When the country was in disarray regarding its cultural and spiritual base during the period of subjugation, then Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati appeared on the scene. During that period, he did the amazing work of reconnecting society with its roots through the declaration of “Return to Vedas” to resurge the nation’s spiritual foundation. Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati is a shining star in the series of great personalities who provided strength and spirit to society and eradicated evil practices over the course of time. The vibrations of the cultural revolution that occurred due to his emergence and inspirations can be experienced even today.
In ‘Satyarth Prakash’, he wrote that, without Swadeshi, Swabhasha and Swabodh, there cannot be Swaraj. The inspiration of Maharishi Dayanand and the participation of Arya Samaj in Bharat’s freedom struggle are of high significance. Many well-known freedom fighters took inspiration from him. His foremost goal was to make India “Arya Vrat” in its true sense through the Aryasamaj started with the resolve of “Krinvanto Vishwamaryam” (Ennoble the world).
For providing women with leading positions, he created systems according to contemporary needs. He not only prompted women to study the Vedas but also did the job of spreading women’s education through Kanya Pathshala and Kanya Gurukul. To adopt an ideal lifestyle, he not only insisted on the Ashrama system (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa) but also created the system for it. He initiated a revolution by spreading Gurukul and DAV schools in order to generate brilliance, character building, de-addiction and inculcate patriotism, as well as dedication towards the society and the country among the youth of the nation. His emphasis on cow protection, cow rearing, cow-based agriculture and cow promotion is clearly visible even today in the activities of Aryasamaj. By initiating the “Shuddhi” movement, he opened a new dimension of religious propagation, which is still worth emulating. The life of Maharishi Dayanand was the embodiment of the principles propounded by him. Simplicity, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, fearlessness and adherence to principles were reflected in every moment of his life.
Maharishi Dayanand’s teachings and works are still relevant. On the auspicious occasion of his 200th birth anniversary, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh bows in reverence before him. All the svayamsevaks will participate wholeheartedly in the programs organized on this occasion so that his ideals will be reflected in their lives. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is of the view that a true tribute can be paid to Maharishi Dayanand only by building a cultured vibrant society filled with the sense of ‘self’ and freeing the society of untouchability, addiction and superstitions.
