PM Modi Remembers Vivekananda’s 1893 Chicago Speech: A Beacon of Harmony and Universal Brotherhood

On September 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on X the historic address delivered by Swami Vivekananda at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. According to a press release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), this date marks the 132nd anniversary of that address. 

PM Modi’s Reflections on the Chicago Address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Vivekananda’s address as a “watershed moment which emphasised harmony and universal brotherhood.”  He said the speech was among “the most celebrated and inspiring moments in our history.” 

Key Themes from Vivekananda’s Speech

Greeting the Audience – A Break from Convention

Swami Vivekananda opened his address with the greeting: “Sisters and Brothers of America”, a phrase considered unusual in formal addresses at the time.  The phrase reportedly drew a standing ovation that lasted more than two minutes, leaving a strong impression on the audience. 

Tolerance, Universal Acceptance, and Refuge

In his speech, Vivekananda made a passionate plea for religious tolerance and harmony. He stated:

“It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of the millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects,” 

He also proclaimed:

“I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth.” 

Vivekananda recalled how India has historically offered refuge to persecuted communities:

“I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation.” 

The Oneness of Paths and Spiritual Unity

He drew on an ancient hymn to express spiritual unity:

“As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.” 

Citing the Bhagavad Gita, Vivekananda reinforced that all struggle through paths which ultimately lead to the same goal:

“The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world, of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: ‘Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to Me.’” 

A Warning Against Division

Swamiji did not shy away from urging society to confront negativity:

“Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilisation, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now.” 

Yet, he ended with hope:

“But their time has come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.” 

Contemporary Relevance and Latest Observations

• The remembrance comes as part of the broader observance of Digvijay Divas, which marks Vivekananda’s speech each year. 

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also paid tribute, highlighting the speech's continuing role in promoting Indian cultural values and global tolerance. 

• PM Modi’s post referencing Belur Math (the headquarters and mission of Ramakrishna Mission) underscores the enduring institutional legacy of Vivekananda’s teachings. 

Conclusion

Swami Vivekananda’s address at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago remains as powerful today as it was over a century ago. By opening with “Sisters and Brothers of America,” he broke convention and extended a message of inclusivity.

His speech called for religious tolerance, acceptance of all faiths, protection for the persecuted, and unity in diversity—all grounded in Indian cultural and spiritual heritage. PM Modi’s recent commemoration on the 132nd anniversary reaffirms how these ideals continue to resonate in India’s public life and national identity.

At a time when divisions and intolerance still challenge societies globally, Vivekananda’s voice serves as both warning and inspiration—a reminder that harmony, universal brotherhood, and moral courage are timeless.