##48 (Vivekananda) Whirlwind Tour In North India Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

From May 1897, he travelled
In North India and lectured
At many places, like Almora
Punjab and Jammu-Kashmir.

At Jammu, he had a discussion
Personally with Maharaja to open
A Monastery for training young men
On the doctrines of Hindu Religion.

Despite his physical weakness,
He covered many places,
Situated in Northern parts
And spoke about the Vedas.

“The individual’s strength
Is the Nation’s strength, ”
This was his slogan
That he told everyone.

“Be good to others.
Learn all the virtues,
Such as service to the poor,
Universal love and character.”

“Build up strength,
Self-respect is worth.
Promote unity among all.
Practice self-control.”

In all the meetings,
These were the slogans,
With his powerful voice,
He told the audience,

Early in 1898, the Belur Math,
In the name of Ramakrishna Math,
Was commissioned to function
As Headquarters of this mission.

The lady disciple, Sister Nivedita,
Was trained by Vivekananda
Along with other western disciples,
To take up various arduous duties.

In the Holy Mother’s vision,
They moved like her children.
Nivedita adopted the ways
Of a woman in a Hindu house.

He took rest for a few days
In the vicinity of Himalayas.
He felt that place homely
And his health improved slightly.