Tankara
President Droupadi Murmu highlighted Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s pivotal role in challenging superstitions and regressive practices prevalent in 19th-century Indian society during an event commemorating the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati in Tankara town, Gujarat’s Morbi district.
Emphasizing Dayanand Saraswati’s efforts to usher in modernity and social justice, President Murmu praised his stance against child marriage and polygamy, advocating for widow remarriage and women’s education. She underscored the enduring impact of his seminal work, ‘Satyarth Prakash,’ in dispelling ignorance and stereotypes.
President Murmu also acknowledged the profound influence of Dayanand Saraswati on eminent personalities like Lokmanya Tilak, Lala Hansraj, Swami Shraddhanand, and Lala Lajpat Rai, crediting him with instilling a sense of national consciousness and self-assurance among Indians.
Drawing parallels between Dayanand Saraswati and Mahatma Gandhi, she noted their shared opposition to salt tax, symbolizing their commitment to social justice. Murmu commended Arya Samaj’s contributions to women’s empowerment through educational initiatives.
Expressing optimism about the Arya Samaj’s continued progress in fulfilling Swamiji’s vision, President Murmu lauded the organization’s upcoming events aimed at fostering family harmony, promoting natural agriculture, and combating addiction.
The presence of Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at the event underscored its significance, which was preceded by PM Narendra Modi’s virtual address to devotees in Tankara the day before.
