Balurghat Prepares for Marathon to Honor Swami Vivekananda’s Life, Legacy, and Spiritual Vision

January 11,2026

Legacy in Motion: Swami Vivekananda’s Birth Anniversary Marathon in Balurghat

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat

As the nation prepares to observe the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the revered monk, philosopher, and global ambassador of Indian spirituality, preparations are underway in Balurghat to commemorate his enduring legacy through a marathon event aimed at inspiring youth and the wider community.

On Sunday morning at around 9 a.m., members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha cleaned the statue of Swami Vivekananda located at Hili More, symbolically paying respect to the iconic spiritual leader ahead of his birth anniversary on January 12. The act marked the beginning of a series of programs dedicated to remembering his life and teachings.

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata as Narendranath Datta. A chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he played a pivotal role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. His historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893 brought global recognition to India’s spiritual heritage and emphasized universal brotherhood, tolerance, and harmony among religions.

Organizers announced that on Monday morning at 6 a.m., floral tributes will be offered at the statue of Swami Vivekananda at Hili More. Following this, a public marathon will be flagged off with the participation of people from different walks of life. The event aims to reflect Vivekananda’s call for physical strength, mental resilience, and spiritual awakening, especially among the youth.Winners securing first, second, and third positions in the marathon will be awarded prizes along with certificates. Additionally, all participants will receive special prizes and certificates as a mark of encouragement.

Members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha stated that the marathon is not merely a sporting event but a symbolic initiative to spread Swami Vivekananda’s spiritual thoughts — his emphasis on self-belief, service to humanity, and the idea that “service to man is service to God.” The program seeks to inspire the younger generation to follow the path of character-building, discipline, and nation-building envisioned by the great monk.

With the birth anniversary approaching, the Hili More area is witnessing a growing sense of enthusiasm and reverence, reflecting Swami Vivekananda’s timeless influence on India’s spiritual and social consciousness.