SWAMI VIVEKANANDA, AND WORLD VISION 2000

[Hindu.Stude...@um.cc.umich.edu]

WORLD VISION 2000 & UNIVERSITY SEMINARS: PURPOSE AND SCOPE
By Gokul Kunnath, Atlanta, GA.

The thunderous echoes of Swami Vivekananda's message in America will
finally find their full expression in l992 and 1993 as we launch WORLD
VISION 2000 - a series of programs that will ultimately transform the
cultural foundation of this nation. It is a great fortune of the
Hindus in the U.S.A. to be part of such a historic mission. But, the
most fortunate of all are we, the Hindu Youths. Although Swamiji shook
the religious and intellectual establishments of 19th century America,
at that time there was no effective medium to propagate his message to
the nation as a whole. America has witnessed a century of profound
changes within its borders as we focus our attention to this great man
and his universal message.

One of the most important changes that has taken place in America
is the presence of more than one million Hindus. When Swamiji came to
the United States in 1893, there were very few Hindus who called
America their home. This presence of Hindus in such large numbers by
itself has facilitated a great role for Hindus in the making of
America's future. What is more gratifying is the fact that apart
from the Hindu immigrants from several nations, America has produced
many great men and women who accept and propagate the spiritual
message of ancient Bharat. The great work done by these Americans
have gone unnoticed by the Hindu community. For example, today, a
large segment of the American populace believe in the idea of life
after death or rebirth. Millions of people have started practicing
Meditation and Yoga. Even the food habits of Americans are changing
fast to the extent that people are not only concerned about what
they eat but how much food they should eat. All these are welcome
news. However there are more fundamental and lasting changes that
have been brought by these great Americans in every sphere of human
activity .

The world of ours is going through profound changes even as we
meditate on this beautiful subject of change. Humanity has witnessed
the emergence, acceptance, and demise of many ideas and concepts
that could enhance and enrich humanity. Hundreds of wars have been
waged to gain the supremacy of one idea over the other. Many nations
and cultures have been subjected to so much of pain and suffering,
death and destruction. When we look at the history of the Holy Land
of Hindus - Bharat, we see that our ancestors were victims of so
many invasions and they were subjected to undescribable suffering.
Millions of our forefathers were killed in the process. But, thanks
to the enduring spirit of our people and our unshakeable faith in
the Truth, we have emerged from a millennium of darkness, death,
and destruction. But, if all that happened to us (Hindus) as a
people, and to people around the world in their own nations, is to
be avoided, then, humanity needs to recognize certain universal
ideals that will bring all nations, cultures, and religions closer.
Humanity can experience peace, harmony, and progress through
friendship, fellowship, and cooperation. It is in this context the
message of the late Swami Vivekananda assumes great relevance for
the modern world. We are at the dawn of a new age, a new world
view, and a new human order.

All of us can ask ourself a pertinent question. What do I have
to do with this new age and the future of humanity? Well, to be fair,
the world will have to enter into a new age if we are to preserve
our species and this planet. Hence, the global transformation has
begun. We, the Hindu students in America, can act as a catalyst
to accelerate the pace of this change. We have a historic opportunity
to be a part of this noble endeavor as we celebrate the 100th
anniversary of the advent of Swami Vivekananda to the West.
It is with this view that Hindu Students Council has decided to
undertake a historic mission of presenting World Vision 2000 to scores
of college campuses across America.

World Vision 2000 is a project being initiated by the Vishwa Hindu
Parishad of America,Inc. This project constitutes a series of programs
up to the year 2000 to educate the world on an alternative vision
based on Vedanta. Acceptance of this vision by the global community
will enrich and enhance our lives at every level of existence. This
vision can offer new perspectives on family life, religious life,
socio-economic-political systems, industrial and technological deve-
lopment, and education. Vishwa Hindu Parishad intends to hold a
global conference in l993 at Washington on the theme of World Vision
2000. The conference will be attended by great thinkers, philosophers,
spiritual, social, political, and business leaders, scientists, and
educationalists. The delegates will discuss how Vedanta can offer
new perspectives and solutions to global issues and challenges. VHP is
also planning to organize mass gatherings in large metropolitan
areas of the United States to present the message of Swami Vivekananda
- the message of Vedanta. Hindu Students Council has taken up the
responsibility of presenting the message of Swami Vivekananda
and the concept of World Vision 2000 to the students and faculty
members at one hundred of academic institutions in U.S.A.

So, here we are with a great task and great aspirations for a
better world. In the coming months ahead, HSC volunteers across
America will work hard to realize this noble mission. We must
educate ourselves about the teachings of the great saint and visionary
- Swami Vivekananda and share these ideas with our fellow American
brothers and sisters.

Arise! Awake! And Stop Not Till The Goal Is Reached!

For more information about how you or your group can participate in the
WORLD VISION 2000 series, and the university seminars, call 404-447-1893 or
617-227-3023, email to: Hindu.Stude...@um.cc.umich.edu, or write to
Hindu Students Council, 43 Valley Road, Needham, MA 02192