On 9/11 anniversary, Modi invokes Swami Vivekananda

Says had his universal brotherhood been followed, terror attack would never have occurred

On the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack in the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that “dastardly attacks” like the 9/11 terror attack would not have occurred had “Swami Vivekananda’s message of universal brotherhood”,  delivered at Chicago, US, on another September 11, in 1893, been followed. Modi’s message comes days before he makes his first trip to the US as prime minister.

In a series of seven tweets Modi said, “Had we followed Swami Ji’s message, history would never have witnessed such dastardly acts as we saw on 11th September 2001 in USA.” He added, “There are two images of 11th September, one of the trail of destruction in 2001 and the other, the message of Swami Vivekananda in 1893.”

In another tweet, he said, “‘Sisters & brothers of America’…with these words of Swami Vivekananda, India’s message of universal brotherhood reverberated across the world.”

Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s “message of universal brotherhood” Modi said, “Vivekananda drew the entire world’s attention to our nation’s rich history and strong cultural roots.”

Marking out “11th September 1893 — the day Swami Vivekananda created history with his soul-stirring address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago,” Modi urged all to “dedicate ourselves to furthering the cause of unity, brotherhood and world peace.”

Establishing India’s image as an equal partner alongside the US, Modi’s message was clearly intended for the Americans, as he makes the much-hyped visit to that country at the end of this month.

As Gujarat chief minister, Modi had been denied an American visa due to his association with the 2002 riots in the state.