Swamy Dayanand Saraswati worked for removal of superstitions: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu praises Swami Dayanand Saraswati's efforts to eradicate superstitions and promote social justice in Indian society.

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of Arya Samaj, had taken initiatives to eradicate superstitions and evil practices prevalent in Indian society during the 19th Century and showed the path of modernity and social justice.

She also drew parallels between the 19th Century social reformer and the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and contended that their lives and writings continue to inspire people to work for the betterment of society and mankind. She said that both great men were born in Gujarat’s Kathiawar (Saurashtra) region. 

The President was speaking at a programme to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati at Tankara town in Gujarat, his native place. 

“Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati ji showed society the path of modernity and social justice. He strongly opposed child marriage and polygamy. He encouraged widow remarriage. He was a strong advocate of women’s education and women’s self-respect,” the President said. 

“His ideals had a deep impact on great personalities like Lokmanya Tilak, Lala Hansraj, Swami Shraddhanand and Lala Lajpat Rai. Swamiji and his extraordinary followers infused new consciousness and self-confidence among the people of India. Kathiawad has given great personalities to us, be it Mahatma Gandhi or Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati,” the President said.

She said that Swami Dayanand wrote in the language of the common man to get his message across. 

“Those who read modern history of India know well that initially, Swamiji used to write only in Sanskrit. But later on, he thought that he should speak directly to common men. So, with an objective to show the society the right path, Swamiji started writing in people’s language, meaning Hindi.”