Swami Dayanand Saraswati Birth Anniversary – Arya Samaj, Satyarth Prakash & Key Contributions

Why in News?

The birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati was observed recently. The President and Vice President of India paid tribute, highlighting his role in social and religious reforms.

Major Contributions of Swami Dayanand Saraswati:

Famous Slogan:

• “Back to the Vedas” (Return to pure Vedic teachings)

Concept of Swaraj:

• First to give the call “India for Indians” (1876)

Religious Reforms:

• Promoted Monotheism
• Opposed idol worship and polytheism
• Emphasized Vedas as supreme authority

Shuddhi Movement:

• Focused on reconversion to Hinduism

Education Initiatives:

• Inspired establishment of DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) institutions
• First DAV School established in Lahore (1886) by Mahatma Hansraj

Literary Work:

• Authored “Satyarth Prakash”