What Impact Did Swami Dayanand Saraswati Have on India's Freedom?
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Synopsis
On November 2, Delhi Speaker Vijender Gupta honored Swami Dayanand Saraswati for his pivotal role in India's freedom struggle during the 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj. His teachings ignited a national awakening that inspired countless revolutionaries and established the foundation for a new India based on truth and equality.
Key Takeaways
- Swami Dayanand Saraswati was a pivotal figure in India's freedom movement.
- His teachings inspired a generation of revolutionaries.
- Satyarth Prakash laid the philosophical foundation for a reformed India.
- Swami Shraddhanand played a significant role in the 1919 Satyagraha.
- The event marked an important celebration of Arya Samaj's contributions.
New Delhi, Nov 2 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, remarked on Sunday that Swami Dayanand Saraswati was not merely a saint and reformer but the genuine architect of India's freedom.
"His teachings ignited the flame of revolution that ultimately illuminated the entire nation," Gupta stated during the International Arya Samaj Conference held in Rohini to celebrate 150 years of Arya Samaj.
The event saw participation from Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Punam Suri, the National President of DAV Management, and Surender, the International President of Arya Samaj, along with delegates from various parts of India and abroad, as per a statement.
Speaker Gupta commended the everlasting contributions of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, whose vision and teachings continue to inspire generations.
He mentioned that Satyarth Prakash not only enlightened society but also laid the philosophical groundwork for a new India that cherishes truth, equality, and national awakening.
“During Swami Dayanand's time, the urgent need of the nation was independence, and it was he who first planted the seeds of that monumental revolution. His call for truth and justice became the moral backbone of India’s freedom struggle,” he added.
Gupta highlighted that Swami Dayanand's influence ran deep within India’s national movement, motivating revolutionaries such as Lala Lajpat Rai and Ram Prasad Bismil.
He emphasized the remarkable role of Swami Shraddhanand, who valiantly carried forward Swami Dayanand’s legacy.
“Swami Shraddhanand's leadership during the 1919 Satyagraha in Delhi sparked the initial flame of the Jallianwala Bagh movement. When the British opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in Chandni Chowk, he stood resolutely at the forefront. Gandhiji himself stated that ‘the word of Swami Shraddhanand was law in Delhi’,” he remarked.
The Speaker further established a compelling historical link between Delhi’s Legislative Assembly and the Imperial Legislative Council, referring to it as “the country’s first Parliament.”
He recounted how the notorious Rowlatt Act was passed there in 1919 amidst Indian opposition, leading to Gandhiji’s call for Satyagraha in response to that injustice.
“It was Swami Shraddhanand who first gave shape to the movement in Delhi, awakening the nation’s conscience,” Gupta concluded.
Point of View
I find the recognition of Swami Dayanand Saraswati's contributions compelling. His role as a reformer and visionary architect of India's freedom resonates with contemporary values of truth and equality. Such historical acknowledgments not only honor our past but also guide our future as a nation committed to justice and integrity.
NationPress
03/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Swami Dayanand Saraswati?
Swami Dayanand Saraswati was a prominent Indian reformer and the founder of the Arya Samaj, known for his significant contributions to India’s independence movement.
What is the significance of Arya Samaj?
Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, which emphasizes the importance of truth, equality, and social justice.
How did Swami Dayanand influence the freedom struggle?
Swami Dayanand's teachings inspired many revolutionaries in the freedom struggle, advocating for independence and justice.
What was the role of Swami Shraddhanand?
Swami Shraddhanand carried forward Swami Dayanand’s legacy and played a crucial role during the 1919 Satyagraha in Delhi.
Why is the 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj important?
The 150th anniversary highlights the enduring impact of Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s teachings and the continued relevance of Arya Samaj in promoting social reform.
