150 Years of Arya Samaj 2025

In 2025, India celebrates the Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary 2025, marking 150 years of one of the most influential Vedic reform movements, founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875.

On this special occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Arya Mahasammelan in New Delhi, highlighting the immense role of Arya Samaj in transforming India’s religious, social, and educational fabric.

Origins and Philosophy of Arya Samaj

The Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary 2025 celebrates the birth of a reform movement that began in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1875 and was later formalised in Lahore in 1877. It was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, one of the most prominent Indian reformers, whose mission was to take India “Back to the Vedas”.

He rejected superstition, idol worship, and blind ritualism, emphasising truth, rationalism, and monotheism as the essence of religion. The Arya Samaj motto, “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” (Let us ennoble the world), promotes ethical living, knowledge, and universal brotherhood.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s philosophy envisioned a society empowered by education, equality, and moral strength, laying the foundation for religious reform in India.

Religious and Social Reforms by Arya Samaj

• The Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary in 2025 also reminds us of the movement’s pioneering role in social reform in India.

• Arya Samaj rejected idol worship and the domination of priests, instead advocating personal understanding of scriptures and universal monotheism.

• On the social front, it fought against untouchability, caste by birth, child marriage, and forced widowhood, while supporting widow remarriage, inter-caste marriage, and women’s education. These Arya Samaj social reforms aimed to create a society based on equality and justice.

Thus, during the Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary in 2025, India also celebrates a movement that transformed religion into a force for social upliftment rather than exclusion.

Educational Contributions of Arya Samaj

• The Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary 2025 also honours the organisation’s landmark contributions to education in India.

• The establishment of DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) Schools and Colleges and the Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar were milestones in combining Vedic wisdom with modern science.

• These institutions became centres of nationalism, scientific thought, and moral education, shaping generations of students.

• The Arya Samaj contribution to education closely aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises character-building, value-based education, and a blend of tradition and technology.

In this way, the Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary 2025 connects the legacy of ancient learning with the modern vision of education in India.

Arya Samaj and Indian Nationalism

• The Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary 2025 also highlights its connection to Indian nationalism. The Arya Samaj history reveals its deep influence on the freedom movement.

• Leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhagat Singh were inspired by Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s message of self-reliance, truth, and fearlessness.

• The movement supported Swadeshi, anti-colonial sentiments, and social justice, which played a key role in awakening India’s nationalist spirit. The Arya Samaj and Indian nationalism therefore remain inseparable, proving that reform and revolution can go hand in hand.

Women's Empowerment and Modern Relevance

• The Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary 2025 also serves as a reminder of the movement’s groundbreaking efforts toward women’s empowerment.

• Arya Samaj was among the first in India to promote equal rights for women, advocating for education and social dignity.

• Its progressive ideals align with today’s government programmes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, and the Drone Didis initiative. This shows the relevance of Arya Samaj philosophy in 21st-century India, as it continues to inspire policies that empower women and promote equality.

Global Ideals and Contemporary Significance

• The Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary in 2025 also carries global significance. The Arya Samaj motto “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” aligns perfectly with India’s international initiatives like Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), One Sun One World One Grid, and International Yoga Day.

• These modern efforts reflect the timeless values of Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s message for modern India—promoting sustainable living, harmony, and ethical progress.

• The significance of the Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary 2025 lies in how its values and teachings remain relevant in addressing today’s global challenges.

Quick Static Facts for SSC Exams

• Founder: Swami Dayanand Saraswati

• Founded in: 1875 (Bombay)

• Formalized in: 1877 (Lahore)

• Motto: “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” – Let us ennoble the world

• Slogan: Back to the Vedas

• Key Institutions: DAV Schools, Gurukul Kangri

• Notable Followers: Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh

Final Thoughts

In 2025, India celebrates the Arya Samaj 150th Anniversary 2025, marking 150 years of a transformative movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. The Arya Samaj led powerful religious and social reforms, promoting equality, education, and rational thinking based on Vedic principles.

Rejecting idol worship and caste discrimination, it advocated women’s rights and modern education through DAV institutions and Gurukul Kangri.

Its ideals influenced leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhagat Singh, shaping India’s national consciousness. Even today, the Arya Samaj philosophy aligns with modern initiatives like NEP 2020 and Mission LiFE, continuing to inspire ethical, inclusive, and sustainable progress.