Swami Dayanand Saraswati Remembered on His 202nd Birth Anniversary

India marks the 202nd birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, a great social reformer, Vedic scholar, and founder of the Arya Samaj. He is widely regarded as one of the key figures of India’s social and cultural awakening in the 19th century. Born in 1824, Swami Dayanand dedicated his life to promoting Vedic knowledge, social reform, and national pride.

Call for Swaraj

Swami Dayanand Saraswati was among the first leaders to give the call for “Swaraj” (self-rule) in 1876, advocating the idea of “India for Indians.” This powerful vision of self-governance later inspired national leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who popularised the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright.”

His thoughts played an important role in shaping early nationalist ideas in India.

Contribution Through Arya Samaj

Swami Dayanand founded Arya Samaj in 1875 to promote:

• Return to Vedic teachings
• Social reforms
• Women’s education
• Opposition to social evils
• Spread of Sanskrit learning

Arya Samaj played a crucial role in social and cultural reform movements across India. It also contributed significantly to the development of educational institutions, including gurukuls and schools.

Commemorative Coins Released

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier released commemorative coins to mark:

• The 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati
• The 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj

The coin release recognised his contribution to social reform, education, and national awakening.

Key Contributions

• Promoted Vedic philosophy and Sanskrit learning
• Advocated Swaraj before the freedom movement gained momentum
• Founded Arya Samaj in 1875
• Inspired later nationalist leaders
• Worked for women’s empowerment and education

Swami Dayanand Saraswati remains a symbol of reform, rational thought, and national pride, whose ideas continue to influence Indian society.

Exam-Oriented MCQs

Q1. Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded which socio-religious reform movement in 1875?
(a) Brahmo Samaj
(b) Arya Samaj
(c) Prarthana Samaj
(d) Ramakrishna Mission
(e) Theosophical Society

Q2. Swami Dayanand Saraswati gave the call for “Swaraj” in which year?
(a) 1857
(b) 1875
(c) 1876
(d) 1885
(e) 1905

Q3. The slogan “Swaraj is my birthright” was later popularised by:
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Subhas Chandra Bose
(c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(d) Lala Lajpat Rai
(e) Dadabhai Naoroji

Q4. Swami Dayanand Saraswati was primarily known as a scholar of:
(a) Persian and Urdu
(b) English literature
(c) Vedic lore and Sanskrit
(d) Buddhist philosophy
(e) Modern political science

Q5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative coins to mark which milestones related to Swami Dayanand Saraswati?
(a) 150th birth anniversary and 100 years of Arya Samaj
(b) 175th birth anniversary and 125 years of Arya Samaj
(c) 200th birth anniversary and 150 years of Arya Samaj
(d) 202nd birth anniversary and 175 years of Arya Samaj
(e) 125th birth anniversary and 150 years of Arya Samaj