The President of India, Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 200th Janmotsav – Gyan Jyoti Parv Smaranotsav Samaroh on the occasion of birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati on February 12, at Tankara, Gujarat, the birthplace of Swamiji.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the land of our country has been blessed by the birth of brilliant personalities like Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati. Swamiji took up the cause of social reform and composed an immortal book named 'Satyarth Prakash' to prove the truth. His ideals had a deep impact on great personalities like Lokmanya Tilak, Lala Hansraj, Swami Shraddhanand and Lala Lajpat Rai. Swamiji and his extraordinary followers infused new consciousness and self-confidence among the people of India.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Message

“The path shown by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati instils hope in crores of people,” said Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi after inaugurating the year-long celebrations commemorating the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi on February 12. He also released a logo for commemoration.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister recalled the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati historic, an occasion to create a future and inspiration for the entire world. Referring to  Maharishi Dayanand’s ideal of making the world a better place, the Prime Minister said in this era of discord, violence and instability, the path shown by Maharishi Dayanand gives hope.  “Evils that were falsely attributed to religion, Swami Ji removed them with the light of religion itself”, he said. 

“In the Amrit Kaal, the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati has come as a sacred inspiration,” said Shri Modi. “Today the country is confidently calling for pride in our heritage,” Modi added. 

"With us, the first interpretation of religion is about Kartavya, service of the poor, backward and downtrodden is the first yagya for the country today," Shri Modi said.
 

Dayanand Saraswati, born on February 12, 1824, was a social reformer who founded Arya Samaj in 1875 to counter the prevalent social inequities. Arya Samaj has played a key role in the cultural and social awakening of the country through its emphasis on social reforms and education.