Hindus want national holiday on October 13 to mark Sister Nivedita’s 100th death anniversary

NEVADA - Hindus have asked India Government to declare October 13 as national holiday to commemorate Sister Nivedita’s (1867-1911) 100th death anniversary.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Sister Nivedita had done lot for India and it was now India’s turn to pay her a befitting tribute.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that governments of India and West Bengal should organize major events to mark her 100th death anniversary, launch a national women’s university under her name, develop her memorial site in Darjeeling as a monument complete with library and museum to inspire the coming generations, and issue another postal stamp to mark the occasion.

Born as Margaret Elizabeth Noble in Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), Sister Nivedita was a gifted teacher, social worker, author and nun initiated by Swami Vivekananda, and served in Kolkata and around. She took service of mankind as the true service to God and is said to be the first western woman to join n Indian monastic order. She championed causes of female education, woman welfare, India’s independence, etc. She authored various books, including “Religion and Dharma”. India already has a postal stamp of hers. Author Indra Gupta included her in “India’s 50 Most Illustrious Women”. (ANI)