‘You will be nearer to heaven through football...’: Understanding Vivekananda on National Youth Day

Today, January 12, is celebrated in India as National Youth Day, which coincides with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. 

On this day, let’s try to understand more on Swami Vivekananda and his ideals. 

Swami Vivekananda became world famous because of his speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions on September 11, 1893. 

His words, “Sisters and Brothers of America” with which he began his speech on that day are still unique and remembered for the thunderous applause they earned. 

Swamiji laid a great emphasis on strength and had a lot of optimism about the youth. 

In this connection, let’s have a look at a few of his famous quotes: 

"What I want is muscles of iron and nerves of steel"

In this statement, the monk stresses on the need to be strong. While ‘nerves of steel’ refers to being calm and composed, ‘muscles of iron’ refers to a strong brawn that can withstand diseases. Both combined help a man to be akin to a rock that can resist gigantic waves. 

“You will be nearer to heaven through football than through the study of the Gita” 

This utterance of the monk can be flummoxing. But a deeper perusal into this can be a wondrous exercise to understand its real purport. 

The sum and substance of the Gita is to derive strength and apply it in everyday life to face its uncertainties. However, mere reading of this holy scripture will not solve any purpose. Its implementation is in physical action. Therefore, swamiji compares and contrasts it against football, a sport that requires tremendous strength and attention. A closer look also reveals that every member of the team is fighting for the cause of the team, secondary to individual achievements. 

So through these thought-provoking words, swamiji exhorts the young to get into the field of action and work unselfishly, thereby working for oneself and for universal good.