Sunday, on Dayanand Saraswati’s 200th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the social reformer’s efforts to the struggle against social inequality and untouchability. “Swamiji eliminated the evils that were unjustly assigned to religion with the light of religion itself,” Modi stated.
At the time of Dayanand Saraswati’s birth, India was losing its status “due to centuries of enslavement,” Modi said, speaking in New Delhi after launching the birth anniversary celebrations that would take place over two years.
“At that time, he came forth to demonstrate that the problem is not India’s dharma and tradition, but rather that we have forgotten its fundamental significance,” he remarked. Foreigners attempted to humiliate us on the basis of erroneous interpretations of our Vedas.
“In the 21st century, when the globe faces numerous challenges and is surrounded by violence and instability, Dayanand Saraswati’s path offers hope to billions of people,” he remarked.
Modi stated that when he discusses “kartavya,” he is questioned for not bringing up rights. “If this is the case for me in the twenty-first century, think how difficult it would have been for Swami Dayanand to guide society 150 years ago,” he remarked.
He made specific note of Dayanand Saraswati’s contributions to the empowerment of women and the education of girls, stating that his government adheres to these principles in letter and spirit.
Dayanand Saraswati, born on February 12, 1824, founded Arya Samaj in 1875 to combat societal inequalities. Due to its emphasis on social reforms and education, Arya Samaj is regarded to have played a pivotal part in the social awakening.
Modi stated, “Now, the nation declares with complete self-assurance that we will enhance our traditions while ushering in modernity.” “We are operating on the tracks of virasat and vikas.”
The Prime Minister discussed the ancient Indian contributions to philosophy, yoga, mathematics, foreign policy, diplomacy, science, and medicine. Modi stated, “Swami ji was instrumental in resurrecting this historic custom.”
The Prime Minister stated that the nation is making progress on nondiscrimination, which was also Dayanand Saraswati’s top aim.
