Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati in Delhi on Sunday, 12 February. On this special occasion, PM Modi said that this occasion of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati’s 200th birth anniversary is historic. This is a moment of inspiration for the future of the whole world and humanity. Today in the 21st century, when the world is engulfed in many controversies, engulfed in violence and instability, then the path shown by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati instills hope in crores of people.
PM Modi said, it is my good fortune that on the holy land on which Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati ji was born, I also got the privilege of being born on that land. The culture I got from that soil, the inspiration I got from that soil, keeps me attracted towards the ideals of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati. I bow down with reverence at the feet of Swami Dayanand ji. When Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati was born, the country had lost its self-confidence and had become weak due to the shackles of centuries.
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He further told that Maharishi Dayanand ji came forward and revived the understanding of Vedas in the society. He launched a strong campaign against social evils like social discrimination, high-low, untouchability. Maharishi Dayanand ji emerged as a logical and effective voice against the stereotypes that had flourished in the society regarding women. He denied discrimination against women, started a campaign for women’s education.
PM Modi said that today the country is proudly calling for ‘pride on our heritage’. Today the country is saying with full confidence that we will enrich our traditions along with bringing modernity in the country. An attempt was made to corrupt our history and traditions. At the same time Maharishi Dayanand ji’s efforts appeared in the form of Sanjivani in the society and rejuvenated it. Maharishi ji started a strong program against the evils of the society like social discrimination and untouchability. He told that today the country is calling for ‘pride on our heritage’ with full pride. Today the country is saying with full confidence that we will enrich our traditions along with bringing modernity in the country. Maharishi ji opposed the discrimination against women in the society. He started the program for women’s education. About 150 years ago, he stood against these evils. Swami Dayanand Saraswati ji not only created a path in his life, but also created many institutions. He carried revolutionary thoughts during his lifetime, lived them and inspired people to live them. He linked every idea with the system.
PM Modi said, the seed which was planted by Swami ji, is today giving shade to the entire humanity in the form of a huge banyan tree. Today, in the amritkal of independence, the country is witnessing those reforms, which were in the priorities of Swami Dayanand ji.
Maharishi ji adopted a holistic, inclusive and integrated approach towards every aspect of nation and society. Today we are seeing the policies and efforts moving forward in the country without any discrimination. The service of the poor, backward and deprived is the first Yagya for the country today. With the mantra of ‘preference to the underprivileged’, houses are being provided to every poor, their respect and medical treatment is being provided to every person.
He further said that along with modern education, Swami Dayanand ji also advocated the education system adapted to the Indian environment through Gurukuls. Through the new National Education Policy, the country has now strengthened its foundation as well. Swami Dayanand ji had given us another mantra to live life. He told in very simple words that after all who is mature, whom would you call mature? He used to say that the person who receives the least and contributes the most, is mature
PM Modi told that women are now being deployed in Siachen and planes like Rafale are being flown. Our government removed the ban on the admission of girls in military schools. India is playing the role of a torch bearer for the world today. Adopting the vision of harmony with nature, we have also started a global mission ‘LiFE’ which means Lifestyle For Environment. It is a matter of pride for us that in this important period, the countries of the world have entrusted the responsibility of chairing the G-20 to India.
He further said that we get to learn a lot from the personality of Swami Dayanand. He lit the flame of patriotism within many freedom fighters. Maharishi ji was a follower of Vedas and a saint of the path of knowledge. So, he thought ahead of his time. To give global recognition to Bajra, we changed its name to ‘Shri Anna’. This year, the United Nations is celebrating the International Year of Millets.
PM Modi told that an English officer came to meet Swami Dayanand ji and asked him to pray for the perpetuation of English rule in India. This is dear to me. I can never pray for a foreign empire. Arya Samaj has the legacy of all those inspirations of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati. You have inherited that ability and that is why the country owes a lot to every Arya Veer of Arya Samaj. There are expectations. Swami ji boldly said to that English officer by looking in the eye – Independence is my soul and the voice of India.
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