SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM: SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S INFLUENCE ON GANDHI'S JOURNEY

Gandhi also delivered speeches about Swami Vivekananda, quoting him and incorporating his teachings into lectures and letters on a wide range of subjects. Through these primary documents of Gandhi, we gain insight into the untold legacy of these two great figures of India.

- DR. NIKHIL YADAV

Swami Vivekananda (born 1863) and Mahatma Gandhi (born 1869) were both influential in shaping India’s future. The relationship between Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi is seldom discussed or written about. The connection they shared, the influence the Swami had on the Mahatma, and how Gandhi perceived Vivekananda’s teachings and work remain largely unexplored.

In 1893, both Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi left India for different purposes. Swami Vivekananda travelled to Chicago, America to participate in the World Parliament of Religions, while Mahatma Gandhi went to South Africa to work as a lawyer. It should be made clear that Swami Vivekananda was unaware of who Gandhi was, as the latter was abroad and had not yet gained widespread recognition. However, Swami Vivekananda had already achieved considerable fame and respect both in the Western world and at home, with admirers and followers spread across every continent. Meanwhile, Gandhiji, who was in South Africa at the time, was well acquainted with the Swami and his teachings.

The collected works of Mahatma Gandhi, spanning 98 volumes and available online, reveal several facts and insights that demonstrate the close connection between Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda. Although they never met in person, Gandhi had a deep desire to meet the Swami. He regularly read Vivekananda’s literary works, studied his teachings, and visited the Ramakrishna Mission, which was founded by the Swami, on numerous occasions. Gandhi also delivered speeches about Swami Vivekananda, quoting him and incorporating his teachings into lectures and letters on a wide range of subjects. Through these primary documents of Gandhi, we gain insight into the untold legacy of these two great figures of India.

GANDHI WANTED TO MEET THE SWAMI