Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised the need for first-time voters to understand their responsibilities.

Addressing a programme on the 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayananda Saraswati organised at the birthplace of Swami Dayananda, Tankara at Morbi in Gujarat, via a video message, he also asked the students and institutions of Arya Samaj to contribute to Vocal for Local, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Mission Life, water conservation, Swacch Bharat, Sports, and fitness.

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The PM lamented the fact that the social evils in India were used as a means by the British government to portray Indians as inferior. Swami Dayananda’s advent, he said, dealt a severe blow to such conspiracies. “A series of revolutionaries such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Ram Prasad Bismil, and Swami Shraddhanand emerged, influenced by Arya Samaj. Therefore, Dayananda Ji was not just a Vedic sage but also a national sage,” he added.

Reflecting on the transformative impact of Swami Dayananda’s teachings, PM Modi remarked, “There are moments in history that alter the course of the future. Two hundred years ago, Swami Dayananda’s birth was one such unprecedented moment.”

He highlighted Swami Ji’s role in awakening India from the shackles of ignorance and superstition, leading a movement to rediscover the essence of Vedic knowledge. “In times when our traditions and spirituality were fading, Swami Dayananda called upon us to ‘Back to Vedas’,” noted the PM, underscoring Swami Ji’s efforts to provide scholarly commentaries on the Vedas and rational interpretations.

He emphasised Swami Ji’s fearless critique of societal norms and his elucidation of the true essence of Indian philosophy, which reignited self-confidence within society. The PM reiterated the significance of Swami Dayananda’s teachings in fostering unity and instilling a sense of pride in India’s ancient heritage.

Mr Modi noted that the 200th anniversary has come in the initial years of the Amrit Kaal. He recalled the vision of Swami Dayananda of a bright future for the nation. “The faith that Swamiji had about India, we will have to convert that faith into our self-confidence in Amrit Kaal. Swami Dayanand was an advocate and guide of modernity,” he added.

Acknowledging the extensive network of Arya Samaj institutions across the globe, he stated, “With over 2,500 schools, colleges, and universities, and more than 400 gurukuls educating students, Arya Samaj is a vibrant testament to modernity and guidance.” He urged the community to take up the responsibility of nation-building initiatives with renewed vigor in the 21st century. Calling DAV institutions ‘a living memory of Swamiji’, he assured their continued empowerment. The PM mentioned National Education Policy taking the vision of Swamiji forward.

Referring to the upcoming 150th anniversary of the founding of Arya Samaj, PM Modi encouraged everyone to seize this momentous occasion as an opportunity for collective progress and remembrance.

Addressing the importance of natural farming, he highlighted the efforts of Acharya Devvrat Ji and said, “From Swami Dayananda Ji’s birthplace, let the message of organic farming reach every farmer in the nation.”

Praising Swami Dayananda’s advocacy for women’s rights, he celebrated the recent Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, stating, “Through honest endeavours and new policies, the nation is advancing its daughters.”

He emphasised the significance of connecting people through these social initiatives as a true homage to Maharshi Dayananda.