Brief Context
In News The Prime Minister addressed the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 in New Delhi, praising Arya Samaj’s 150-year legacy in social reform, education, and Vedic thought. About Arya Samaj Swami Dayanand Saraswati, inspired by Vedic teachings, established Arya Samaj with ten principles in 1875 in Bombay, which were finalized in Lahore in 1877. The movements core principles are based on the infallible authority of the Vedas, emphasizing rationality and a return to Vedic values, encapsulate
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Syllabus: GS1/ Art & Culture
In News
- The Prime Minister addressed the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 in New Delhi, praising Arya Samaj’s 150-year legacy in social reform, education, and Vedic thought.
- PM Modi urged Arya Samaj to support the Gyan Bharatam Mission – digitising ancient manuscripts and engaging youth in preserving India’s knowledge heritage.
About Arya Samaj
- Swami Dayanand Saraswati, inspired by Vedic teachings, established Arya Samaj with ten principles in 1875 in Bombay, which were finalized in Lahore in 1877.
- The movement’s core principles are based on the infallible authority of the Vedas, emphasizing rationality and a return to Vedic values, encapsulated in its slogan “Back to the Vedas” and motto “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” (“Let us ennoble the world”).
Major Reforms
- Religious: Rejected idol worship, ritualism, and priestly dominance, promoting a direct, rational understanding of religion centered on one God and truth-seeking.
- Social: Opposed caste by birth, untouchability, child marriage, and forced widowhood. Advocated inter-caste marriage, widow remarriage, women’s education, and social service.
- Educational: Established DAV schools and Gurukul Kangri to blend Vedic knowledge with modern science, fostering social mobility and nationalism.
Role in Indian Nationalism and Social Change
- Arya Samaj members, including Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, and others, contributed significantly to India’s freedom movement, promoting Swadeshi and social awakening.
- Their efforts emphasized modern education, social justice, and national pride, fueling anti-colonial sentiment while working within reformist ideals.
Relevance of Arya Samaj in Contemporary India
- Women Led Progress: Arya Samaj’s early advocacy for women’s empowerment aligns with national initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and “Drone Didis”.
- Preserving Gurukul Tradition & Educational Reform: Arya Samaj revived India’s Gurukul system, blending Vedic learning with modern education. This vision parallels the National Education Policy 2020, which stresses value-based and character-oriented education.
- Vedic Ideals & Global Relevance: The motto “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” mirrors India’s development philosophy — national progress for global welfare. Its ideals resonate in initiatives like Mission LiFE, One Sun One World One Grid, and International Yoga Day, spreading sustainable and spiritual living worldwide.
Source: PIB