New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): Political leaders across the country, including Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, paid heartfelt tributes to Swami Vivekananda on the occasion of his Nirvana Day (Punya Tithi) on Saturday, hailing him as a global ambassador of Indian culture and a perennial source of inspiration for the youth.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, taking to the social media platform X, stated that Swami Vivekananda bestowed a new identity upon the glorious tradition of Indian culture and spirituality on the world stage.

'On the occasion of Swami Vivekananda Ji's Nirvana Day, humble tributes and countless salutations to him. Swami Vivekananda Ji bestowed a new identity upon the glorious tradition of Indian culture, spirituality, and eternal ideology on the global stage. He delivered the message of patriotism, social service, moral development, and character building. He believed that empowered, cultured, and self-confident citizens are the greatest strength of a nation. The thoughts of Swami Vivekananda Ji continuously inspire us to build a prosperous, self-reliant, and developed India,' Rajnath Singh posted.

Joining in the tributes, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described the monk as a great thinker who brought spiritual consciousness to the global forefront.

'On the sacred occasion of the punya tithi of the great thinker and source of inspiration for the youth, Swami Vivekananda ji, who brought a new identity to Indian civilisation, glorious culture, and spiritual consciousness on the global stage, we offer him heartfelt tributes. In his short lifespan, the message he gave of humanity, inner strength, equality, and service continues to guide millions even today,' Kharge posted.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu also paid his respects, noting that the 'great son of Bharat' rekindled India's civilizational confidence. He particularly recalled the significance of the 1893 Chicago address at the World's Parliament of Religions.

'On the Nirvana Day of Swami Vivekananda, I pay my humble tributes to the great son of Bharat, who rekindled India's civilisational confidence and introduced the timeless philosophy of Vedanta to a global audience. His historic address at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago marked a turning point in how many across the West engaged with India's spiritual heritage. Through his lectures and writings, he presented Vedanta as a universal philosophy that affirmed the divinity of every soul, the harmony of religions, and selfless service to humanity,' Khandu added.

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari too offered his 'respectful obeisance' to the monk, posting, 'On the day of the passing of Swami Vivekananda, the soul of spiritual consciousness, the world-renowned heroic monk, I offer my respectful obeisance.'

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, West Bengal. He was a philosopher, monk, and religious teacher. His full name was Narendranath Datta.

The Chief disciple of Indian mystic Ramkrishna Paramhans, Vivekananda, popularised Indian culture across the world. He delivered several speeches across the United States, England, and Europe, promulgating the core tenets of Hindu philosophy.

He is one of the most influential monks in the world. Keen on spiritualism and Vedanta, Vivekananda became popular in the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he delivered his famous speech, beginning with the words, 'Sisters and brothers of America...'.

The country observes 'National Youth Day' on his birthday, January 12.

He died on July 4, 1902, at the age of 39. (ANI)