Society can ascend to greatness only if citizens follow the path set by great personalities, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit said on Wednesday.
He was addressing the audience at the unveiling of Swami Vivekananda’s statue inside the Raj Bhavan. While Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami unveiled the statue, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam released a book on the spiritual leader. The statue was sponsored by Ramakrishna Math, Chennai.
After returning from the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Vivekananda stayed in Chennai for nine days. “This is celebrated as Vivekananda Navaratri,” said the Governor. He added that a statute of Subhas Chandra Bose, sponsored by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, would be installed within the campus soon.
State’s role
The Chief Minister said Tamil Nadu played a major role in sending Swami Vivekananda to participate in the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. “Bhaskara Sethupathy, the king of Ramnad, gave his invitation to Swamiji and enabled him to participate in the event. After delivering the famous address, he reached Pamban through Sri Lanka on January 26, 1897. In memory of this event, the Vivekananda house was constructed there,” he said.
Vivekananda’s speeches instilled patriotism and courage among youngsters, Mr. Panneerselvam pointed out. K. Rajendran, sculptor of the statue, was honoured at the event. Gautamananda, vice-president, Ramakrishna Math, N. Ravi, chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai Kendra and other dignitaries took part in the event.
