"Let us work together to fulfill Swami Vivekananda dreams for India": PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders paid their rich tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary here on Wednesday.

In his message on twitter, the Prime Minister said, “I pay tributes to the great Swami Vivekananda on his Jayanti. His was a life devoted to national regeneration. He has motivated many youngsters to work towards nation building. Let us keep working together to fulfil the dreams he had for our nation.”

Later in the day, PM Modi will inaugurate and address the 25th National Youth Festival.

Swami Vivekanand's birth anniversary is celebrated as National Youth Day across the country.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also recalled his contribution of spreading India’s culture across the world.

“I bow to Swami Vivekananda on his Jayanti. We recall his exemplary contributions towards spreading India’s ancient knowledge & glorious culture across the world. He was truly a Global Youth Icon. His emphasis on building a New India has been a source of inspiration for our youth,” he tweeted.

Home Minister Amit Shah in his message said, "Swami Vivekananda, had awakened a new consciousness among the youth".

“Swami Vivekananda, the inspiration of every Indian, made the whole world flourish with the values of Indian culture and awakened a new consciousness among the youth for nation building with his inspirational thoughts. Blessings to him on his birth anniversary and wishing everyone a very Happy National Youth Day,” he said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid his tributes to Swami Vivekananda.

"I have no fear!" My humble tribute to Swami Vivekananda, who showed the path of fearlessness and truth. #NoFear,” he tweeted.

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, West Bengal and was one of India’s greatest philosophers.

Swami Vivekananda was known for his writings, and he delivered one of his greatest speeches at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893. His speech, which began with, “Sisters and brothers of America”, got him a standing ovation at the summit. (UNI)