News Highlight
Dayanand Saraswati, whose 200th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year.
Key Takeaway
- PM on February 12 paid tribute to Dayanand Saraswati on the 200th birth anniversary of the social reformer.
- As well as hailing his contributions towards the fight against social discrimination and untouchability.
Dayanand Saraswati
- About
- He was an Indian philosopher, social leader, and the founder of the Arya Samaj, a Vedic dharma reform organisation.
- In 1876, he was the first to demand Swaraj as “India for Indians,” a call later taken up by Lokmanya Tilak.
- Additionally, he attempted to revive Vedic principles while condemning idolatry and ritualistic devotion.
- Birth
- He was born on February 12, 1824, into a Brahmin family in Tankara, Gujarat.
- Lalji Tiwari and Yashodhabai, his parents, were traditional Brahmins.
- He was previously known as Mool Shankar Tiwari because he was born during the Mool Nakshatra.
- For fifteen years (1845-60), he journeyed as an ascetic in quest of truth.
- Furthermore, Dayananda’s ideas were published in his well-known book, Satyarth Prakash (The True Exposition).
- Ideology
- He trusted in the Vedas’ unassailable authority.
- Dayananda was a proponent of Karma and Reincarnation.
- He stressed brahmacharya’s Vedic values, such as celibacy and devotion to God.
- Additionally, he claimed that Hinduism had been corrupted by deviation from the foundational principles of the Vedas.
- As well as, the priesthood had misled Hindus about the priests’ self-aggrandisement.
Contribution to the Society
- Firstly, he was a philosopher, social activist, and the founder of the Arya Samaj in India.
- He was a self-taught guy and a renowned Indian leader who left a lasting impression on Indian society.
- His vision of India featured a classless and casteless society, a united India (religiously, socially, and nationally).
- He was inspired by the Vedas, which he saw as “India’s Rock of Ages,” the infallible and trustworthy original germ of Hinduism.
- Furthermore, he gave the slogan “Back to the Vedas”.
Contribution to the Education System
- He overhauled the education system entirely and is regarded as one of modern India’s geniuses.
- In addition, the DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) schools were founded in 1886 to carry out Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s mission.
- The first DAV School was established in Lahore, with Mahatma Hansarj as the principal.
Arya Samaj
- About
- Arya Samaj is a monotheistic Hindu reform movement in India that supports principles and practises based on the Vedas’ irrefutable authority.
- Furthermore, Arya Samaj was the first Hindu group to practise proselytisation.
- Objectives
- Rejects Brahmanical domination over Hindu spiritual and social life.
- In addition, the Vedas are writings that contain all true wisdom.
- Supported the Four Varna System; however, it should be based on merit rather than birth.
- Advocated for women’s equality in society.
- There is no place for any type of gender discrimination against women.
- Supported widow remarriage and female education while opposing polygamy, child marriage, Sati, and other practices.
- Supported the spread of Hindi and Sanskrit.
- A decent education is the foundation of a good and solid social order.
- Furthermore, it conducted outstanding work in education, particularly for women.
Pic Courtesy: News Track
Content Source: Indian Express