Swami Vivekananda's training to Sister Nivedita towards service

“We reap what we sow. We are the makers of our own fate.

The wind is blowing; those vessels whose sails are unfurled

catch it, and go forward on their way, but those which have

their sails furled do not catch the wind. Is that the fault of

the wind? We make our own destiny.”

― Swami Vivekananda

     Since ancient times, Bharat is a dream of every civilization to absorb and enjoy knowledge of our country. During the ancient education system, students were trained in a manner of survival of their own life. the feature of this system was the unprecedented progress of philosophy. Indian scholars used to travel all around the world to preach knowledge. The Buddhist principles share similarities with that of the Vedas. this was the beauty of our knowledge, education system while the west believed that religion was all about following a particular doctrine and giving harsh punishments to those who stood against them. But there was Margaret Elizabeth Noble from Ireland who believed that religion is all about searching for enlightenment and strongly believed that service to man is true service to God. She is well known among us today as "Sister Nivedita".

Swami Vivekananda and Sister Nivedita 

(image courtesy: motherandsriaurobindo.in)

    Sister Nivedita had met Swami Vivekananda in 1895 during Swamiji's lectures on Vedanta, Upanishads, The religious consciousness of the west towards modern science. Swamiji could foresee that she had the dedication and enthusiasm towards enlightenment and her determination to serve the society and strive for the welfare of the world. One day, Swamiji said to Margaret, "I have certain plans relating to the education and welfare of the women of my country. I believe that you can be of great service to me in translating them into reality." When Margaret seemed doubtful to Swamiji, Swamiji sensed her mind and replied, "You have the making in you of a world-mover and others will also come... Awake, awake great one!" These galvanizing words of the Swamiji flamed the spirit of service in Sister Nivedita. 

    She took the most brave decision to leave her motherland to render her service to the great country, Bharat! She felt that the divine light of enlightenment which she was searching for, is calling her from Bharat. In 1898, she came to India accepting Swami Vivekananda as her spiritual master. Swamiji came in person to the port and welcomed Sister Nivedita. The British who were in India looked down on her. The Indians saw her as an alien as women never crossed their households in those days. She received a message from Swamiji "It is not a man we need but a woman; a real lioness; to work for the Indians. India cannot yet produce great women. She must borrow them from other nations. your education, sincerity, purity, immense love, determination and above all, the Celtic blood make you just the woman India needs. You must think well before you plunge in. If you fail or get disgusted after you toil, I promise you I will stand by. you work for India or not, whether you give up Vedanta or remain in it." Her great level of devotion made Swamiji name as "Nivedita". She went on to familiarize herself with the city and learnt Bengali. She was a motivating force and her lectures directed people and inspired them immensely. She, along with Mrs. Sasrah C Bul and Miss Josephine Mac stayed in a cottage which later became an ashram where Swamiji addressed them for hours.

    After Swamiji attained Mahasamadhi in 1902, Sister Nivedita felt that the message of the Swamiji was still burning bright and it was not just a normal message. It was a spirit of confidence, courage, fearlessness just that of a lioness. She rose with a decision of fulfilling the dreams of the Great Master and participated in the independence movements.

    A deathless symbol of service, Sister Nivedita's life has left a strong spark in the hearts of many Indian women like us. To break all stereotypes which is stopping us from achieving the impossible and the ignorance which is harming the glorious land of Bharatvarsh.

(this short essay was a contribution to "Agnipathike - Fire Rekindled" an international women's symposium conducted by women's youth wing of Nivedita Niketana)