Universal Brotherhood Day Celebration at Solapur

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Maharashtra Prant, Pashchim Maharashtra Vibhag, Solapur Branch organized a lecture on the occasion of Universal Brotherhood Day at Shree Narsingh Taklikar Mangal Karyalay, Janki Nagar, Solapur on 13th September 2025. The programme commemorated Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago (11 September 1893) and highlighted its enduring relevance. A total of 500 participants attended the event.

The keynote address was delivered by Kum. Harika Manjunath, a young speaker from Bengaluru, who eloquently emphasized India’s role as the Universal Mother, sharing the timeless message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”). She explained how Swamiji’s Chicago speech instilled confidence in Indians, enabling them to proudly assert their cultural identity. Stressing the uniqueness of celebrating the anniversary of a speech rather than a birth or death, she called upon the youth to awaken, embrace Swamiji’s ideals, and safeguard the spiritual traditions of Bharat. She further underlined the vision of Ram Rajya and the importance of raising a generation rooted in values and patriotism.

Kum. Harika further urged parents to instill Swamiji’s ideas in young minds so that a strong, value-based generation could safeguard the nation’s traditions. Citing the legacy of Swamiji’s Chicago speech alongside Lokmanya Tilak’s Ganesh festival initiative, she described them as sparks of a new era that awakened national pride. She also underlined the importance of Swadeshi, drawing parallels with India’s modern self-reliance in defense and other sectors, and called for a united effort to build Ram Rajya through awakened homes and committed citizens.

The chief guest, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Sachin Ombase, spoke about his personal inspiration drawn from Vivekananda’s thoughts during his student years. He emphasized that if people resolve with determination, India’s rise as a developed Vishwaguru nation will not take long.

The programme was well-coordinated with contributions from many dedicated karyakartas and students. VK Solapur Nagar Pramukh Shri Pandit Birajdar Ji gave the appeal, while Shri Vedant Ganmote Ji welcomed the gathering. Ms. Aditi Patil introduced the guests, Ms. Prajakta Rabkai recited a prayer, Shri Harshada Swami sang a devotional song, and Ms. Aishwarya Rajmane shared information about youth leadership development initiatives. The proceedings were conducted by Ms. Gayatri Kshirsagar with commendable clarity.

The programme also witnessed the release of several Marathi publications of Vivekananda Kendra, including Hindutvaache Vishva Pravakte Swami Vivekananda, Digvijayi Vivekananda, Kishor Vikas, Hindudharmache Shresthata, Marx ani Vivekananda, and Sanskar Deep. The release was carried out by Kum. Harika, Dr. Sachin Ombase, VK Solapur Nagar Sanchalak Shri Mahesh Gonjari Ji, and VK Solapur Nagar Pramukh Shri Pandit Birajdar Ji. The programme concluded with the spirited singing of Vande Mataram.

The celebration in Solapur not only honoured Swamiji’s legacy but also ignited a renewed spirit of service, patriotism, and cultural pride among the attendees.