Dr Bhagwati Prakash sharma
Grand opening of Swami Vivekananda 150th birth anniversary celebrations in Dubai
SWAMI Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations, ‘VIVEK 150, began in Dubai on January 12. The function was organised by Friends of India in association with the Consulate General of India, Dubai at Indian High School, Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Dubai, United Arab Emirate. The curtain raiser of the event was with the programme ‘Vivekavandanam’ – salutation to Swami Vivekananda by Balabharati and Yuvabharati students, with the playing of the song Bhuvan Mandale Nava Yuga Mudayatu Sada Vivekanandamayam.
Addressing the gathering Pro Vice Chancellor of Pacific University of University of Udaipur (India) Dr Bhagwati Prakash Sharma said the integral humanism preached by the great Indian spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, if put into practice, can help solve much of the problems facing the world today. He said Vivekananda had the unique feeling of oneness with the whole world and indeed the entire cosmos. Such a vision is badly needed today when the Earth is facing serious crises like Global warming, Food shortage, Economic meltdown, Eurozone debt etc. Faith in oneself and God, truth, purity of mind and thought and total unselfishness can be considered to be gist of Vivekananda’s bold message to India and the world.
Earlier, Consul General of India Shri Sanjay Verma referred to Swami Vivekananda as one of the greatest s sons of Mother India. India needs spiritual leaders like Vivekananda to help the country to make societal progress to match its recent speedy economic growth.
The Consul General said the Government of India had decided to hold functions for one full year from January 12, 2013 to January 12, 2014 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Vivekananda who can also be considered as one of the earliest founts of the nationalist movements.
After the key note speech, a dance-drama titled ‘Vivekanandam -Kuru Seva Tvam’-was conducted by the team ‘Mohana’, highlighting the stages of Swamiji’s life. At the end, there was a lovely song ‘Murtha Mahehswaram’, a homage to Swami Vivekananda, a Sanskrit hymn to Swami Vivekananda, also known as Sri Vivekananda Giti Stotram, was composed by his disciple Sharat Chandra Chakrabarty was sung by a group of nearly 45 children.
The function was attended by more than 1000 people. (FOC)
