Sister Nivedita

Sister NIVEDITA and her Master Dr.T.V.Rao MD

Sister Nivedita (1867-1911) 

Sister Nivedita (1867-1911), born Margaret Elizabeth Noble was an Anglo-Irish social worker, author, teacher and disciple of Swami Vivekananda. She met Vivekananda in 1895 in London and travelled to India (Kolkata) in 1898. Swami Vivekananda gave her the name Nivedita (meaning "Dedicated to God") when he initiated her into the vow of Brahmacharya on March 25 1898.

Parents guide Nivedita 

She came into this world on October 20, 1867. She was born in Ireland as the daughter of Mary Isabel and Samuel Richmond Noble. Her father always taught her that, service to mankind is the true service to God. His words made an impression on Nivedita's mind.

Sister Nivedita empowers Women 

Sister Nivedita probed into the heart of Indian womanhood and reflected in her rhythmic and eloquent prose the natural simplicity and spiritual fervor of the women of India. Women, she contended, are the embodiment and repository of the ancient wisdom of the East. They are the inheritors of a radiant orthodoxy, unspoilt by age and undimmed by the passing fashions of the day to which men so easily succumb

Swamiji’s thoughts Inspire 

The sayings of the Swamiji kept returning to her mind and haunted her. "God alone is the truth," he had asserted. This assertion might not be new, but the Swamiji's conviction was indeed quite new

Vivekananda inspires Nivedita 

He had given up everything for god., His sayings were not mere repetitions from books. They were living words, which sprang from the depths of his soul, charged with the Truth he had seen and experienced.

Swamiji’s words thunder the Humanity 

In midst of his discourse, the Swamiji said in a thundering voice: "What the world needs to-day is twenty men and women who dare stand in the public street and declare that they have nothing to call their own except the God. Who is there among you that can say so?

Becomes Nivedita ( One dedicated to God ) 

She was given the name of ‘Nivedita’ as one dedicated to God. She became a teacher to little children and their mothers. When plague or famine or flood ravaged the land she became the very personification of compassion and service. Nivedita is the deathless symbol of sacrifice and service.

Initiates to serve India and God 

The 25th of March 1898 was for Margaret the holiest and most unforgettable day of her life. That was the day on which her Guru dedicated her to God and to the service of India.

Swamiji teaches to worship Lord Siva 

It was a Friday. Swami Vivekananda took all there of them to the Math, Leading Margaret into the shrine, he taught her how to worship Lord Shiva according to the prescribed ritual. He then asked her to offer worship, unaided.

Becomes Nivedita 

The Swamiji then initiated her ceremonially into the order of celibacy. He gave her the name of 'Nivedita', which means 'the Dedicated One'. He commanded her to place lotus flowers at the feet of Lord Buddha.

Benediction and message 

In tremulous voice, he gave her his benediction and message: "Go thou, my child, go. Tread thou the path shown by that Great Soul who was the very embodiment of compassion and sacrificed himself for others in five hundred lives before he attained the status of the Buddha."

India needs Women for empowerment 

she received from the Master this heartening message: "It is not a man we need but a woman; a real lioness, to work for the Indians, women specially….

Vivekananda Chooses Nivedita 

Speaking about the woman of India, the Swamiji said, "Our girls over there have not even seen the face of a school. That land of ours cannot advance unless they are educated." Then, turning at once towards Margaret, he said, "I have certain plans relating to the education and the welfare of the women of my country. I believe that you can be of great service to me in translating them into reality."

Nivedita inspired by Mother

Swami Vivekananda with his followers Josephine Macleod, Ole Bull and Margaret Noble (Sister Nivedita) in Kashmir

Swamiji Awakens Nivedita 

Swamiji reassured her: "You have the making in you of a world-mover, and others will also come… Awake, awake, great one!

Nivedita Inspires 

The very personality of Nivedita commanded respect. Her stately, handsome figure, dressed in a long, flowing, snow - white gown, held firm with a silk waist - band lent her a certain majesty which heightened her natural dignity and grace.

Nivedita makes a Great Presence among the Masses 

The rudraksha rosary around her neck gave her a saintly look. It is recorded that whenever Nivedita came to address a gathering, people spontaneously rose to their feet and gave her a standing ovation.

Inspires several Intellectuals 

Her vast circle of friends, English and Indian, included journalists sought her advice on various subjects and found her an intelligent, widely read person whose advice always stimulated their enthusiasm and inspired them.

Dedicates everything for India’s prosperity 

She made her will. All that she had in this world by way of property, the little money she had with her, and even the copy right over her writings, she left to the Beleur Math. She wanted that her bequest should be used to give national education to the women of India.

Nivedita –Life is service 

Throughout her life, she kept assisting the poor and the distressed. Thus she became a deathless symbol of relinquishment and service

Last words of Divine Soul 

"This frail boat of mine is sinking, but I can yet see the sunrise". These were the last words of this noble soul.

Gave everything to INDIA 

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In the lap of the Himalayas rests the earthly form of this great lady. Over her grave is erected a humble memorial which bears this simple epitaph. "Here reposes

Sister Nivedita who gave her all to India".

Empowers Womanhood 

But it is the little school that Nivedita had set up that has grown to be he living monument. Thousands and thousands of girls and women are receiving a truly national education in that noble institution.

A benediction to Sister Nivedita by Swamiji 

The mother's heart, the hero's will The sweetness of the southern breeze, The sacred charm and strength that dwell On Aryan altars, flaming, free; All these be yours and many more No ancient soul could dream beforeBe thou to India's future son The mistress, servant, friend in one."

Sister Nivedita in Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda  

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To Labour is to pray. To conquer is to renounce Life is itself religion To have and to hold is as stern a trust as to quit and to avoid.

Sister Nivedita Lives with Us 

She left her mortal remains on 7 October 1957 to be cremated according to Hindu rites. Sister Nivedita’s contribution towards India is unforgettable and she will eternally live in the soul of India

The life of Sister Nivedita a lesson to change our consciousness 

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The only hope for the future depends is in a change of man's consciousness and the change is bound to come. But it is left to men to decide if they will collaborate for this change or if it will have to be enforced upon them by the power of crashing circumstances. So , wake up and collaborate“ The future of the earth depends upon the change in consciousness.

Sister Nivedita’s teachings, love for poor and down ridden inspire the Indian continent Dr.T.V.Rao MD Email [email protected]