Chicago Day's 125th anniversary widely celebrated in city

Kolkata: The 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's famous speech at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893 was celebrated in the city with great enthusiasm.

Swamiji, then a young man of 30 years, had addressed the gathering and spoke against "sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendent fanaticism" and held these forces responsible for affecting human civilization badly. He had said: "Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would have been far more advanced than it is now." His speech was appreciated by the audience and the newspapers described it as "..it is human eloquence at its highest pitch."

Chicago Day was observed in many schools and colleges where seminars, symposia and workshops were held. The speakers urged the students to read Chicago Addresses as the speeches help to reduce social tension. Swami Balabhadranandaji, Assistant General Secretary Ramakrishna math and Mission delivered a speech at the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark where he highlighted the relevance of Swamiji's address in today's world.

Partha Chatterjee, state Education minister on Monday unveiled the online application window on the website/ portal of Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship Scheme. The scheme has helped students coming from economically challenged background to pursue higher education.