New Delhi, Oct 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the Arya Samaj to take a leading role in revitalizing Swadeshi, transforming 'Vocal for Local' into a widespread movement inspired by Maharshi Dayanand’s principles.

In a celebration of women's empowerment, he praised India's daughters who have excelled as Rafale pilots, spearheaded Chandrayaan missions, and emerged as leaders among global STEM graduates—turning Swami Dayanand’s vision of educated and liberated women into a national reality that strengthens Viksit Bharat.

Swami Dayanand’s birth coincided with a time of oppression under British rule, which was laden with superstitions and aversion to new ideas. After years of meditation in the Himalayas, he returned with a powerful message:

“Return to the Vedas!” PM Modi remarked on Friday, noting how the sage abolished caste discrimination and untouchability, corrected misinterpretations of sacred texts through open discourse, and fought vehemently for girls' education.

Speaking at the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 in Rohini, commemorating the 150th foundation year of Arya Samaj, PM Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the reformist sage, describing the occasion as a divine experience filled with the eternal energy of Vedic mantras and the blessings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

The Prime Minister underscored the significance of the Swadeshi movement and the historic contributions of Arya Samaj to this cause. As India pushes for local goods and embraces “vocal for local,” he emphasized that Arya Samaj's role in this mission is more crucial than ever.

He encouraged the organization to promote natural farming, which is essential for our rural economy. With the global emphasis on chemical-free agriculture, it’s imperative for Arya Samaj to raise awareness of this practice.

Additionally, he called on members to engage in the Jal Jeevan Mission and various water conservation initiatives. Acknowledging Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta present at the event, PM Modi celebrated significant contemporary achievements: President Droupadi Murmu’s Rafale flight alongside Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, women leading space missions, and India being home to the highest number of female STEM graduates globally.

These milestones are a testament to Swami Dayanand’s vision.

Citing the sage’s wisdom that true maturity lies in consuming less and contributing more, PM Modi urged Arya Samaj to amplify its promotion of Swadeshi, participate in the Gyan Bharatam Mission to digitize ancient manuscripts, advocate for natural farming with sacred ‘Shri Anna’ grains, support the Jal Jeevan Mission and Amrit Sarovar initiatives, and expand the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ reforestation drive.

Invoking the mantra “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam,” he connected global initiatives such as Mission LiFE and International Yoga Day with the disciplined ethos of Arya Samaj.

The Prime Minister reflected on his long-standing association with Arya Samaj scholars, stating that each interaction fills him with renewed inspiration. He reminisced about inaugurating Swami Dayanand’s bicentennial celebrations in Delhi and addressing a program at the sage’s birthplace in Gujarat last year via video message.

He remarked that the two-year ‘Vichar Yajna’ initiative had been successfully fulfilled, presenting another opportunity to pay homage to the “Maharshi” during Arya Samaj’s sesquicentennial.

“This 150th anniversary transcends individual communities; it is a national celebration of our Vedic identity,” declared PM Modi.

He linked the event to India’s tradition of self-purification, akin to the flow of the Ganga, and to Arya Samaj’s legacy of social reform that inspired freedom fighters like Lala Lajpat Rai and Ramprasad Bismil.

Expressing regret over the movement’s overlooked contributions to the independence struggle due to political motives, he commended Arya Samaj for its fearless defense of Indianness against foreign ideologies, divisive attitudes, and cultural erosion. PM Modi also unveiled a commemorative coin and postal stamp, urging the organization to champion national priorities, from preserving manuscripts to conserving water.

Arya Samaj schools, beginning with a girls’ institution in Jalandhar that evolved into a college, have empowered countless daughters, now fortifying the nation.

Concluding with the Vedic call to walk, speak, and think as one, PM Modi expressed his belief that Swami Dayanand’s light will continue to guide humanity.

Among the dignitaries present at the summit was Gujarat and Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, part of the Jyana Jyoti Festival honoring the Maharshi’s reformist legacy and Arya Samaj’s global outreach through education, social reform, and spiritual upliftment.