PM addresses Programme on 200th Birth Anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati (1824 - 1883) | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    PM addresses Programme on 200th Birth Anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati (1824 - 1883)

    Posted 12 Feb 2024

    Updated 18 Mar 2024

    2 min read

    • About Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
      • Born at Morvi in Kathiawar (Gujarat) was a philosopher and a social reformer.
      • Original name: Mula Shankar.
      • Was a disciple of Swami Virajananda.
      • Founder of Arya Samaj.

     

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    • Key Contributions
      • Religious reforms: Denounced idolatry and ritualistic worship, preached respect and reverence for other human beings.
        • Believed in infallible authority of Vedas and gave slogan of ‘Back to Vedas’.
      • Social reforms: Claimed caste is not supposed to be hereditary but rather on the basis of individual’s talents and disposition.
        • Was against practice of untouchability and advocated Vedic education for all castes.
        • Opposed child marriage and forced widowhood and campaigned for women’s education.
      • Political: Gave call for 'Swarajya' as 'India for Indians' in 1876 and favoured political system based on enlightened monarchy.
      • Literary works: Satyartha Prakash, Veda Bhasya Bhumika, Veda Bhasya, etc.

     

    • Contemporary relevance of Dayananda Saraswati
      • Value-based education: Emphasis on universal truths, humanism, work for common welfare, etc.
      • Scientific temper and rational thinking: He led crusade against superstitions and orthodoxy.
      • Social justice: Eradication of discrimination based on caste, creed, sect, etc.
    • Tags :
    • Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
    • Arya Samaj
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