Selected Quote "Religion and religion alone is the life of India, and when that goes, India will die, in spite of politics, in spite of social reforms, in spite of Kubera's wealth poured upon the head of every one of her children." Narendra Nath Datta was born in Kolkata on January 12, 1863 into a middle-class family. He is perhaps, best identified with making the 1893 "World's Parliament of Religions" a memberable event where he unpreparedly represented India introducing Hindu thought to the west after roaming penniless in Chicago. This is only one of his achievements. From early age he was no ordinary boy, enjoying meditation during his childhood. He was a naturally born thinker. Growing up in British India he renounced superstitious worship and would debate and command sadhus, "Show me God". At age 18 Narendra was excitingly approached by Sri Ramakrishna after observing him and hearing him sing. He told this young man that he has come late and knows he is an incarnation of Narayan. Narendra looked at him with eerie suspision but later asked if he has seen God. Ramakrishna was the first to tell him that Yes, he has seen God, Narendra was surprised and was later showed God himself when Ramakrishna brushed his foot across the boy's forehead where then divinity flashed through his mind. From this time on Ramakrishna became his guru, and with time Narendra gained his respect to become his disciple. His dissenting questioning attitude lead him to his many contributions to Hindu Dharma. From many years as an unplanted monk and teacher through-out India he grew from a Brahmo Samajist duel Hindu to a whole Hindu who has experienced mankind's oneness with god.
