Editor’s Note: Chicago-Texas…

His speech elevated Indian culture and values

On September 11, 1893, Narendranath Datta or Swami Vivekananda delivered his first speech in the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago. His speech garnered immense significance as it upgraded the dignity of India in the world. Cut to the present, another Narendra from this ancient civilisation made every Indian proud on a foreign land. Yes, we are talking about recent address by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ Summit in Houston, Texas, USA. Time and again, he has proved himself to be a force – not an individual but an institution. He caught the imagination of Indian citizens and delivered their ‘Mann ki Baat’ in America. When he spoke, the whole world heard – both friends and foes. His speech had a uniting effect, even on adversaries. The cultural programme preceding the speeches by Indian Prime Minister and President of India showcased the rich cultural heritage of Bharat. The way in which the Prime Minister reached out to the world with the help of Indian arts and Indian diaspora made everyone draw parallels with Swami Vivekananda. His speech elevated Indian culture and values and made everyone proud. He has done a commendable job in presenting Yoga to the world by establishing World Yoga Day and in the same way everybody hopes that he would spread Indian arts around the globe by incorporating them in the Fit India Movement.

Jai Hind!

BR Vikram Kumar