Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati

Why is in news? PM to inaugurate the year long celebrations commemorating 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati on 12th February

Swami Dayanand Saraswati was born on 12th February, 1824, a philosopher, social leader and founder of the Arya Samaj in 1875, a reform movement of the Vedic dharma.

He was the first to give the call for Swaraj as “India for Indians” in 1876, a call later taken up by Lokmanya Tilak.

Denouncing the idolatry and ritualistic worship, he worked towards reviving Vedic ideologies.

Those who were influenced by and followed him included Madam Cama, Shyamji Krishna Varma, Kishan Singh, Bhagat Singh, VD Savarkar, Bhai Parmanand, Lala Hardayal, Madan Lal Dhingra, Ram Prasad Bismil, MG Ranade, Ashfaq Ullah Khan, Lala Lajpat Rai etc.

His vision of India included a classless and casteless society, a united India (religiously, socially and nationally), and an India free from foreign rule, with Aryan religion being the common religion of all.

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. He gave the slogan “Back to the Vedas”.

He advocated the doctrine of Karma and Reincarnation.

He emphasized the Vedic ideals of Brahmacharya, including celibacy and devotion to God.

Arya Samaj has played a key role in cultural and social awakening of the country by its emphasis on social reforms and education.

The Arya Samaj has always had its largest following in western and northern India.

The Samaj opposes worship of murtis (images), animal sacrifice, shraddha (rituals on behalf of ancestors), basing caste upon birth rather than upon merit, untouchability, child marriage, pilgrimages, priestly craft, and temple offerings.

It has worked to further female education and intercaste marriage.

Among Dayananda’s contributions were his promoting of the equal rights for women, such as the right to education and reading of Indian scriptures.

He wrote his commentary on the Vedas from Vedic Sanskrit in Sanskrit as well as in Hindi.

He introduced a complete overhaul of the education system and is often considered as one of the visionaries of modern India.

The DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) schools came into existence in 1886 to realize the vision of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

The first DAV School was established at Lahore with Mahatma Hansarj as the headmaster.