How Swami Vivekananda won over the world?-3

How Swami Vivekananda won over the world?-3

19 September, 1893

In this speech Vivekananda gave a short introduction of Hinduism and spoke on "The meaning of the Hindu religion".
20 September, 1893

In this brief address, Vivekananda made a "little criticism" and told, religion was not the most important need of Indians at that moment. He regretted for sending Christian missionaries and trying to save the souls of Indians although poverty had been a much more important issue at that time. He then told, his aim was to join the Chicago Parliament of Religions was to seek aid for his impoverished people.
26 September, 1893

In this speech, Swami Vivekananda talked on Buddhism. He talked about origin of Buddhism, relation between Buddhism and Brahminism, Buddhism and Vedas. He concluded "Hinduism cannot live without Buddhism, nor Buddhism without Hinduism." and showed how Buddhism is the fulfilment to Hinduism.
27 September, 1893

This was Vivekananda's final address at the Parliament of World's religion. In his last speech he told that the Parliament had become an accomplished fact. He thanked the "noble souls" for organising the Parliament which he felt "proved to the world that holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character". He finished his speech with appeal "Help and not Fight," "Assimilation and not Destruction," "Harmony and Peace and not Dissension".
Impact of this speech

Expectedly, the lectures of Swami Vivekananda shook America and the whole world. After the Parliament Swami Vivekananda immediately became a hero in America.
What they said?

Parliament President John Henry Barrows said, "India, the Mother of religions was represented by Swami Vivekananda, the Orange-monk who exercised the most wonderful influence over his auditors".

The New York Critique

Vivekananda attracted widespread attention in the press, which called him the "cyclonic monk from India". The New York Critique wrote, "He is an orator by divine right, and his strong, intelligent face in its picturesque setting of yellow and orange was hardly less interesting than those earnest words, and the rich, rhythmical utterance he gave them".

The New York Herald

The New York Herald noted, "Vivekananda is undoubtedly the greatest figure in the Parliament of Religions. After hearing him we feel how foolish it is to send missionaries to this learned nation".

American newspapers

American newspapers reported Vivekananda as "the greatest figure in the parliament of religions" and "the most popular and influential man in the parliament".

The Boston Evening

The Boston Evening Transcript reported that Vivekananda was "a great favourite at the parliament... if he merely crosses the platform, he is applauded".

Handsome oriental

Vivekananda's speeches at the Parliament had the common theme of universality, emphasising religious tolerance. He soon became known as a "handsome oriental" and made a huge impression as an orator.

Be Proud

No wonder that he was a raging success in the west though he was not even invited. In fact, nobody was invited to represent the ancient India. However, it is a matter of pride that somebody went there and shook the whole world with his simplicity, genius and uncanny authority.

Om Namah Shivay