Namaste!

Present in the program, esteemed saints, the Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat ji, my fellow minister in the Union Cabinet, Parshottam Rupala ji, officials associated with various organizations of the Arya Samaj, other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen!

The nation is celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati ji. It was my wish to personally reach Swami ji's birthplace Tankara, but this couldn't be possible. Nevertheless, I am here among you all with heart and soul. I am pleased that Arya Samaj is celebrating this festival to commemorate Swami ji's contributions and to spread his message to the masses. Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in the inauguration of this festival. It is natural for such a vast celebration to be associated with a great soul whose contribution is unparalleled. I believe that this event will serve as an effective medium to familiarize our new generation with the life of Maharshi Dayanand.

Friends,

I am fortunate that I was born in Gujarat, the birthplace of Swami ji. His workplace was in Haryana, and for a long time, I also had the opportunity to know and understand life in Haryana closely and to work there. Therefore, naturally, he has had a different impact on my life and he has a role of his own. Today, on this occasion, I bow to the feet of Maharshi Dayanand ji, I salute him. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to his millions of followers living in the country and abroad on his birth anniversary.

Friends,

There are certain days, moments, and instances in history that completely alter the course of the future. The birth of Dayanand ji 200 years ago was one such unprecedented moment. It was a time when the people of Bharat were losing their consciousness amidst slavery. Swami Dayanand ji then told the country how our customs and superstitions had entrapped the nation. These customs had weakened our scientific thinking. These social evils had struck at our unity. A section of society was drifting away from Indian culture and spirituality. In such times, Swami Dayanand ji called for ‘Vedon Ki Aur Lauto’ (a return to the Vedas). He wrote commentaries on the Vedas, provided logical explanations. He openly attacked the customs and revealed the true nature of Indian philosophy. As a result, society began to regain its self-confidence. People began to learn about Vedic religion and started connecting with its roots.

Friends,

The British government attempted to demean us by making our social customs a target. By referring to social changes, some people at that time portrayed British rule as correct. In such dark times, Swami Dayanand ji's advent dealt a severe blow to all those conspiracies. A series of revolutionaries like Lala Lajpat Rai, Ram Prasad Bismil, and Swami Shraddhanand, influenced by Arya Samaj, emerged. Therefore, Dayanand ji wasn't just a Vedic sage; he was also a sage of national consciousness.

Friends,

The 200th milestone of Swami Dayanand ji's birth has arrived at a time when Bharat is in the early years of its ‘Amrit Kaal’. Swami Dayanand ji was a saint who envisioned a bright future for Bharat. The belief that Swami ji had in Bharat, we must transform that same belief into our self-confidence during our ‘Amrit Kaal’. Swami Dayanand was a harbinger and a guide of modernity. Inspired by him, all of us need to lead Bharat towards modernity in this ‘Amrit Kaal’, to make our country a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Today, Arya Samaj has more than 2500 schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. All of you are educating and training students in more than 400 Gurukuls. I would like Arya Samaj to take responsibility for nation-building campaigns with new energy in this decade of the 21st century. DAV Institute is a living memory, inspiration, and vibrant ground of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati ji. If we continue to empower it constantly, it will be our virtuous tribute to Maharshi Dayanand ji.

Education system associated with Indian values is the need of the hour. Schools of the Arya Samaj have been significant centres for this. The country is now expanding it through the National Education Policy. It is our responsibility to connect society with these efforts. Whether it's Vocal for Local, the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ (Self-Reliant India Campaign), the country’s efforts for the environment, campaigns like water conservation, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Mission LiFE -- ensuring justice for nature in today's modern lifestyle, encouraging our Millets – Shree Anna, promoting yoga, fitness, and increasing participation in sports are all essential. Educational institutions of the Arya Samaj and the students studying in them together form a very significant force. They can play a very significant role in all these endeavours.

There are also a significant number of students in your institutions who have crossed 18 years of age. It is the responsibility of all of you seniors to make them understand the importance of voter registration and the significance of voting. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Arya Samaj. I would like all of us to make such a significant occasion truly memorable with our efforts and achievements.

Friends,

Natural farming is also a subject that is very important for all students to understand. Our Acharya Devvrat ji has been working very hard in this direction. What could be better than spreading the message of natural farming to farmers across the country from the birthplace of Maharshi Dayanand ji?

Friends,

Maharshi Dayanand advocated for women's rights and their participation during his time. Today the country is moving forward by empowering its daughters through new policies and honest efforts. Just a few months ago, the country ensured women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by passing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Connecting people through these efforts of the country today would be a true tribute to Maharshi Dayanand.

And friends,

For all these social initiatives, you also have the power of the newly formed youth organization of the Indian government. The name of this largest and youngest organization in the country is "Mera Yuva Bharat – MY Bharat". I urge all followers of Dayanand Saraswati ji to encourage all students of the DAV educational network to join MY Bharat. Once again, I extend my best wishes to all of you on the occasion of Maharshi Dayanand's 200th birth anniversary. I respectfully bow to Maharshi Dayanand ji and all the saints once again!

Thank you very much! 

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

***

DS/VJ/VK/AK