Chicago Speech

COMMEMORATION OF THE 125th ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA’S ICONIC CHICAGO ADDRESS

Organized by Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam (VDS)

As part of the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam (VDS) organized a series of commemorative programs across Palakkad District in September and October 2019. These events were designed to spread Swamiji’s message of universal brotherhood, fearlessness, and service.

Below is a consolidated report of the programs conducted:

1. At District Public Library, Palakkad – 13 September 2019

On 13 September 2019, VDS organized a commemorative program at the District Public Library, Palakkad to honor Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address.

The function was inaugurated by Swami Nandatmajananda, Editor of Prabuddhakeralam and monk of Sri Ramakrishna Math. Sri Arun Bhaskar, District Fire Officer, delivered the presidential address. The keynote speech was presented by Prof. Rajan, faculty member at Government Victoria College, Palakkad.

Sri T.R. Ajayan, Secretary of the District Library, felicitated the gathering. The program began with a welcome address by Sri Sathyanand T., General Secretary of VDS, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sri N. Nandakumar, President of VDS.

2. At Government Victoria College, Palakkad – 17 September 2019

On 17 September 2019, VDS, in association with the NSS Unit of Government Victoria College, organized a commemoration event at the college premises.

The program was inaugurated by Hon. Alathur MP Smt. Ramya Haridas. Sri Mani K., Principal of Government Victoria College, presided over the function. The main address was delivered by Prof. K. Mohandas, Retired Deputy Director of Collegiate Education.

On behalf of VDS, Sri T. Sathyanand, General Secretary, presented a memento to Smt. Ramya Haridas MP as a token of respect. The vote of thanks was delivered by Sri C.K. Ajmal, Chairman of the Government Victoria College Union.

3. Mercy College, Palakkad – 18 September 2019

Continuing the commemorative events, VDS, in collaboration with the Women’s Cell of Mercy College, Palakkad, held a program on 18 September 2019 at the Mercy College Seminar Hall.

The event was inaugurated by Smt. P.A. Ramani Bhai Teacher, former Chairperson of Palakkad Municipality. Sister Gisela, Vice Principal of Mercy College, presided over the ceremony. Sri Ajith Sivadass, Chartered Accountant, delivered the keynote address.

4. NSS College of Engineering, Palakkad – 21 September 2019

5. Chinmaya Mission College and LEAD College of Management – 3 October 2019

As the final set of events marking the 125th anniversary, VDS conducted commemorative programs at Chinmaya Mission College and LEAD College of Management on 3 October 2019.

The afternoon program at Chinmaya Mission College, held at 2:00 p.m., was inaugurated by Sri Narayana Swami, President of Chinmaya Mission, Palakkad. Smt. Usha Gopinath, Principal of the College, presided over the function. The keynote address was delivered by author and thinker Prof. S. Radhakrishnan, who emphasized that Swami Vivekananda conquered the world through a revolution in human consciousness.

Sri T. Sathyanand, General Secretary of VDS, delivered the welcome speech, and Sri Sunshugoai gave the vote of thanks.

Later in the evening, at 5:30 p.m., a commemorative function was held at LEAD College of Management. The event was inaugurated by Smt. Prameela Sashidharan, Chairperson of Palakkad Municipality. In her address, she highlighted that the youth of India should be inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, which could shape the bright future of the nation.

Dr. Shankar, Academic Dean of LEAD College, presided over the ceremony. Prof. S. Radhakrishnan again delivered the keynote lecture.

Conclusion

These programs collectively formed a vibrant tribute to Swami Vivekananda’s immortal address in Chicago, ensuring his timeless messages of spiritual awakening, universal tolerance, and fearless service reached students, professionals, and the general public across Palakkad.