New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the imperative need for an education system grounded in Indian values during a virtual address on Sunday. The occasion marked the commemoration of the 200th birth anniversary of Arya Samaj founder Swami Dayanand Saraswati, held at his birthplace, Tankara, in Gujarat’s Morbi district.
“An education system based on Indian values is the need of the hour. Arya Samaj schools have been a centre for this. The country is now expanding it through the National Education Policy. It is our responsibility to connect the society with these efforts,” he said.
Praising the social reformer’s advocacy for a return to the Vedas during a period marked by slavery and superstition, PM Modi hailed Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s efforts in highlighting the detrimental effects of orthodoxy and social evils on Indian society.
“Swami Dayanand Saraswati at that time showed us how our orthodoxy and social evils had harmed us,” Modi said.
Reflecting on history, Modi criticized the British colonial rulers for portraying Indian society negatively due to prevalent orthodoxies and social issues within Hindu society. He emphasized Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s advocacy for gender equality within the social fabric.
PM Modi also said he was honoured to be born in Gujarat, where Swami Dayanand Saraswati was born.
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