150 Years of Arya Samaj: Legacy of Reform and Vedic Revival

In 2025, India celebrates the 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj, a powerful reform movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Arya Mahasammelan in New Delhi, acknowledging the movement’s immense role in reshaping India’s religious, social, and educational fabric.

Origins and Philosophy of Arya Samaj

• Founded in Bombay in 1875 and formalized in Lahore in 1877, Arya Samaj emerged from Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s mission to return to the original teachings of the Vedas.
• The movement rejected superstition, idol worship, and blind ritualism.

Key Beliefs

• “Back to the Vedas”: Emphasizing truth, rationalism, and monotheism rooted in Vedic thought
• Motto: “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” – “Let us ennoble the world”
• Ten Principles: Promoting truth-seeking, universalism, and ethical living

Swami Dayanand envisioned a society where religion empowered people through knowledge, rationality, and social equality.

Social and Religious Reforms

Arya Samaj was a pioneer in challenging orthodoxy and caste-based discrimination.

Religious Reforms

• Rejected idol worship and priestly dominance
• Advocated personal understanding of scriptures
• Promoted universal monotheism and ethical conduct

Social Reforms

• Opposed untouchability, caste by birth, child marriage, and forced widowhood
• Supported widow remarriage, inter-caste marriages, and women’s education
• Encouraged social service and community reform

Arya Samaj believed that religion must be a force for social upliftment, not exclusion.

Contributions to Education

Arya Samaj reshaped Indian education by integrating Vedic knowledge with modern science. It established,

• DAV institutions (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic Schools)
• Gurukul Kangri in Haridwar, fostering holistic education

These institutions served as hubs of nationalism, scientific temper, and social mobility.

Arya Samaj and Indian Nationalism

Arya Samaj’s influence went beyond religion. It became a driving force for national awakening,

• Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, and other revolutionaries drew inspiration from its teachings
• Promoted Swadeshi, anti-colonial sentiments, and social justice
• Its reformist ideals helped shape pre-Independence nationalist consciousness

Modern-Day Relevance of Arya Samaj

Women’s Empowerment

Arya Samaj was among the first Indian movements to advocate for women’s rights, aligning with today’s initiatives like,

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
• Drone Didis programme for rural empowerment

Educational Vision

Arya Samaj’s Gurukul-based learning model parallels India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes,

• Character-building
• Value-based education
• Blend of tradition and technology

Global Ideals

Its motto “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” aligns with India’s international initiatives such as,

• Mission LiFE – for sustainable living
• One Sun One World One Grid – for renewable energy integration
• International Yoga Day – spreading wellness through ancient knowledge

Static Facts

• Founder: Swami Dayanand Saraswati
• Founded in: 1875 in Bombay
• Finalized in: 1877 in Lahore
• Motto: “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” (“Let us ennoble the world”)
• Slogan: “Back to the Vedas”
• Key Institutions: DAV Schools, Gurukul Kangri
• Notable Followers: Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh