Description

Swami Vivekananda (2 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born Narendranath Datta was an Indian Hindu monk and philosopher. He was a chief disciple of the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna. Influenced by Western esotericism, he was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian darsanas (teachings, practices) of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world . He played major role in bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. He was a major force in the contemporary Hindu reform movements in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India. Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Math and the Mission. He is perhaps best known for his speech which began with the words “Sisters and brothers of America “ in which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893. Bal Gangadhar Tilak born Keshav Gangadhar Tilak (23 July 1856 – 1 August 1920), endeared as Lokmanya. An independence activist Tilak was the first leader of the Indian independence movement. The British colonial authorities called him “The father of the Indian unrest.” He was also conferred with the title of “Lokmanya”, which means “accepted by the people [as their leader]”.Mahatma Gandhi called him “The Maker of Modern India”. Tilak was one of the first and strongest advocates of Swaraj (“self-rule”) and a strong radical in Indian consciousness. He is known for his quote “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!” Sketch in memory of great leaders Swami Vivekananda and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.