PM addresses Programme on 200th Birth Anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati (1824 - 1883) | Current Affairs

Link copied successfully!

About Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
- Born at Morvi in Kathiawar (Gujarat) was a philosopher and a social reformer.
- Original name: Mula Shankar.
- Was a disciple of Swami Virajananda.
- Founder of Arya Samaj.

Key Contributions
- Religious reforms: Denounced idolatry and ritualistic worship, preached respect and reverence for other human beings.
  - Believed in infallible authority of Vedas and gave slogan of ‘Back to Vedas’.
- Social reforms: Claimed caste is not supposed to be hereditary but rather on the basis of individual’s talents and disposition.
  - Was against practice of untouchability and advocated Vedic education for all castes.
  - Opposed child marriage and forced widowhood and campaigned for women’s education.
- Political: Gave call for 'Swarajya' as 'India for Indians' in 1876 and favoured political system based on enlightened monarchy.
- Literary works: Satyartha Prakash, Veda Bhasya Bhumika, Veda Bhasya, etc.

Contemporary relevance of Dayananda Saraswati
- Value-based education: Emphasis on universal truths, humanism, work for common welfare, etc.
- Scientific temper and rational thinking: He led crusade against superstitions and orthodoxy.
- Social justice: Eradication of discrimination based on caste, creed, sect, etc.

Tags: