Vivekananda a big inspiration, says Jayalalithaa

Chennai, Feb 27 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Wednesday said Swami Vivekananda was her big inspiration and she has undertaken “political sanyas” to serve the people.

“As a saint, Vivekananda served the people. In his path, I have undertaken political ‘thuravaram/sanyas’ and serving the people. I do not have any self-interest. I don’t want anything. I don’t have anybody,” she said, inaugurating the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda here.

Announcing Rs.2 crore government grant for the Vivekananda Cultural Centre set up by Sri Ramakrishna Math here, Jayalalithaa said she was attracted towards the principles of Vivekananda and his guru Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

Jayalalithaa said she has read books by Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Pramahamsa.

According to her, Vivekananda made the world to understand the greatness of Hinduism and taught people equality, knowledge, mental strength and leadership qualities and urged youths to follow his preachings.

She said Sri Ramakrishna Math is excelling in service to people, nation and spirituality and only such organisations stand as shining stars for the youths of this country.

IANS 2013-02-27 19:48:03