In celebration of the National Youth Day, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society in the Union Territory of Puducherry, India, hosted an online discussion titled "Cultural Renaissance and the Indian Nation: Insight from Swami Vivekanand and Sri Aurobindo" on January 12, 2026. National Youth Day is commemorated annually on January 12 to honour the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
The discussion was led by Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, the Member Secretary of AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry.
During his address, Dr. Tripathy articulated that cultural renaissance is crucial for the revitalization of the Indian nation, as expressed by both Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo. Swami Vivekananda underscored the significance of spiritual expressions, national self-confidence, and service rooted in India's civilizational values.
Dr. Tripathy further asserted that the cultural renaissance of India, as envisioned by Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo, signifies a revival of the nation's spiritual genius. It promotes national rejuvenation through inner awakening, ethical integrity, and cultural self-assurance, aligning ancient wisdom with modern aspirations for collective advancement.
Swami Vivekananda perceived India's renaissance as the revival of spiritual humanism grounded in Vedanta. He highlighted the importance of strength, service, and universal brotherhood, encouraging Indians to regain faith in themselves. For him, national revival was intrinsically linked to moral strength, social upliftment, and spiritual enlightenment.
Dr. Tripathy emphasized that Sri Aurobindo viewed cultural renaissance as a deliberate evolutionary journey guided by the soul of India. He highlighted the need for integral transformation—both individual and collective—where spirituality forms the guiding principle of the process.
Both thinkers affirmed spirituality as the foundation of India’s national life and global mission. They rejected mere imitation of the West, advocating creative synthesis rooted in Indian tradition. Their ideas remain significant for cultural self-reliance, ethical nation-building, and India’s role as a spiritual guide in the modern world.
