On the occasion of National Youth Day which marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait unveiled the life-size portrait of Swami Vivekananda at the Embassy auditorium.
President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations ICCR, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe installed the portrait of Swami Vivekananda in a virtual ceremony live from Delhi. Dr Sahasrabuddhe also delivered the first Swami Vivekananda Address during the event.
Swami Vivekananda is an embodiment of the Indianness in the modern world, Ambassador Sibi George said in his inaugural address.
“Today we are not commemorating just an individual but a phenomenon, who cannot be described in just mere words. Swami Vivekananda was a colossal figure in our nation’s history who played a leading role in bringing about a new awakening in India. I recall how he inspired my generation when as school children we used to recite his powerful words ‘Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached’. Swami Vivekananda emphasised on the ideals of service and renunciation. His belief in Yuva Shakti was unwavering; which found expression in his iconic saying 'give me 100 believing youth and I shall transform India'. Belief, here, means belief in oneself,” Ambassador Sibi George said.
He also recalled his visit to SaasFee in Switzerland where Swami Viekananda travelled in 1896, where a memorial and a statue of Swamiji stand. “One felt so happy to see how Indians and foreigners visit Saas Fee in large numbers to pay homage to him, and to join the campaign ‘Connecting Himalayas with Alps’”, ambassador said. And today, we are joining hands in Kuwait to celebrate his birth anniversary and celebrating our Indianness, he said.
“This portrait will serve as a reminder to us and also to all visitors to our Mission on the contributions of Swamiji who energized the young people, made them aware and unleashed their creative energies. I am happy that this would also inspire the students who visit the Embassy as part of our soon to be launched ‘Embassy familiarization visit’ for children from our 23 Indian schools in Kuwait. It will be a reminder for us all on the Indianness that Swamiji embodied which continues to guide and inspire us and continue to inspire millions of our young brothers and sisters.”, Ambassador said.
Ambassador also highlighted the synergy between the Embassy and the community that exist today. “The Embassy works very closely with the community; to support those in distress and also collectively celebrate India in Kuwait.,” Ambassador said.
ICCR President Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, in his ‘Swami Vivekananda Address said Swami Vivekananda was a true Karma Yogi. “Swamiji took spirituality beyond rituals. Swamiji took SoCal conciseness beyond principals. He took human values beyond theoretic positions. I wish and pray each one of us get inspired by his life and his ever pertinent message of universal love,” Dr Sahasrabuddhe said.
The event was virtually attended by large number of community members, representatives of various association and members of Indian Cultural Network (ICN) in Kuwait.
