Swami Vivekananda was an influential Indian monk and philosopher, born on January 12, 1863. He is best known for introducing Hinduism to the Western world and for his role in the Ramakrishna Mission, which he founded to promote social welfare and spiritual development. His teachings emphasized the importance of self-realization, service to humanity, and the unity of all religions. Vivekananda gained international recognition after his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he spoke about tolerance and the universality of spiritual truths. He inspired many with his ideas on spirituality, education, and the empowerment of youth, leaving a lasting legacy in both India and abroad.