Swami Vivekananda Statue
The first statue of Swami Vivekananda in America was installed at 4 PM on
Sunday, July 12, 1998 at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont,
Illinois.
The statue was installed on "Vivekananda Hill", a hillock in the
temple compound, which overlooks the main entrance. The statue was unveiled
by Shri J.C. Sharma, Consul General of India, Chicago at an elaborate
ceremony.
The Vice President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission,
Swami Atmasthananda, performed the dedication.
The ceremony was attended by more than 2,000 people from all walks of life.
The 10-foot, 2 inch bronze image of Swami Vivekananda in a standing pose was
modelled after his photograph taken in Chicago after his appearance at the
World's Parliament of Religions in 1893.
Swami Vivekananda's maiden speech on September 11, 1893 at the World's
Parliament Religions made history. His address "Sisters and Brothers of
America" brought him overnight fame and his subsequent orations at the
Parliament formally introduced the oriental thought to the Western world.
Swami Vivekananda's important contributions have been recognised by both
America and India. During America's bi-centennial celebrations in 1976, the
National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution included Swami
Vivekananda among the 29 eminent foreign visitors described in its book,
'Abroad in America'.
On September 11, 1995, the Art Institute of Chicago, which was the site of
the Parliament of Religions put up a bronze plaque to commemorate Swami
Vivekananda's historic address in that building. The plaque reads in part,
"His unprecedented success (at the Parliament) opened the way for the dialogue
between Eastern and Western religions". On November 11, 1995, a section of
Michigan Avenue, one of the most prominent streets in Chicago was formally
renamed "Swami Vivekananda Way".
The installation of the statue is yet another step in the direction of
making Swami Vivekananda's memory immortal in the great city of Chicago. The
statue is a gift from the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago, a branch of
the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
The ceremony began with a purificatory ceremony by temple priests which was
followed by a welcome address by Mr. GLN Reddy, President of Hindu Temple of
Greater Chicago and an introduction by Swami Chidananda, Swami Incharge of
Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago. Mr. Amrish Mahajan, Chairperson of
Vivekananda Statue Committee, gave a brief speech which was followed by an
address by Hon'ble Shri JC Sharma, Consul General.
While referring to a number of quotes from Swami Vivekananda's works, Consul
General underlined the importance of his message of one universal religion and
his interpretation of the East. He highlighted the fact that Swamiji was
against excessive rituals and was for reaching the soul. He remarked that it
was rather unfortunate that fanaticism and hatred in the name of religion
still existed in this world and hoped that the statue would remind us of Swami
Vivekananda's message of the universality of religion and bring peace to
earth.
Consul General unveiled the statue which was later dedicated by Swami
Atmasthananda, Vice President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission,
India. This was followed by a devotional song (bhajan) by Anuradha Paudwal, a
noted singer from India. Swami Atmasthananda while addressing the audience
brought out some of the important messages of Swami Vivekananda.
A souvenir on the occasion was released by Hon'ble Shri Bangaru Lakshman,
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). While commending the efforts of the
Vedantic Society, he appreciated the great city of Chicago for its role in
making Swami Vivekananda a world leader and a hero. He recalled a number of
his teachings and reminded the audience that Swami Vivekananda believed in
leading a life in totality and not in renunciation. He underlined the fact
that India in its 5,000 years of history has never committed aggression and
has been pursuing the path of spirituality and peace. He narrated a few
anecdotes from his life indicating how Swami Vivekananda believed in equality
of all religions and people and how he disliked untouchability. He affirmed
his belief that Swami Vivekandanda's thoughts would continue to guide the
world and make world a better place to live.
Messages from various dignitaries who could not attend the function were read
out. Various representatives from Vedantic Societies/ Ramakrishna Missions in
other cities of the North America (Toronto, San Francisco, New York, Seattle,
Portland, Sacramento) also made brief remarks.
The ceremony concluded with vote of thanks and devotional songs (bhajans).
July 13, 1998
Press Release From the Consulate General of India, Chicago, IL, USA
