In 1993, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) celebrated in the United States the centenary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893.
A young Narendra Modi was invited to the US as a promising politician. Hasmukh Patel, an RSS pracharak who accompanied Modi on the trip, recalled its significance ahead of the Prime Minister’s US trip from September 21 to 23. He said Modi, then a dedicated RSS pracharak, organised a youth conference during the event.
The gathering was held in a large hall with expansive outdoors, where a symbolic march was organised. Leading the march, a swayamsevak held the Indian national flag high as the traditional music from the Ghosh (RSS musical band) filled the air.
Patel said the event was a grand affair with 15,000-20,000 people attending it.
The celebration left a lasting impression also because of Modi’s role in mobilising and inspiring the youth. His participation in this event is a testament to his commitment to the values of Swami Vivekananda and his dedication to the Indian diaspora abroad, Patel added.
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