SW Vvka. X Prof Hastie

 Here’s an image of Narendranath Datta—the childhood name of the spiritual luminary later known as Swami Vivekananda—during his early years as a student in Calcutta.

Narendra Nath Dutta (Swami Vivekananda)

• Original Name & Birth
  Born Narendranath Datta (often shortened to Narendra or Naren) on 12 January 1863 in Calcutta, he emerged from a Bengali Kayastha family—his father, Vishwanath Datta, was an attorney, and his mother, Bhubaneswari Devi, deeply religious .
• Education & Early Influences
  Studying at the General Assembly’s Institution (now Scottish Church College), Narendra was profoundly influenced by the principal, Reverend William Hastie. During a literature class on Wordsworth’s Excursion, Hastie mentioned that the poet experienced a trance akin to spiritual realization—and referenced Sri Ramakrishna of Dakshineswar as someone who actually manifested such spiritual states. This sparked Narendra’s curiosity and led to a life-altering meeting with Sri Ramakrishna in December 1881 .
• Spiritual Awakening
  Narendra’s questioning—asking Sri Ramakrishna if he had seen God—was answered affirmatively. Ramakrishna’s direct, tangible experience of the divine convinced Narendra of his authenticity as a spiritual teacher. This meeting marked the beginning of his transformation into a spiritual giant .
• Becoming Vivekananda and Global Influence
  After Sri Ramakrishna’s passing in 1886, Narendra traveled across India before adopting the name Swami Vivekananda. In 1893, he delivered his historic speech beginning with “Sisters and brothers of America” at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago. He helped introduce Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, founded the Ramakrishna Mission (1897), and worked tirelessly until his passing in 1902 .

Professor Hastie (William Hastie)

Here’s a portrait of William Hastie, Principal of the General Assembly’s Institution (Scottish Church College) in Calcutta during Narendra’s college years.

• Background & Role
  William Hastie (1842–1903), a Scottish theologian and educator, served as Principal of the General Assembly’s Institution from 1878 to 1883. He notably influenced young Narendra through his teaching and personal rapport .
• Spiritual Catalyst
  Hastie’s classroom reference to Sri Ramakrishna as a living example of divine realization steered Narendra to visit Dakshineswar—which ultimately shaped his spiritual trajectory. Hastie’s encouragement was both respectful and insightful, recognizing Narendra’s unique potential .

Summary Table

Person	Key Contributions
Narendranath Dutta / Vivekananda	Enlightened disciple of Ramakrishna; global proponent of Vedanta and Yoga; founded Ramakrishna Mission; influenced modern Hindu thought.
William Hastie	Principal and philosophy mentor who encouraged Narendra’s seminal encounter with Ramakrishna.

Would you like to explore more about Vivekananda’s philosophies, his speeches, writings, or William Hastie’s own works and educational legacy?