A week-long celebration of Young India Dialogue (YID) 2.0, organised by Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari – Delhi Branch, concluded at the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago on 11 September 1893. The event was held as part of the nationwide observance of Universal Brotherhood Day 2025.
According to Priyadarshini, Academic Head of Vivekananda Kendra (Delhi Branch) and Coordinator of YID 2.0, the Dialogue provided a vibrant platform to reignite Swami Vivekananda’s vision of oneness, acceptance, and nation-building. “It was a symphony of scholarship, eloquence, and creativity,” she noted.
Inaugural Session
The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Geeta Singh, Director of the Centre for Professional Development in Higher Education at the University of Delhi, and Dr. Ananya Awasthi, a renowned public health expert and founder-director of Anuvaad. Both speakers reflected on the timeless significance of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago speech and its relevance today.
Dr. Nikhil Yadav, Deputy Head of Vivekananda Kendra (North Zone), spoke about the significance of Universal Brotherhood Day, the details of the Chicago Parliament of Religions, and Swamiji’s enduring message for contemporary society.
Competitions and Events
A series of competitions was organised on the theme “From Tolerance to Acceptance: Swami Vivekananda’s Vision of Universal Brotherhood”, engaging participants from diverse academic fields:
- Paper Presentation: 26 young scholars presented research on Vedantic Universalism, Interfaith Discourse, Spiritual Ecology, and Leadership inspired by Swamiji.
- Declamation Contest: With 85 participants, the contest showcased remarkable oratory skills, with students passionately articulating Swami Vivekananda’s message.
- Reel-Making Competition: 11 digital entries creatively highlighted Swamiji’s contemporary relevance on social media.
- Quotation Recitation (School Level): 50 school students recited Swamiji’s inspiring quotations with confidence and enthusiasm.
Broad Participation
The Dialogue witnessed active participation from leading institutions in the Delhi-NCR region, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Ambedkar University, NCERT, and Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies. Distinguished faculty members from AIIMS New Delhi, the University of Delhi, JNU, NCERT, and IIT Delhi judged the competitions.
The successful conduct of YID 2.0 was made possible through the teamwork of 25 youth volunteers and the guidance of 12 eminent judges. The initiative not only celebrated Swami Vivekananda’s legacy but also inspired young people to reflect on his vision of universal acceptance, human unity, and national resurgence.
The event reaffirmed the belief that it is this dynamic, passionate, and spirited youth who will weave a radiant tapestry of India, rooted in Swami Vivekananda’s vision for the nation.
