"Swami Vivekananda Jayanti at IIT Delhi: Insights on Vedanta, Leadership, and India's Educational Heritage"

 Celebrating Swami Vivekananda Jayanti at IIT Delhi: Inspiration for Today’s World

On January 11, 2024, IIT Delhi hosted a heartfelt celebration of Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, bringing together students, faculty, and guest speakers to reflect on his timeless wisdom. Organized by the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Programme, with support from NSS, the Debating Club, AINA, and Kaizen, the event explored how Vivekananda’s teachings continue to guide us in navigating life, leadership, and learning.

The evening featured thought-provoking talks by:

• Dr. Partha Ghosh, a respected policy advisor and Professor at Tufts University, USA.
• Ms. Sahana Singh, an author and researcher passionate about India’s heritage.
• Prof. Nomesh Bolia, IIT Delhi professor and Principal Investigator of the IKS Programme.

Their discussions connected Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy with modern-day challenges, leaving the audience with much to ponder.

Rediscovering India’s Identity and Influence
Prof. Nomesh Bolia began by revisiting Swami Vivekananda’s legendary 1893 speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. “His words ignited global respect for India’s civilization,” Prof. Bolia said, explaining how Vivekananda inspired visionaries like Jamsetji Tata and even intrigued inventors like Nikola Tesla. He emphasized how Vivekananda’s ideas during colonial rule helped restore national confidence and showcased India’s spiritual strength on the world stage.

Making Vedanta Practical for Today

Dr. Partha Ghosh brought Swami Vivekananda’s Vedantic teachings to life, showing how they can be applied in modern contexts. “Vedanta is more than philosophy—it’s a way to live with purpose and integrity,” he shared. Dr. Ghosh outlined seven principles of Vedanta, such as curiosity, responsibility, and selflessness, that he said are essential for personal growth and effective leadership. His talk was a reminder that Vivekananda’s message wasn’t just about spirituality but about taking action to create a meaningful life.

Reviving India’s Ancient Education Systems
Ms. Sahana Singh painted a vivid picture of India’s ancient education system, describing its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, connection with nature, and global influence. However, she also pointed out how colonial policies caused its decline. “It’s time we reclaim our heritage,” she urged, encouraging a research-driven revival of these knowledge systems. She left the audience inspired to see how this wisdom could be integrated into modern education.

Lessons for the Future
The event wasn’t just about reflecting on the past—it was a call to action for the present. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, rooted in self-belief and purposeful action, remain deeply relevant today. His emphasis on leading with conviction, embracing responsibility, and staying true to one’s values resonated strongly with everyone present.

The celebration ended on a hopeful note, reminding the audience of Swami Vivekananda’s inspiring words: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” At its core, the event encouraged everyone to draw strength from India’s rich heritage and use it to create a better future.

Through this gathering, IIT Delhi showcased not just its respect for Swami Vivekananda’s legacy but also its commitment to bringing his teachings into today’s world.