Icons of youth

Though Bangabandhu and Vivekananda represent two different centuries, they had common ideals _ hope and aspiration. They both are the ultimate role models among the youths, inspiring them to do good for the sake of serving humanity. There are many ideals which are very similar between Bangabandhu and Vivekananda: philosophical, political, nationalistic, leadership, oratory, and more. This is a humble tribute to our great leader Bangabandhu, and in comparison, the ideals of Vivekananda. 

Let’s discuss these two great souls to know how they inspire us through their magnetic guidelines.
Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (March 17, 1920-August 15, 1975) was the founding leader of Bangladesh.  Popularly known as Bangabandhu, he was a charismatic orator of the 20th century. Bangabandhu is not merely a name, but an inspiration to millions of youths of Bangladesh, and the world as well. Many of us want to know how the man, whom Newsweek magazine once described as ‘the poet of politics’, mastered the nitty-gritty of politics and acquainted himself with different state-operating mechanisms. 
Bangabandhu rediscovered the hidden power of youth. He exhorted his young country men and women to sacrifice their lives for conquering battles and achieving freedom.
On the other hand, Narendranath Datta, known as Swami Vivekanada (January 12, 1863-July 4, 1902), is a pioneer of inspiration for any generation. He is perhaps best known for his speeches and messages in which he spread new hope and aspiration among the youths of the late 19th century. 
“All power is within you. You can do anything and everything. Believe in that. Do not believe that you are weak; do not believe that you are half-crazy lunatics, as most of us do nowadays. Stand up and express the divinity within you,” Vivekananda boldly guided the youths. “Strength is life, weakness is death. Strength is felicity, life eternal, immortal. Weakness is constant strain and misery; weakness is death,” said the founder of Ramakrishna Mission.
According to the ideal of Vivekananda, there is the oft-stated aphorism about religion not being possible on an empty stomach.“We talk foolishly against material civilisation. The grapes are sour. Material civilisation, nay, even luxury, is necessary to create work for the poor.” 
In the same notion, Bangabandhu took the very first effort to eradicate the sufferings of mass people by starting social safety network programmes. He is the first who initiated distribution of ration and relief, and open market sale of essential items.
When Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was young, his father gave him one insightful advice_“If you have sincerity of a purpose and honesty of purpose, you will never be defeated in life.”Throughout his life, Bangabandhu never diverted from that course. And that made all the difference, helped him become an astute and compassionate leader and the greatest son of this soil, who was destined to lead the nation to freedom.
Vivekanada, meanwhile, said: “Face the brutes. That is a lesson for all life, face the terrible, face it boldly….The hardships of life fall back when we cease to flee before them.”
It is obvious to say that Bangabandhu had a unique power of delivering speech. It reached its peak when he announced the Bangladeshi struggle for independence during a landmark speech on March 7, 1971 during civil disobedience erupting across Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). The speech of Vivekananda at the parliament of world religion in Chicago, USA in 1893 is a notable one when he welcomes the people as “sisters and brothers of America” and urges them to serve humanity. He gives importance to the world people to be united and help each other beyond national boundaries. He points out that leaving anyone lagging behind, one cannot go further. 
Vivekananda said, “Freedom can never be reached by the weak. Throw away all weakness. Tell your body that it is strong, tell your mind that it is strong, and have unbounded faith and hope in yourself.” 
Bangabandhu says the same to his fellow country people in his March 7 speech, urging them to overcome their weakness: “The struggle now is the struggle for our emancipation; the struggle now is the struggle for our independence…..Since we have given blood, we will give more blood. God-willing, the people of this country will be liberated ... Turn every house into a fort. Face (the enemy) with whatever you have.”
The ideals of Bangabandhu and Vivekananda are undoubtedly appropriate in our everyday life. Their messages help youths to become more dutiful, before their own interests. And the examples of their lives are constant inspirations for the development of the country and the nation by the youths.  

Reference and photos: Internet