President Droupadi Murmu on Monday participated in the 200th birth anniversary celebrations of Arya Samaj founder and social reformer Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati at his birthplace in Tankara, Gujarat.
Address the gathering, President Murmu highlighted the profound impact of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati’s contributions to Indian society. She emphasized India’s rich legacy of remarkable personalities like him, who devoted their lives to social reform.
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, renowned for his seminal work ‘Satyarth Prakash’, epitomized the pursuit of truth and profoundly influenced eminent figures such as Lokmanya Tilak, Lala Hansraj, Swami Shraddhanand, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
President Murmu hailed Dayanand Saraswati’s relentless crusade against superstitions and advocacy for social justice during the 19th century. He vehemently opposed regressive practices like child marriage and polygamy while championing causes like widow remarriage and women’s education. She emphasized that his teachings serve as a guiding light, inspiring the nation towards progress and enlightenment.
Additionally, President Murmu commended the Arya Samaj for its notable contributions to women’s empowerment through the establishment of girls’ schools and institutions of higher education. She applauded the organization’s initiatives promoting family harmony, social welfare, natural agriculture, and de-addiction.