.“Humble tribute to the young monk, ‘Rashtrarishi’ Swami Vivekananda, who awakened the sleeping India with the proclamation of civilization, culture and self-respect, ‘Say with pride that we are Hindus’, on his death anniversary!” Adityanath posted in Hindi on X.

He credited Vivekananda with establishing Indian philosophy and Vedanta on the world stage, particularly through his famous address at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago.“Your vision of nation-building and the mantra of ‘Utho, Jago’ will continue to guide young India for ages,” he added.