“I have been coming here for close to 30 years now. The whole country, and specifically in Bengal, celebrates his birth. On this day, while paying homage to him, we should all proudly say we are Hindu. By protecting sanatan dharma and serving animals, we can serve Shiva. Swamiji had exhorted us to serve the public and the poor,” said the BJP leader.

Adhikari, Banerjee and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar were among leaders who paid tributes to Vivekananda at his ancestral home in Central Kolkata.

After paying his respects, Majumdar told reporters, “India is moving forward with the ideals of Swami Vivekananda under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.”

Banerjee said Vivekananda had become a guiding light for India during his time.

“Like every year, I came to visit Swamiji’s ancestral home, where he was born. I come here every year to offer my respects. Swamiji’s principles, ideals, thoughts, reflections, methods of work, and teachings hold immense significance even in today’s times and are relevant in every walk of life. We can never forget Swamiji’s contributions; they will remain etched in golden letters in our lives,” he said.

Banerjee added, “The way Swamiji spoke about harmony among all religions and became a guiding light for India during his time, we must remember those teachings today. Everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, and gender, should follow them. I would not call this Swamiji’s birth anniversary because birth is for those who eventually face death. I call this his Abhirbhav Diwas, as Swamiji is still with us. His thoughts and ideas are eternal and ever-present. Bengal has always upheld the message of harmony among all religions, and may we continue to follow the same path—Swamiji’s path.”

Vivekananda’s landmark speech at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893 is widely considered a turning point in the global perception of Hinduism.