Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) came from India to participate in the 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where the Peace Run is now headed to participate in the 2023 World Parliament of Religions.

130 years ago, Vivekananda took the stage in his exotic turban an ochre robes and began his opening address with the words, “Brothers and sisters....”

After a round of applause for those simple three words which brought everyone together in oneness, he mesmerized the audience with his eloquence and respect for all religions. “Almost overnight this unknown young monk of India shot into prominence as a great world teacher. His stirring message of the basic truth of all religions gave rise to the interfaith movement.”