Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday said India's spiritual awakening by Swami Vivekananda gave a boost to the freedom struggle which ultimately led to the independence of the country.
Patnaik, speaking at the centenary celebration of Ramakrishna Mission Math here, said both Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda together initiated an era of spirituality based on humanity and service.
He said Swami Vivekananda's mission was to revive the "Indian spiritual brotherhood" based on the knowledge of Vedanta.
"The spiritual awakening of India by Swamiji was a great boost to the freedom movement which was later carried out by Mahatma Gandhi. For any achievement in life, the journey starts with our spiritual awakening," he said.
Patnaik said inspired by the sanctity and spirituality of Bhubaneswar, Swami Brahma Nanda established the Mission in the city and developed it into an ecological and spiritual centre.
"I pay my sincere tributes to Swami Brahma Nanda Jee on this occasion," he said.