𝟏𝟐 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲
Selecting Sarat Ch Chattopadhyay’s books over Rabindranath after the initial days with Upendra Kishore Roy Chowdhury and Sukumar Ray was a distinct choice. Post Sarat Babu, the writings of Swami Vivekananda became my primary focus to read. Despite my limited understanding of the 12 hard-bound volumes in which Vivekananda expressed profound thoughts, my enthusiasm for reading them was unwavering.
A significant connection lies in the constant presence of a large photo frame of Swami Vivekananda on our wall since birth. This glass-covered photograph, once a calendar, rarely garlanded and hardly cleaned, never failed to capture my attention. Although we had frames of Rabindranath, Netaji Subhash Ch. Bose, Goddess like Saraswati, Laxmi, and others, I often took a few extra minutes to glance at Swamiji’s photo. Not every January 12 was marked by celebrations of his birthday, yet his teachings resonated in my mind, guiding me through the “Karma.”
Ironically, I secured admission to class V on January 12, a sheer coincidence aligned with the admission period. As part of a generation witnessing annual exams concluding by December 23 for Christmas celebrations, the academic calendar shift granted us an extra six months of preparation then.
During my three to four years of direct association with the Ramakrishna Mission and years of indirect years, the significance of January 12 reached its peak. The celebration of Vivekananda extended a day before and after the 12th, marked by the monks’ insightful interpretations that resonated with my surroundings. Having dedicatedly read all 12 volumes of Swami Vivekananda, particularly “Raj Yoga” and “Karma Yoga,” I found enlightenment in understanding the inner meaning. The explanation of the Bhagwat Gita surpassed even Mahatma Gandhi’s rendition that I read as a Bengali translation.
At that time, my focus leaned towards Vivekananda and Netaji to shape my path. Despite being on the road, much remains to be built, akin to counting fallen leaves before seeing leaves on the tree itself.
I refrained from celebrating January 12, aligning with childhood influences and my father’s practices. Personal respect and following are individual decisions without the need for public announcements. The emphasis is on executing goals and shifting focus when accomplished.
In a later stage, renowned author Shankar’s insightful books on Swami Vivekananda, not only on his teachings but also on his writing process, were eye-openers. Though attempting to follow a similar process, I acknowledge it’s not up to Shankar’s level.
The renovation of Vivekananda’s house in North Kolkata into an audio-visual museum brought satisfaction and joy personally to me. Bengalis take pride in witnessing events organized from Simla to Belur, Baranagar to Jamnagar, and beyond. The Southern part of India showcases profound respect for Vivekananda, evident in events and programs, making it a matter of pride for a Bengali to be present.
𝟏𝟐 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲
A day etched in memory, a day to celebrate, and a day to follow the teachings established by this great monk worldwide.