On September 11, 1893, at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago, a young monk named Swami Vivekananda delivered a speech that would echo through the ages and across continents. The words he spoke that day were not merely a message to an audience in a foreign land but an eternal call to humanity—an appeal for universal brotherhood, self-realization, harmony, and the transformative power of education. On the 133rd anniversary of this historic event, Liyana Academy—a government-registered, ISO 9001:2015 certified institute dedicated to abacus and Vedic mathematics education—pays homage to this great spiritual pioneer and visionary. Embodying his spirit of honesty, quality, and social commitment, Liyana Academy continues to contribute meaningfully to society and the future of every child it serves.
Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago address marked a watershed moment in global history. Instead of adhering to the formalities of the occasion, he opened warmly with the words “Sisters and Brothers of America,” breaking conventions and immediately connecting with the audience on a deeply human level. This simple yet revolutionary gesture earned him a prolonged standing ovation and set the tone for a message of unity transcending race, religion, and nationality. Vivekananda’s speech exalted the ideals of Indian culture—not as a relic of the past but as a vibrant, living tradition embodying tolerance, receptiveness, and the belief that “different religions are but so many paths leading to the same goal.” His emphasis on harmony and universal brotherhood stands as a beacon of hope in a world continually challenged by division and conflict.
The core of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings centers around self-realization—the awakening of the divine self or Atman within each individual. He taught that true education is not mere accumulation of facts but the manifestation of perfection already inherent within us. Self-realization leads not only to personal transformation but also to social upliftment as enlightened individuals naturally extend compassion and service to others. Vivekananda famously urged, “If you want to find God, serve man,” reinforcing the duty of education and spirituality to empower individuals to contribute constructively to society’s well-being.
Liyana Academy’s mission resonates deeply with these values. As a center for abacus and Vedic mathematics education, it upholds the standards of world-class training while fostering character development, discipline, and intellectual growth in its students. The academy’s commitment to honesty and quality reflects Swami Vivekananda’s ideal of integrity as essential for true education. By nurturing each child’s talents and critical thinking abilities, Liyana Academy seeks to cultivate confident, self-reliant individuals ready to face life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
Swami Vivekananda also championed the concept of universal brotherhood—a principle that transcends cultural and religious boundaries and calls for mutual respect and cooperation. He condemned fanaticism, sectarianism, and bigotry as detrimental to human progress and peace. Instead, he envisioned a world where diversity is celebrated and all forms of life are honored as manifestations of the same divine spirit. Today, this vision is more crucial than ever as societies grapple with polarization and intolerance. Liyana Academy embraces this ethos by promoting an inclusive learning environment encouraging empathy, teamwork, and social responsibility among its students. Through its educational programs, the academy aims to inspire the next generation to embody the values of unity and harmony in all spheres of life.
Education, in Vivekananda’s philosophy, is the most potent instrument for societal change. It should not only impart knowledge but also build character, discipline, and ethical consciousness. He emphasized education’s role in eradicating poverty by enabling individuals to stand on their own feet, advocating for a holistic approach integrating mental, physical, moral, and spiritual growth. Liyana Academy’s curriculum reflects this comprehensive outlook, blending traditional wisdom of Vedic mathematics with modern pedagogical techniques to develop multi-dimensional learners. The academy’s focus on skill-building, problem-solving, and mental agility equips students not just academically but prepares them for lifelong learning and success.
Beyond academics, Liyana Academy recognizes its social responsibility by contributing to community development and uplifting marginalized sections. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on “Daridra Narayana” (seeing God in the poor and needy), the institute has consistently sought to extend its resources and knowledge for the common good. Education here is not merely for individual advancement but a step towards building a just, compassionate society where every child—regardless of background—has opportunity and dignity. This approach nurtures a spirit of service among students, aligns with the highest ideals of education espoused by Vivekananda, and sets a foundation for meaningful societal progress.
Furthermore, the academy’s government registration and ISO 9001:2015 certification underscore its unwavering commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and excellence. These standards echo Vivekananda’s emphasis on discipline and integrity in all endeavors. By adhering to strict quality benchmarks, Liyana Academy ensures that its educational services are reliable and impactful, fostering trust among parents, educators, and the community at large.
Swami Vivekananda’s message is not merely a historical relic but a living inspiration for contemporary society. His vision uproots narrow-mindedness and inspires holistic development—personal, social, and spiritual. At a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges—technological disruptions, social unrest, environmental crises—the ideals he championed offer a roadmap to peace, progress, and human flourishing. His call for harmony and brotherhood is a reminder that education must transcend mechanical learning to awaken inner values and social consciousness.
In honoring this legacy, Liyana Academy continues to be a beacon of hope and empowerment. Every child trained here carries forward the torch of self-realization, honesty, and universal goodwill. The institute’s dedication to quality education and societal contribution is a small but significant thread in the larger tapestry of global efforts to build a harmonious world.
In conclusion, the 133rd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s remarkable Chicago speech invites us to reflect on the timeless power of his ideals. It calls us to recommit ourselves to the values of education that heals and liberates, of unity that transcends differences, and of compassion that motivates selfless service. Liyana Academy, in its steadfast dedication to these principles, stands as a modern embodiment of Vivekananda’s vision—a place where knowledge meets integrity, where tradition meets innovation, and where every child is nurtured to become a proud contributor to a better society.
