'Take up one idea. . . Make that one idea your life. . . This is the way to success'

Single-minded and multifaceted, the master of many subjects and devoted disciple of Shri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda was a global citizen far ahead of his times. At once a yogi and worldly-wise, this early ambassador of India introduced the western world to Indian civilization, while he encouraged Indians to discard divisive rituals and social hierarchies to build a united, equal, modern nation. A dedicated but free-thinking student, a reformer, teacher and writer, he was an eloquent orator whose speeches - especially at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago - put Indian spirituality and philosophy on the map, and ignited hearts and minds everywhere.

His way was both of meditation and action, leading from the front while humbly serving the poor. He put his faith in young people and exhorted them to work towards regenerating India. It is not surprising then that National Youth Day in India is celebrated on the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, a leading light then, and an inspiration now and forever.

This book brings together Swami Vivekananda's stellar work and words, and highlights the main tenets of his life. From his regretfully short but exceptional life, you too can learn to be a little bit like Swami Vivekananda.