Context: 

The Indian Prime Minister while addressing a programme of 200th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, urged people to convert the faith of Swami Dayanand Saraswati about India, into self-confidence during Amrit Kaal. 

About Swami Dayanand Saraswati 

• A Renowned Person: He was a philosopher, social leader, a profound Vedic scholar, metaphysician, reformer, and religious leader.
• Maker of Modern India: Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President called Dayanand Saraswati “a maker of modern India”. 
• Founder of Arya Samaj: He founded Arya Samaj, a reform movement of Vedic dharma. 
  • The first Arya Samaj unit was formally set up by him at Mumbai (then Bombay) in 1875 and later the headquarters were established at Lahore.
  • Through the Arya Samaj, he was among the first to advocate ‘conversion’ into the Hindu fold and supported the idea of shuddhi, to bring back Islamic or Christian converts into Hinduism. 
• Call for Swaraj: In 1876, he was the first to give the call for Swaraj as “India for Indian”, which would later be picked up by the likes of Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi. 
• Unity Believer: His vision included a classless and casteless society, a united India, and an India free from foreign rule, with Aryan religion being the common religion of all.
• Inspired With: He took inspiration from the Vedas and considered them to be “India’s Rock of Ages”, the infallible and the true original seed of Hinduism. 
• Work for Education: He introduced a complete overhaul of the education system and is often considered one of the visionaries of modern India.
  • The Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) schools came into existence in 1886 to realize his vision.
  • The first DAV School was established at Lahore with Mahatma Hansraj as the headmaster.
• Literary Work: Satyarth Prakash (1875), emphasized the “return to Vedic principles”, Veda Bhasya Bhumika, an introduction to his Vedic commentary and Veda Bhashya, a Vedic commentary in Sanskrit on the Yajurveda and the major part of the Rig-Veda.
  • He gave the slogan “Back to the Vedas”.
• Followers: His followers included Sri Aurobindo and S. Radhakrishnan.
• Belief: Rejection of idolatry and the overly ritualistic traditions of Hinduism, support for women’s education, denunciation of child marriage and an opposition to untouchability.
• Philosophy: He preached respect and reverence for other human beings, supported by the Vedic notion of the divine nature of the individual. 
  • His “ten founding principles of Arya Samaj” is the idea that all activities must be done for the benefit of humankind as a whole, rather than individuals or even idols and religious symbols. He advocated Vedic education for all castes.

About Arya Samaj

• In 1875, Swami Dayananda created the Arya Samaj, a reformist Hindu organization focused on reviving Vedic values and promoting social and religious changes. Ten Principles: Swami Dayananda articulated the Arya Samaj’s ten principles:
  • Vedas as the Ultimate Source of Knowledge: The Vedas are revered as timeless scriptures containing universal wisdom and moral guidance.
  • Worship of the One Supreme Being: Arya Samaj promotes monotheism and the worship of the formless, all-pervading Supreme Being.
  • Universal Brotherhood: All individuals are considered equal, transcending distinctions of caste, creed, and gender.
  • Pursuit of Knowledge and Science: Education, rational thinking, and scientific inquiry are encouraged to develop an enlightened society.
  • Non-Acceptance of Falsehood: Truthfulness, integrity, and the rejection of superstitions and baseless rituals are emphasized.
  • Promotion of Social Welfare: Philanthropy, compassion, and service to society are actively promoted by Arya Samaj.
  • Preservation of Cultural Heritage: The study and preservation of ancient scriptures, rituals, and traditions are encouraged.
  • Protection of Women’s Dignity and Rights: Arya Samaj advocates for gender equality, education, and women’s empowerment.
  • Promotion of Ideal Family Life: Strong moral values, mutual respect, and nurturing family relationships are emphasised.
  • Continuous Progress and Reform: Adaptation to changing times while staying rooted in truth and righteousness is promoted.

News Source: All India Radio

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