Evils falsely attributed to 'religion' removed by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati removed the evils that were falsely attributed to the religion with the light of religion itself.

“Evils that were falsely attributed to religion, Swami Ji removed them with the light of religion itself,” Modi said after inaugurating the year-long celebrations commemorating the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here.

On the occasion, he also released a logo for commemoration.

Recalling India’s condition when Dayanand Saraswati was born, the PM stated that India was marred and weakened after centuries of slavery and was losing its aura and self-confidence.

"Swami ji dispelled the notion of any deficiency in the traditions and scriptures of India. He pointed out that their real meaning is forgotten," Modi said.

The PM also recalled the time when the false interpretation of Vedas was being used to belittle India and traditions were being deformed, in such a time Maharshi Dayanand’s effort came as a 'saviour'.

“Maharshi Ji started a strong campaign against social ills like discrimination and untouchability," he added.

The PM also underlined that Maharishi Dayanand also emerged as a logical and effective voice against the stereotypes that had flourished in society regarding women.

He informed that Maharishi Dayanand strongly opposed discrimination against women and also initiated campaigns for the education of women while underlining that these facts are more than 150 years old.

"Even in today’s day and age, there are societies which deprive women of their right to education and respect, but it was Maharishi Dayanand who raised his voice when equal rights for women was a far-fetched reality, even in the western countries," the PM said.

Modi said Arya Samaj has the legacy of teachings of Swami Ji and the country expects a lot from every ‘Arya Veer’.

“In the Amrit Kaal, may we all find inspiration from the efforts of Maharishi Dayanand ji”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Born on February 12, 1824, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati was a social reformer who founded Arya Samaj in 1875 to counter social inequities and superstition prevalent during the times.

Arya Samaj has played a crucial role in the cultural and social awakening of the country through its emphasis on social reforms and education. (UNI)