New Delhi, 31 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Arya Mahasammelan on Friday, delivering a powerful tribute to the Arya Samaj on its 150th anniversary. He hailed the organization as a fearless defender of India's Vedic identity and a pivotal force in the nation's social and political history. The event, held in Rohini, commemorates both the sesquicentennial of the Arya Samaj and the 200th birth anniversary of its founder, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati.

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, the Prime Minister declared. He emphasized that the Arya Samaj has consistently championed Indian ethos against divisive ideologies and foreign doctrines.

During his address, PM Modi also released a commemorative coin and postal stamp to mark the historic occasion.

A Legacy of Reform and Revolution

The Prime Minister paid deep reverence to Swami Dayanand Saraswati, describing him as a visionary, a great man who emerged during an era of colonial subjugation to reawaken India's suppressed consciousness with the clarion call, Return to the Vedas.

PM Modi highlighted Swami Dayanand's relentless campaign against social evils such as caste-based discrimination and illiteracy, and his pioneering efforts in women's empowerment.PM Modi noted that the Arya Samaj provided ideological strength to many freedom fighters, including Lala Lajpat Rai and Ramprasad Bismil.

He expressed regret that, for political reasons, the organization's significant role in the independence movement has not received the recognition it deserves.

Fulfilling a Visionary's Dream

Drawing a direct line from Swami Dayanand's reformist ideals to contemporary India, the Prime Minister lauded the increasing role of women in every sphere of national life. He cited recent achievements, such as President Droupadi Murmu flying in a Rafale fighter jet and the rise of women as Drone Didis in modern agriculture.

Today, we can proudly say that India has the highest number of female STEM graduates in the world, Mr. Modi stated, affirming that these developments show the country is on the right path to fulfilling Swami Dayanand's dreams.

The Prime Minister also connected India's global leadership in sustainable development to Vedic principles. He pointed to initiatives like Mission LiFE, the One Sun, One World, One Grid project for clean energy, and the global adoption of International Yoga Day as extensions of the Vedic ideal of Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam (Let us ennoble the entire world).

A Renewed Call to Action

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi urged the Arya Samaj to continue its nation-building work by championing several key national priorities:

Swadeshi: Promoting the vocal for local movement to strengthen indigenous enterprise.

Knowledge Preservation: Actively participating in the Gyan Bharatam Mission to digitize and study ancient Indian manuscripts.

Sustainable Agriculture: Raising awareness about natural farming and promoting the use of millets, or Shri Anna.

Environmental Conservation: Supporting water conservation through the Jal Jeevan Mission and afforestation via the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.

The summit, part of the wider Jyāna Jyoti Festival, has gathered representatives from Arya Samaj units across India and the world to reflect on its 150-year legacy of service in education, social reform, and spiritual upliftment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar