An exhibition commemorating the life and work of Swami Vivekananda, highlighting his enduring global influence on spirituality and bridge-building, was recently showcased at the United Nations. This event aimed to underscore Vivekananda’s vision of interconnectedness and his profound contributions to fostering understanding between diverse cultures.
“Vivekananda stands taller and taller, inspiring people across the world, not only in India,” remarked Swami Sarvapriyananda, resident minister of the New York Vedanta Society, at the exhibition’s opening. He emphasized Vivekananda’s ever-growing influence, suggesting that his teachings resonate universally, expanding beyond geographical boundaries. Sarvapriyananda continued, “He built a bridge between the East and the West when he traveled to the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, and the bridge is very strong, and very vibrant today.”
India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, added that Vivekananda’s teachings on humanity’s unity, which draw from ancient Hindu philosophy, hold particular relevance at the UN—a space dedicated to fostering global harmony and understanding. This alignment underscores the shared values between the UN’s mission and Vivekananda’s message.
The event was organized by the Society for Enlightenment and Transformation (SEAT), a part of the UN Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC), with support from the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), who curated the exhibits displayed. According to UNSRC President Peter Dawkins, the exhibition serves to spotlight Vivekananda’s enduring relevance, particularly within the context of the UN’s core values. “We’re hoping to raise awareness of the life of Vivekananda, what he brought to the West, in particular, his strong connection to New York and also, if not directly, but indirectly, to the United Nations,” Dawkins explained.
This exhibition sought not only to educate but also to remind the world of Vivekananda’s ideas about service, selflessness, and unity. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, an outreach coordinator for the HSS, commented on the appeal of Vivekananda’s teachings, especially among younger generations. He noted that Vivekananda’s call for “seva, which is selfless service,” continues to resonate powerfully with the youth today, inspiring them to contribute positively to society.
Vivekananda’s role as a figure of Indian pride and national identity was also highlighted. Sarvapriyananda credited him with providing India with a renewed sense of self-worth and a forward-looking national identity, a perspective many historians share. “Somebody called him the unconscious father of modern Indian nationalism,” Sarvapriyananda said, noting that Vivekananda’s influence on India’s freedom movement stemmed from his emphasis on self-respect and cultural pride, fostering a modern Indian identity.
Education and scientific thought were also close to Vivekananda’s heart, and his influence extended into these domains, bridging spirituality and science. Panels at the exhibition depicted his interactions with renowned scientists like Nikola Tesla, showcasing Vivekananda’s belief in a harmonious relationship between science and spirituality. Sarvapriyananda recounted that Vivekananda’s vision indirectly inspired the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, a prominent Indian industrialist, was inspired to establish the institute after meeting Vivekananda on a ship en route to the United States. Sarvapriyananda noted that the institute has become a foundation for scientific and engineering education in India, producing thousands of professionals who have made significant contributions globally, especially in the United States.
This exhibition at the UN underscored Vivekananda’s legacy as a universal symbol of wisdom and unity, his influence still palpable in education, science, and spirituality worldwide.
