IIM Jammu in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago Address on the eve of, “VishwaBandutva Diwas”

JAMMU:The Indian Institute of Management Jammu under the visionary leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, in collaboration with the Ramakrishna Mission, organized a special event at its Jagti Campus to commemorate the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of Religions, Chicago, delivered on 11th September 1893. The event was observed on the eve of Vishwa Bandutva Diwas (World Brotherhood Day), a day that symbolizes universal harmony, peace, and the spirit of “Nation First.”The session commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony followed by a warm welcome and felicitation of esteemed guests.

Present during the occasionwereSwami Yajnadharananda, Ramakrishna Mission JammuSwami Vijayeshananda, Ramakrishna Mission Jammu; Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics; Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam and Media and Publication Division, IIM Jammu; Brigadier Neeraj Soni, Co-Chairperson, Anandam; Shri Raman Gupta Ji, Managing Director, PANS & POTS CO Group and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, CAO, IIM Jammu

Introducing the subject, Swami Vijayeshananda, Ramakrishna MissionJammu, underlined that Swami Vivekananda’s address at the Parliament of Religions was not just a speech but the voice of India’s soul, charting a new direction for humanity. He recalled how, at the age of 30, Swami Vivekananda ignited hearts with his vision of unity, tolerance, and spiritual strength. From his Swadesh Mantra urging Indians to take pride in their nation, to his presence abroad that shone like the radiance of the sun, Swamiji embodied courage and universal acceptance. In today’s divided world, his timeless message continues to inspire harmony, dignity, and recognition of the divinity within all. He concluded with the spirited call, Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

Delivering the Presidential Address, Swami YajnadharanandaRamakrishna MissionJammuemphasized that Swami Vivekananda’s call for universal brotherhood and his faith in the power of youth remain as relevant today as they were in 1893. He highlighted that Swami Vivekananda envisioned a world where the dignity of every human being is respected and service to others is seen as the highest form of worship. Swamiji’s historic Chicago address, though only a few minutes long, created a new awakening and left an indelible mark on history. He recalled the hardships Swami Vivekananda faced in America, including language barriers and closed doors, yet he lived with conviction, embodying the values he preached.

Whatever he spoke, he lived, and his character became the true expression of his philosophy. He urged everyone to draw strength from this timeless vision and live it in daily life, reminding that true harmony begins with accepting those closest to us, which in turn makes the journey of life smoother and more meaningful.He appreciatedAnandam,; The Center of Happiness, IIM Jammu and their role as an Institute of National Importance in shaping leaders of character and called this celebration a glorious chapter in remembering the universal message of Swami Vivekananda.

Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, stated that Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address continues to remind us that education must shape character as much as intellect. He emphasized that Vivekananda’s message urges youth to rise above barriers and embrace compassion, inclusivity, and service to humanity. He affirmed that IIM Jammu is committed to nurturing leaders of character and purpose, guided by the spirit of Vasudeva Kutumbakam and Swamiji’s timeless call, Arise, Awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.

A student speaker from IIM Jammu shared that for today’s youth, Swami Vivekananda is not just a historical figure but a source of living inspiration. The student pointed out that his words, Arise, Awake, and Stop Not till the Goal is Reached, serve as a reminder that responsibility goes beyond personal success, calling upon the younger generation to channel their energy towards building a stronger nation and a more compassionate world. The student participants were felicitated on the occasion.

In his Closing Remarks, Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam: The Centre for Happiness, IIM Jammu, noted that Swami Vivekananda was not only a philosopher but also the first Indian voice to assert Bharat’s spiritual and cultural identity on Western soil. He highlighted how Swamiji foresaw many ideas of holistic well-bein, mind, body, and spiritlong before they became modern concepts. He emphasized that Vivekananda’s timeless teachings of selflessness, service, and harmony remain deeply relevant today, and Anandam: The Centre for Happiness, IIM Jammu, strives to imbibe these values in every student, nurturing leaders with inner strength and outer balance.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Shri Raman Gupta Ji, Managing Director, PANS & POTS CO Group, expressed gratitude to the Ramakrishna Mission, Jammu, IIM Jammu, the distinguished speakers, guests, students, faculty, and all stakeholders for making the commemoration meaningful. He noted that the event was not merely a remembrance of the past but a call to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s timeless message of universal brotherhood and harmony. He urged the students of IIM Jammu to be torchbearers in spreading this vision and to live with purpose and responsibility.

The program culminated with a soulful closing song rendered by Swami Vijayeshananda, Ramakrishna Mission Jammu creating an atmosphere of reflection, peace, and spiritual upliftment. Through this collaboration, IIM Jammu reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing socially responsible leaders, rooted in inclusivity, resilience, and the spirit of Nation First