Dayanand Saraswati birth anniversary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the year-long celebrations commemorating the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in the national capital on Sunday (February 12). Prime Minister also addressed the gathering on the occasion.
"Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati believed we should be the ones moving the world towards development. The path shown by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati instils hope in crores of people," said PM Modi
"When Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati became a voice for India's women's empowerment and launched a strong campaign against social discrimination, untouchability and many such distortions," PM Modi added.
"Today the daughters of the country are also flying Rafale fighter planes. Uplifting the poor and marginalised has become the top priority," PM Modi said.Union Minister GK Reddy and MoS Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal and Meenakashi Lekhi graced the occasion. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Maharishi 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.
The government has been committed to celebrating the social reformers and important personalities, especially those whose contributions were not given their due yet on a pan-India scale. From declaring the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Muda as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to participating in a programme commemorating Sri Aurobindo's 150th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Modi has been leading such initiatives from the front.
(With agencies inputs)
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