Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 at Rohini, New Delhi, marking the 150th anniversary of the Arya Samaj and the ongoing bicentenary celebrations of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati. Calling the event a national celebration deeply connected to India’s Vedic identity, the Prime Minister paid homage to Swami Dayanand’s ideals and acknowledged the enduring influence of the Arya Samaj on India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
PM Modi reflected on his long association with Arya Samaj thinkers and expressed deep reverence for Swami Dayanand Saraswati, describing him as a visionary who reawakened India’s self-confidence during colonial rule. “The 150th anniversary of the Arya Samaj is not merely an occasion for a particular community or sect—it is a celebration deeply connected to the Vedic identity of the entire nation,” he said.
He recalled participating in events marking the bicentenary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, including the inauguration of the celebrations in Delhi and a virtual address at his birthplace in Gujarat. He noted that the “Vichar Yajna,” initiated two years ago as part of these celebrations, had continued as an uninterrupted intellectual offering.
Highlighting the Arya Samaj’s vital role in India’s freedom movement, the Prime Minister mentioned revolutionaries such as Lala Lajpat Rai and Ramprasad Bismil, who drew inspiration from the reformist movement. He observed that despite its immense contribution to the independence struggle, the Arya Samaj did not always receive the recognition it deserved for fearlessly defending India’s cultural identity.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to scholars like Swami Shraddhanand, whose social and religious reforms helped shape modern India. He described Swami Dayanand as a spiritual reformer who fought against superstition, social inequality, and the distortion of sacred texts, while championing education and women’s empowerment.
Citing examples of women’s achievements in today’s India—from President Droupadi Murmu’s recent Rafale flight to women scientists leading India’s space missions—PM Modi linked these accomplishments to Swami Dayanand’s vision of equality and education for all.
Reflecting on Swami Dayanand’s teaching, “The person who consumes the least and contributes the most is truly mature,” the Prime Minister underlined the timeless relevance of his philosophy. He lauded the lasting legacy of Arya Samaj institutions such as Gurukul Kangri, Gurukul Kurukshetra, and DAV schools, which have upheld India’s Gurukul tradition while embracing modern education.
He commended the Arya Samaj’s humanitarian work during Partition and its continued service in times of national crisis and natural disasters. He also praised the organisation’s contribution to preserving India’s knowledge traditions, aligning its work with the government’s recently launched Gyan Bharatam Mission to digitize and safeguard ancient manuscripts.
Drawing on Swami Dayanand’s guiding motto, “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” (“Let us ennoble the entire world”), the Prime Minister connected this vision with India’s global leadership in sustainable development. He said that modern initiatives like Mission LiFE, the One Sun, One World, One Grid vision, and International Yoga Day reflect India’s commitment to Vedic ideals of harmony and sustainability.
The Prime Minister urged the Arya Samaj to support key national missions, including the promotion of Shri Anna (millets), natural farming, water conservation under the Jal Jeevan Mission, and afforestation through the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. He called for renewed efforts to revive India’s traditional water bodies and emphasized the importance of public participation in achieving national goals.
PM Modi quoted the Vedic verse “Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam Sam Vo Manansi Janatam”—“Walk together, speak together, and understand one another”—describing it as a call for collective national action. He expressed confidence that Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati’s ideals would continue to illuminate the path of human welfare and guide India’s journey toward progress.
Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra Acharya Devvrat and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were among the dignitaries present at the event.
The International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 is a key part of the Jñāna Jyoti Festival, commemorating 200 years of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati’s birth and 150 years of Arya Samaj’s service to society. The summit showcases Arya Samaj’s global outreach through the exhibition “150 Golden Years of Service”, highlighting its contributions to education, social reform, and spiritual upliftment, while reaffirming its alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.