Sister Nivedita Biography 
Bhagini Nivedita, also known as Sister Nivedita was one of the foremost disciples of Swami Vivekananda. She was of Irish origin who later settled in India. Also known as a social worker, author and teacher, her birth name Margaret Elizabeth Noble was changed to Sister Nivedita by Swami Vivekananda. She came across Swami Vivekananda in the year 1895 in London. She is the founder of Ramkrishna Sarada Mission Sister Nivedita Girls' School. She has also authored numerous works on Indian philosophy and religion.
She was born on October 28, 1867 as Margaret Elizabeth Noble in County Tyrone, Ireland. She was of Scottish descent, whose forefathers got settled in Ireland five centuries ago. She lost her father at the age of 10. Margaret was brought up by her maternal grandfather. She learnt physics, arts, music, literature etc. She took the job of a school teacher at the age of 17. She established a school in Wimbledon with her own unique methods of teaching. She was also associated with religious activities. Started writing at a young age, she came to be known as an intellectual in London. She got engaged to a Welsh youth who died soon after engagement. The society in which she lived took it as a bad omen.
She met Swami Vivekananda in London in 1895, two years after his historic religious speech in Chicago. She got drawn towards the personality of Swami Vivekananda. She later attended several other lectures of Vivekananda, who clarified her doubts as well. She started taking interest in the teachings of Gautama Buddha which gave her mental peace and took decision to follow Vivekananda. She reached Kolkata on 28 January 1898. Initially Swami devoted a few days to build her character and developing her love for India and Indians. He also gave her descriptions on Indian history and culture.
He introduced Sister Nivedita to the people of Kolkata through a meeting in 1898. Sarada Devi affectionately called her Khooki on their first meeting. On 25 March 1898, Swami Vivekananda formally initiated Margaret in the vow of Brahmacharya and gave her the name ‘Nivedita’. Till her death on 13 October 1911 at a comparatively young age of 43, she worked as one of the close disciples of Vivekananda, who propagated his messages even after his death.
Published: N/A
Updated: March 20, 2016
