National Youth Day 2026: Top 7 Facts About Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is celebrated every year on 12 January. This is a very significant day in India because of the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. He was one of the greatest spiritual leaders and thinkers of the country. 

In honour of Swami Vivekananda, this day was declared to be celebrated as National Youth Day to bring inspiration among young people. His teachings on courage, determination, and self-confidence provide a vision for today’s youth.

READ| Top 60 Swami Vivekananda Quotes for Inspiration and Motivation

Who is Swami Vivekananda?

Swami Vivekananda was born on 12 January 1863 in Kolkata. He was born to father Vishwanath Datta who was an attorney and mother  Bhuvaneshwari Devi. 

He emphasized the importance of education, self-reliance, and service to humanity. He gained international fame after his powerful speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he introduced India’s rich spiritual heritage to the world.

The Belur Math Organisation mentions: “His speeches at the World’s Parliament of Religions held in September 1893 made him famous as an ‘orator by divine right’ and as a ‘Messenger of Indian wisdom to the Western world’. After the Parliament, Swamiji spent nearly three and a half years spreading Vedanta as lived and taught by Sri Ramakrishna, mostly in the eastern parts of USA and also in London.”

Reason for Celebration of National Youth Day on this Day

It was the year 1984 when the Government of India came forward and declared Swami Vivekananda’s birthday as National Youth Day to honor his contributions and to encourage youth to follow his ideals. 

The Government College Bagicha mentions: “It was a decision of Government of India taken in 1984 to celebrate the birthday of great Swami Vivekananda, i.e. 12 January, as National Youth Day every year. The Government of India quoted that 'the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth Day.”

The purpose of this day is to remind the young generation about the power of character, knowledge and courage. There are various programs that are conducted all over the nation to spread his teachings among the students and young citizens. 

National Youth Day 2026: Interesting Facts About Swami Vivekananda

Here are interesting facts about Swami Vivekananda: 

• According to the Belur Math Organisation website, Swami Vivekananda’s childhood name was Narendranath Datta in Kolkata.

• Narendranath was one of eight siblings and he was affectionately called Naren. 

• In 1881, Swami Vivekananda met Sri Ramakrishna who helped him begin his spiritual journey. 

• His speech at the Chicago Parliament of Religions in 1893 made him a global icon.

• He was the founder of Ramakrishna Mission that promoted education, healthcare, and spiritual development.

• Many people in the West became his disciples. Some of the noteworthy names are:  Margaret Noble (later known as Sister Nivedita), Captain and Mrs Sevier, Josephine McLeod and Sara Chapman Bull. 

• He built a bridge between Indian and Western culture by interpreting Hindu scriptures and philosophy and the Hindu way of life and institutions to the Western people in such a way that they can understand it simply. 

In conclusion, Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is more than just a birth anniversary as it celebrates values, courage, and youth empowerment. Observing this day as National Youth Day encourages young people to embody his teachings in daily life.