The 200th Birth Anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, founder of Arya Samaj Movement, a great social reformer and nationalist is being celebrated across the nation during 2024. Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati extolled spiritualism and nationalism and appealed to the people to fight for swaraj. He stressed the importance of education for all children and preached respect and equal rights for women. He opposed the multiplicity of castes and disparity in society. He promoted truth and created awareness about impact of lack of knowledge on society. He established Vedic Schools (Gurukuls) for education of girls and boys of all castes where students were given free education, books, clothing, food and accommodation. Education in gurukuls included teaching of Vedas and other ancient Indian scriptures.
The main event was held in Tankara, Gujarat, the birth place of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati during February 10 -12, coinciding with his birthday on February 12. The celebrations began on February 10 with Shobha Yatra, followed by flag hoisting and Yagya. Dr Acharya Devvrat, Hon Governor, Gujarat was the chief guest.
On Feb 11, PM Narendra Modi, addressed the gathering. He appreciated the contribution of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati in nation building and society, particularly for women. He shared how the Govt. is carrying forward Swami Ji’s ideas for development and empowerment of women and backwards through various schemes and programs.
The chief guest for the event on Feb 12 was Prez Dropti Murmu. The function was also graced by Dr Acharya Devvrat, Governor, Gujarat and Bhupender Bhai Patel, Chief Minister, Gujarat. President praised the Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Smarak Trust and Arya Samaj Sangathan for organizing the grand celebrations. She appreciated the role played by Swami Dayanand Sarswati in struggle for nation’s independence and creating societal awareness for education of children and respect for women. She described how ‘Satyarth Prakash’, the book written by Swami Ji has helped people across nations to imbibe values of ‘Manurbhav’ to become better human beings.
The three-day long celebrations were attended by over twenty-five thousand men, women and children representing most states of India. Arrangement for stay, food and transportation of all visitors was organized by the Trust. Besides main functions, the three days of activities included round the clock Havan, Yoga, Sandhya, Bhajans, Pravachans, Cultural programs, gymnastic and cultural performances by children, oath taking by delegates, books exhibition and etc.
Yogesh Munjal, Patron, Arya Samaj, Kailash-GK-1, who is also Vice President of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Smarak Trust, was on the dais with President during the function on Feb 12, 2024. Arya Samaj Kailash- GK-1 also celebrated the event and contributed to the efforts of Tankara Trust. A batch of Arya Samaj volunteers on motor cycles was flagged off from Arya Samaj Kailash- GK-1 on Feb 9.
