It was a memorable speech of Swami Vivekananda,

Delivered at the World Parliament of Religions,

Which was attended by religious scholars,

Scattered across world’s different regions.

This year*, we celebrate the 116th anniversary

Of that great speech delivered at Chicago,

Which we can now hear on YouTube,

Which no human should forgo.

“Sisters and Brothers of America,”—

With this salutation, his speech began,

When there was a thunderous applause

By the vast gathering, that greeted this holy man.

His voice was thick, clear and mellifluous,

And his words flowed majestically, like the Ganges;

Though his speech was brief and to the point,

It will continue to inspire all, for ages.

It was a speech that spoke of the greatness of India,

And advocated values of universal tolerance and acceptance;

It called for shunning of fanaticism, sectarianism and bigotry,

And stressed that all religions are true, and persecution

                                                                deserved abhorrence.