Resonating Swami Vivekananda’s timeless message of universal brotherhood, peace, harmony and service, a life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda was unveiled at the Indian Consulate General in Chicago, United States. The event gained further significance as Chicago is a landmark in Indian history and an integral part of Swami Vivekananda’s message to the world. In 1893, Swami Vivekananda rendered his historic speech at the Parliament of World Religion in Chicago, addressing the people of America and across the world as “brothers and sisters”.
In this backdrop, the unveiling of Swami Vivekananda’s statue in Chicago draws greater relevance. The statue was unveiled by Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Prior to this, in April 2026, Swami Vivekananda’s statue was inaugurated at Seattle in the United States. It is the first statue of Swami Vivekananda in the United States, which is hosted by a city government.
Unveiling the statue of Swami Vivekananda, Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, “Proud to unveil a statue of Swami Vivekananda at our Chicago Consulate — a generous gift from our diaspora. His timeless message of service and universal harmony lives on in all of us. Grateful for the chance to connect with our vibrant community”.
Proud to unveil a statue of Swami Vivekananda at our Chicago Consulate — a generous gift from our diaspora. His timeless message of service and universal harmony lives on in all of us. Grateful for the chance to connect with our vibrant community.@IndiainChicago… pic.twitter.com/hWywlkQ808
— Amb Vinay Mohan Kwatra (@AmbVMKwatra) June 15, 2026
Post the inauguration of the statue, a discussion on Swami Vivekananda’s eternal message to the world was held which was attended by the elected representatives of Chicago and diaspora members. The event also witnessed a rendition of Vande Mataram. Swami Vivekananda’s message to the world in 1893 in Chicago popularised the essence and greatness of Sanatana Dharma and vedantic philosophy to the world. His message of service, peace, harmony, universal brotherhood, universal acceptance and religious tolerance is most relevant in the current decade and century as well.
