Parliament of Religions - Last Day

Scene at the Parliament on the Evening of the Last Day, September 27th 16. This photograph was taken during the closing session of the parliament on the evening of September 27. We know that Swamiji was present on the platform that evening because he had been invited to give one of the final addresses. It was in this talk that he made his famous sweeping remark: “The Christian is not to become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to become a Christian. But each must assimilate the others and yet preserve its individuality and grow according to its own law of growth.” According to New Discoveries (1:134, 36) “it is probable, though not at present certain, that Swamiji does indeed appear, seated with regal unconcern in the second row of delegates.” To date it has not been ascertained for sure that the person in the second row, left of center, is in fact Swamiji. Barrows’ history describes the last session: More than seven thousand persons were crowded into the Halls of Washington and Columbus [Barrows writes]. For more than an hour before the time announced, the eager crowds swept up against the doors of the Art Palace. The throng extended from the doorways to Michigan Avenue and thence for half a block in either direction. . . . An eyewitness reports: “. . . The last and closing scene of the great Parliament of Religions is one that will live forever in the memory of those who were so fortunate as to be spectators. The great Hall of Columbus was illuminated by a myriad of lights. Every inch of room was used by the greatest crowd that ever sat within its walls. On the stage, beneath the folds of the flags of all nations, were the representatives of all religions. The dull, black and somber raiment of the West only intensified the radiantly contrasted garbs of the Oriental priests.” Twice during the evening flashlight photographs were taken of the historic group on the platform.