Mind-Benders of Hindu History
The monk who stopped a Chicago hall with five words
On 11 September 1893, a 30-year-old monk from Calcutta, Swami Vivekananda, took the stage at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. His opening — "Sisters and Brothers of America" — reportedly drew a sustained ovation from the several-thousand-strong audience, and his appearances there made him one of the first widely known Indian teachers in the United States.
How we know
Swami Vivekananda (b. 12 Jan 1863, Calcutta – d. 4 Jul 1902) delivered his opening address at the World's Parliament of Religions, Chicago, on 11 Sep 1893 (aged 30); the "Sisters and brothers of America" greeting reportedly drew a standing ovation from an audience of several thousand.
One of many fact-checked wonders across eight traditions at The Spring of Wisdom.