Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised Arya Samaj for its enduring contribution to nation-building and released commemorative coins marking two significant milestones: the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and the 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj’s service to society. Addressing the International Arya Mahasammelan, Modi highlighted the organisation’s commitment to Indian values and social reform.

“Arya Samaj has been an organisation that has fearlessly spoken about Indianness. Swami Dayanandji was a visionary leader,” the Prime Minister said. He emphasized that Swami Dayanand Saraswati worked for the emancipation of women and established institutions that continue to serve the nation.

Noting that the 150-year celebration of Arya Samaj is a reflection of the country’s Vedic identity, PM Modi said, “This occasion is not just connected to a part of society or a sect but to the Vedic identity of the entire country.” He lauded Arya Samaj’s contributions in education, particularly through DAV schools, which provided girls access to quality education at a time when it was uncommon.

“Today, our daughters are flying fighter aircraft and promoting modern agriculture as Drone Didis. India has the highest number of female STEM graduates in the world, and women are leading in science, technology, and other fields,” Modi said, referring to President Droupadi Murmu’s recent sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft as an example of women achieving new milestones.

PM Modi also shared his personal association with commemorative events for Swami Dayanand Saraswati. He recalled inaugurating celebrations of the 200th birth anniversary of the reformist leader in Delhi and participating in a special program in Gujarat at Swami Dayanand’s birthplace. He described these initiatives as part of an “unbroken intellectual yajna” that has been ongoing for two years, dedicated to advancing Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s legacy.

The International Arya Mahasammelan is a key component of the Jyana Jyoti Festival, which marks both the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and 150 years of Arya Samaj’s service. The summit brought together representatives from Arya Samaj units across India and abroad and featured an exhibition titled “150 Golden Years of Service”, showcasing the organisation’s transformative contributions in education, social reform, and spiritual upliftment.

Through this gathering, the summit aims to honour Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati’s reformist and educational legacy, celebrate Arya Samaj’s contributions to nation-building over the past 150 years, and promote global awareness of Vedic principles and Swadeshi values in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

PM Modi’s address underscored the enduring relevance of Arya Samaj’s principles, its pioneering role in women’s empowerment, and its continuing efforts to shape India’s social, educational, and spiritual landscape. The commemorative coins released by the Prime Minister symbolize a tribute to the organisation’s century-and-a-half-long legacy of nation service and reformist ideals.