Q. Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.
Ans : Swami Vivekananda was a major force in the formulation of the concept of nationalism in colonial India. Regarded as the patriot saint of modern India, he inspired India’s dormant national consciousness. Though growth of Nationalism is attributed to the Western influence but Swami Vivekananda’s nationalism is deeply rooted in Indian spirituality and morality. He contributed immensely to the concept of nationalism in colonial India and played a special role in steering India into the 20th Century. Basic tenets of his ideas on nationalism include:
👉 Spiritualism: Vivekananda’s nationalism is associated with spiritualism. Humanism and
Universalism, the two cardinal features of Indian spiritual culture, are prominent in his ideas on nationalism. He called for Indians to understand India’s spiritual goal, its place amongst other nations and its role in contributing to the harmony of races.
👉 Religious basis: His nationalism is based on religion which he considered to be the life blood of the Indian people. He taught the essential oneness of all religions and condemned any narrowness in religious matters. He condemned the caste system and blind faith in rituals and superstitions, urging evaluation of religious texts based on its conformity to logic, reasons and science. This helped Indians in acquiring a modern, secular and national outlook. He established motherland as the only deity to be worshiped in the mind and heart of countrymen.
👉 Roots in Indian Philosophy: Vivekananda felt that Indian nationalism had to be built on the stable foundation of India’s past historical heritage. He revived and advocated the Indian philosophical tradition, particularly Vedanta as being a fully rational system. Hence
Vivekananda worked for awakening the masses, the development of their physical and moral strength and creating in them a consciousness of the pride in the ancient glory and greatness of India. This helped in fostering greater self-respect, self-confidence, and pride among Indians.
👉 Humanism: For Swami Vivekanada, humanitarian morality should favour human progress. He laid emphasis not only on personal salvation but on social service as well, that he maintained as the pre-requisite for national awakening. He drew attention to the extent of poverty in India, and stressed upon elimination of poverty.
👉Nationalism vis-a-vis internationalism: He encouraged people to mingle with the life of other individuals and nations. His love for mankind transcended the geographical limitations. His
interests were not confined to India alone but were extended to international level. He called for the harmony and good relationship with other nations.
👉 Ending Cultural Isolation: Address at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893 started the process of ending India’s cultural isolation from all other nations which was leading to her degeneration. He opposed blind imitation of the West and was against colonisation of
culture and thought, while welcoming positive elements of modern culture.
Since the onset of 21st Century, the world is in turmoil and passing through transition period of a kind. At this hour of human history the message of Swami Vivekananda promoting spiritual integration of the nation and world on the basis of universal brotherhood and goodwill becomes all the more relevant.
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