Swami Dayanand Saraswati – A Pioneer of Social Harmony

Abstract

Swami Dayanand Saraswati, a key thinker and social reformer of the Indian freedom struggle, was a leading force of the Indian renaissance. He raised awareness among people on significant issues related to religion, education, and social reform, and worked towards eliminating superstition and disorder prevalent in society to promote social harmony. Through his rational interpretations of the Vedas, Swami Ji emphasized critical issues such as child marriage, the practice of Sati, casteism, untouchability, and the education of women. The establishment of the Arya Samaj was a major step taken by him in the direction of social reform. As a result, not only did it foster a sense of unity and brotherhood in society, but it also significantly enhanced social harmony. Through this institution, Swami Ji exposed serious societal issues like Brahminical orthodoxy, superstition, idol worship, the theory of divine incarnations, caste discrimination, and illiteracy, and took meaningful steps toward their resolution. By logically interpreting and promoting Vedic literature, Swami Dayanand Saraswati rejected the caste-based Varna system and idol worship. To dispel the darkness of ignorance, he also established several Arya educational institutions. His influential works such as Satyarth Prakash, Yajurveda Bhashya, Sanskar Vidhi, Vyavahar Bhanu, and Aryoddeshya Ratnamala were significant contributions in this direction. During the 19th century, the British government adopted the policy of "Divide and Rule," which led to attempts to fragment Indian society along religious, caste, and regional lines. In such times, Swami Dayanand Saraswati emerged as the first individual to introduce the concept of Swaraj (self-rule) and inspired all Indians to unite and raise their voice against British rule. In this way, Swami Dayanand Saraswati emerged as a pioneer in the domain of social harmony.