In an engaging interview with Dr. Nikhil Yadav, Deputy Head of Vivekananda Kendra’s North Zone, the focus shifted to his book “Influence of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement on Gandhi.”Dr. Yadav, a full-time Pracharak at Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, shared his in-depth analysis of how the spiritual and philosophical teachings of Swami Vivekananda, grounded in the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement, profoundly impacted Mahatma Gandhi’s life and principles.
Dr. Yadav, who has worked extensively with over 1.25 lakh college students through leadership programs such as “Young India: Know Thyself,” spoke about the vital role these teachings played in shaping Gandhi’s approach to spirituality, social reform, and nation-building. Holding a Ph.D. from the Centre for Studies in Science Policy at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and being actively involved in various academic and public forums, Dr. Yadav’s unique perspective sheds light on the intersection of religious and political ideologies during India’s freedom struggle.
In the interview, Dr. Yadav reflected on how the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement inspired Gandhi’s ideas on self-reliance, non-violence, and social equality, offering readers a deeper understanding of Gandhi’s spiritual roots. With his extensive experience delivering lectures at prominent institutions like AIIMS and the South Asian University, Dr. Yadav brought a rich, informed perspective on the profound connections between these two iconic figures.
Through this conversation, Dr. Yadav not only explored the intellectual and spiritual bond between Gandhi and Vivekananda but also emphasized the ongoing relevance of their teachings in today’s world.
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Drawing extensively from the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr.Nikhil Yadav provides a fresh analytical lens through which to explore the intersection of Gandhi’s thought with the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement. The book presents numerous instances in which Gandhi directly referenced the teachings of both Ramakrishna and Vivekananda, thereby illustrating the substantial role these figures played in shaping his worldview and philosophy.
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Reporter: Tell us something about yourself, how was your education?
Dr. Nikhil Yadav: I was born in a small village, Dhani Chudeli (Faizabad) in the Narnaul tehsil of Haryana. My father, Suresh Kumar Yadav, is a government employee. I spent my childhood in the village, and later, due to my father’s government job, we moved to Panchkula. My mother, Anita Yadav, is a homemaker. I moved to Delhi for my graduation, where I did my bachelor’s degree from Delhi University’s Delhi College of Arts and Commerce. After that, I pursued my post-graduation in history from the History Department of Delhi University. Later, I completed my Ph.D. from the Centre for Studies in Science Policy at Jawaharlal Nehru University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the country.
Reporter: When did your interest in writing first arise, and how?
Dr. Nikhil Yadav: My journey into writing began in January 2020 on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birthday when I realized that often incorrect information was being presented about him. There were many misconceptions and incomplete details being spread about him. I felt that someone should study his life in depth and present the correct perspective, so I decided to write and present his thoughts accurately. Initially, it was a bit difficult for me, but slowly I started to get the hang of it, and it became a lifelong experience for me as a writer.
Reporter: Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
Dr. Nikhil Yadav: Swami Vivekananda has inspired millions of people through his message and life. While we knew about some of the people influenced by him, we were not aware that Mahatma Gandhi Ji was also one of them. When I read Gandhi Ji’s literature, I discovered that he was deeply influenced by both Swami Vivekananda and his guru, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. That realization made me feel that a book could be written on this subject, and thus, the idea for this book was born.
Reporter: What new information does this book contain? Are there any revelations or inspirational elements?
Dr. Nikhil Yadav: While everyone knows about the relationship between Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, the impact of both of them on Gandhi Ji’s life was new for the readers. Gandhi Ji himself wanted to meet Swami Vivekananda twice and continuously read his literature throughout his life. As for Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, we can say that Gandhi Ji was a devoted follower of his teachings. He regularly visited the Ramakrishna Mission, an organization established by Swami Vivekananda, and encouraged his friends to visit it as well. Many such new facts have reached the readers through this book.
Reporter: What do you think, why have these revelations remained hidden until now?
Dr. Nikhil Yadav: It is very unfortunate that this has happened. A lot of research has been done on Gandhi Ji, but this aspect has never been highlighted. Perhaps there were political reasons behind it or a narrow perspective from those who did research on it. I believe this book will initiate a new line of research that will be written by including this aspect of Gandhi Ji’s life.
