Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the necessity of an education system rooted in Indian values during a virtual address commemorating the 200th birth anniversary of Arya Samaj founder Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Speaking from Tankara in Gujarat’s Morbi district, the birthplace of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, PM Modi highlighted the historical context of British colonialism and its impact on Indian society.
PM Modi condemned the British government’s exploitation of social evils to justify their rule and credited Swami Dayanand Saraswati for exposing the harmful effects of orthodoxy and social injustices prevalent during that era. Swami Dayanand Saraswati advocated for gender equality and equal rights for women, challenging the prevailing societal norms.
Highlighting the importance of an education system aligned with Indian values, PM Modi praised Arya Samaj schools for their role in promoting such principles. He noted that the National Education Policy aims to expand on this foundation and underscored the collective responsibility to integrate Indian values into education and society at large.
Expressing pride in his Gujarati heritage, PM Modi acknowledged the influence of Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s teachings on his upbringing. Additionally, he paid homage to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a pivotal figure in Indian politics and the ideological inspiration behind the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and its successor, the BJP.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of “antyodaya” (upliftment of the most impoverished) and “integral humanism” has profoundly influenced PM Modi’s governance approach. PM Modi reiterated Upadhyaya’s commitment to preserving Indian culture and heritage while steering the nation toward progress.
Echoing PM Modi’s sentiments, BJP leaders, including party president JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah, paid tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, lauding his unwavering dedication to nation-building and his steadfast adherence to cultural values. Upadhyaya’s principles continue to serve as a guiding beacon for the BJP, emphasizing the enduring relevance of his legacy in shaping India’s socio-political landscape.
In essence, PM Modi’s address underscored the imperative of fostering an educational environment grounded in Indian ethos while honoring the profound contributions of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya to India’s cultural and ideological fabric.
