What are the main achievements and contributions of Swami Vivekananda to society?

Swami Vivekananda believed knowledge exists within oneself and discovers it himself/herself with time. He felt that education must be such that it prepares one for their life. He was saddened to see poverty in the country and wanted to get rid of it. He wanted every individual to be able to satisfy their own needs and be self dependent. Swami Vivekananda wanted to build an ideal, rational and civilized society which is full of feelings of brotherhood, unity and logical thinking.   Swami Vivekananda felt that education was not about filling facts in the human brain but improving and sharpening the human mind. He wanted a society free of all the wrongdoings and evils. He felt this could be achieved through the means of education.   Swami Vivekananda found his Guru in Ramakrishna. He founded the Ramakrishna Math which provided training for devotees like him and the Ramakrishna Mission to do social work and charity.   The main philosophy of his life was to serve humanity with peace. For him, someone who was compassionate, kind and helpful was a person of enlightenment. An important teaching of his was helping others and putting the needs of others first before one’s own. He taught his followers to be selfless, fearless and to develop faith. He showed what it meant to have unity as a nation. He represented Indian culture and values to the world in 1893 in Chicago conference. Read more >>>