How Swami Vivekananda changed the World of Religion on the Other 9/11 in 1893

This September, while most Americans remember 9/11 as a day of mourning, many will commemorate the “Other 9/11” in 1893 when the world came together to celebrate the diversity and unity of all faiths for the first time. The First World’s Parliament of Religions opened its doors in Chicago and saw an unknown monk from India, Swami Vivekananda, emerge as the conference’s star. His seminal speech and subsequent teachings helped found the Global Interfaith Movement. 

A unique documentary film, “America’s First Guru,”  now showing on Public Television and streaming at PBS.org, makes a significant contribution to understanding this moment and the need for religious pluralism and harmony. Presented by WTTW Chicago and directed by Raja Choudhury, the film narrates the extraordinary journey of Vivekananda to America in 1893, his seminal speech on 9/11, and the spiritual and cultural revolution he brought about in just six short years. | More

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Association.