Ahmedabad, October 31, 2025: The International Arya Maha Sammelan 2025 today at Swarn Jayanti Park, Rohini, New Delhi, marking a historic celebration of 150 years of Arya Samaj and the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati. The four-day global congregation, held under the Gyan Jyoti Parv, brings together delegates from more than 30 countries to honour Maharshi Dayanand’s enduring contributions to social reform, education, and spiritual awakening.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest, releasing commemorative ₹150 and ₹200 coins dedicated to Arya Samaj’s sesquicentennial and Maharshi Dayanand’s bicentenary. The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Shri Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, along with several other eminent dignitaries, Vedic scholars, and Arya Samaj leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The 150th anniversary of the Arya Samaj is not merely an occasion for a particular community or sect—it is a celebration deeply connected to the Vedic identity of the entire nation.” He added that Arya Samaj has played a pivotal role in preserving India’s cultural and spiritual essence while driving social reform and national consciousness. The Prime Minister lauded Arya Samaj’s efforts in spreading Vedic knowledge and advancing India’s moral and educational awakening for over a century and a half.
The Prime Minister emphasised that “Arya Samaj has fearlessly upheld and promoted the essence of Indianness.” He said the movement’s principles of truth, equality, and reform gave ideological strength to countless freedom fighters, including Lala Lajpat Rai and Ram Prasad Bismil. Shri Modi noted that while Arya Samaj’s role in the independence movement may not have received due recognition, its impact remains deeply embedded in India’s social fabric and reformist tradition.
Calling Swami Dayanand Saraswati Ji a “visionary and a great man,” the Prime Minister reflected on his courage and foresight during a time when superstition and social decay had gripped the nation. “At a time when India’s confidence was weakened under colonial rule, Swami Dayanand Ji’s call to ‘Return to the Vedas’ reawakened our national pride and moral courage,” he said. The Prime Minister described Swami Dayanand as a torchbearer who restored self-belief among Indians and ignited a reform movement that reshaped society’s moral and spiritual compass.
The Prime Minister also underlined India’s growing leadership on the global stage, stating, “Today, India has emerged as a leading global voice in the pursuit of sustainable development.” Drawing parallels between Vedic principles and modern initiatives, Shri Modi said that movements like Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and One Sun, One World, One Grid reflect India’s effort to translate ancient Vedic wisdom into global sustainability actions. “India’s development today embodies the Vedic mantra—‘Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam,’ meaning, ‘Let us ennoble the world,’” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri S.K. Arya, Chairman, Gyan Jyoti Parv, said, “Arya Samaj has always addressed the pressing social issues of its time with determination and vision. Today, inspired by Maharshi Dayanand and Arya Samaj’s rich legacy, we must all—especially the youth—play our part in advancing the spirit of reform, education, and national unity. Only through collective resolve and practical action can we fulfill the true ideals of the Vedas and contribute to global harmony.”
Highlights from Day One of the International Arya Maha Sammelan 2025
The Former President of Mauritius, His Excellency Mr. Dharam Gokhool, in his address, described Arya Samaj as “a global movement for social reform” and urged the world to join in its mission to uplift humanity. “We respect the ideals of Arya Samaj — they were relevant a century ago and remain equally vital today,” he said, adding that the Vedas are “the very source of our being and guide us to live happily and healthily.”
Youth leader Mohit Gaur, 22, the Yuva Sanchalak and an IAS aspirant, shared his perspective on how the younger generation can carry Swami Dayanand’s teachings forward. He highlighted a recent collaboration between Arya Samaj and IIT Bombay, supported by JBM Group, aimed at fostering innovation and youth engagement. “Simply blaming others will not bring change — it is Gen Z who will take responsibility and carry forward Swami Ji’s teachings. The younger generation must realize that science is not outside the Vedas — the Vedas themselves are science.,” he said, emphasizing that research will continue to validate the scientific foundation of Vedic thought.
Representatives from Australia, Suriname, and Kenya also shared their journeys and the impact of Arya Samaj in their respective regions. The day featured multiple thematic conferences, including discussions on Satyarth Prakash and Vedic literature, social reform and the elimination of superstition, and youth leadership in nation-building.
A highlight of the evening was a special presentation by students from DAV institutions, showcasing Swami Dayanand’s teachings through music, art, and drama. A breathtaking laser show captivated the audience, depicting the reformist journey of Arya Samaj from its inception to its modern global presence.
The day also witnessed the participation of Arya Samaj tribal representatives, who discussed initiatives for tribal inclusion and education. They expressed deep appreciation for Arya Samaj’s continuous work in uplifting tribal communities, particularly in ensuring education and social empowerment for children in rural India.
The inaugural day concluded on a momentous note with the formal launch of ₹150 and ₹200 commemorative coins by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, along with Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra Shri Acharya Devvrat, and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta, celebrating Arya Samaj’s 150-year legacy and Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Ji’s bicentenary.
The International Arya Maha Sammelan 2025 will continue until November 2, 2025, featuring Vedic discourses, global youth dialogues, women’s empowerment sessions, cultural programs, and exhibitions tracing Arya Samaj’s 150-year journey of service, reform, and enlightenment.
