Biography of Swami Vivekanand

(Born: 12 January 1863, Kolkata - Died: 4 July 1902, Belur Math, Howrah)

One of the most notable personalities of Modern India, Swami Vivekananda was a spiritual leader, philosopher, and social reformer. He was born in the affluent family of Shri Biswanath Dutta on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata. His real name was Narendranath.

In school and college life he was popular because of his good and handsome physique and studiousness. His education included western as well as Indian philosophy. He always tried to reach to the truth of any thought. He became the disciple of Saint Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. He adopted the name of 'Vivekananda' at the suggestion of Maharaja Ajit Singh of Khetri.

In 1893, he attended the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, the U.S.A. to represent Hinduism. In 1897, he formed the Ramakrishna Mission to carry out charity work for spiritual welfare. He wrote the book

Songs of the Sanyasin'. He also set up the journal Prabuddha Bharat'. It was unfortunate for India that he died early at the age of 39, in 1902.