SWAMI DAYANAND SARASWATI (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: Prime Minister of India  urged people to convert the faith of Swami Dayanand Saraswati about India, into self-confidence during Amrit Kaal.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati

• About: He was an Indian philosopher, social leader and founder of the Arya Samaj.
• Vision: Classless and casteless society.
• Belief in Infallible Vedas: He regarded the Vedas as infallible and unquestionable.
• Slogan: He coined the powerful slogan "Back to the Vedas" to emphasize the importance of returning to Vedic principles.
• Author: Dayanand wrote "Satyarth Prakash," serving as the moral and spiritual cornerstone of the Arya Samaj.
• Swaraj Movement: He was the first to advocate for Swaraj (self-rule) with the rallying cry "Indian for India."
• Advocate of Women's Rights: Dayanand was a steadfast supporter of women's rights, championing their cause in various social and religious spheres.
• Educational System Transformation: Implemented a comprehensive reform of the education system, earning recognition as a visionary in modern India.
• DAV Schools (1886): Founded the Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) schools in 1886 to actualize the visionary ideals of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

Arya Samaj

• Foundation and Ideology: Arya Samaj, established on 10 April 1875 by the ascetic Dayanand Saraswati, is a monotheistic Hindu reform movement in India. It advocates principles and practices rooted in the unquestionable authority of the Vedas.
• Pioneering Proselytization: Arya Samaj holds the distinction of being the first Hindu group to actively engage in proselytization, marking a significant departure from traditional practices within Hinduism.
• Advocacy for Civil Rights: Since the 1800s, Arya Samaj has been actively involved in campaigning for the advancement of civil rights in India. This reflects the movement's commitment to broader social and political issues beyond religious reform.