- The Prime Minister paid tributes to Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883) on his 201st birth anniversary on 12th February 2025.
- He was a great thinker, ardent nationalist, and the founder of Arya Samaj.
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati
- A prominent social reformer, philosopher, and religious leader of the 19th century.
- Born as Mool Shankar Tiwari on 12th February 1824 in Tankara, Gujarat.
- His parents, Lalji Tiwari and Yashodabai, were devout followers of Hindu traditions.
- Developed a deep interest in spiritual knowledge, questioning idol worship, rituals, and superstitions.
- Renounced worldly life at 19, wandered as an ascetic for 15 years (1845–1860) in search of truth.
- Studied under Swami Virjanand in Mathura, who inspired him to restore the true meaning of the Vedas.
Philosophy and Social Reforms:
- Opposed idol worship, untouchability, caste-based discrimination, polygamy, child marriage, and gender inequality.
- Advocated for a classless society where caste was based on merit rather than birth.
- Championed women’s education, widow remarriage, upliftment of depressed classes, and the abolition of Sati and child marriage.
- Emphasized “Back to the Vedas”, arguing that true Hinduism is rational, equal, and socially just.
- His seminal work, Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth), criticized social evils and promoted Vedic wisdom.
Educational Contributions:
- Advocated for modern, scientific, and Vedic education while opposing British colonial education.
- Inspired the establishment of gurukulas, Girls’ Gurukulas, and Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) schools and colleges.
- The first DAV school was set up in Lahore (1886) under Mahatma Hansraj.
Role in Nationalist Movement:
- First to give the call for “Swaraj” (1876), influencing Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Mahatma Gandhi.
- Promoted Swadeshi (economic self-reliance), cow protection, and Hindi as a national language.
Legacy:
- Faced resistance from orthodox sections but left a lasting legacy through Arya Samaj and DAV institutions.
- His social and educational reforms continue to impact Indian society today.
Arya Samaj
- Arya Samaj (Society of Nobles) is a Hindu reform movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875.
- It upholds Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge and truth.
Core Beliefs and Principles:
- Emphasizes Vedic authority, rejecting idol worship, priestly rituals, animal sacrifice, social evils, and superstitions.
- Supports karma (law of deeds), samsara (cycle of rebirth), and cow protection.
- Promotes Vedic fire rituals (havan/yajna) and samskaras (sacraments).
Social Reforms and Contributions:
- Advocated female education, inter-caste marriage, and widow remarriage.
- Established schools, orphanages, and widow homes.
- Played a role in famine relief and medical aid.
- Led the Shuddhi Movement to reconvert those who had embraced other religions.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s progressive and reformist vision laid the foundation for social justice, education, and national awakening, making his contributions highly relevant even today.
