On the 22nd of February, Nitin Gadkari pays tribute to the great freedom fighter and educationist “Swami Shraddhanand” on his birth anniversary.
Swami Shraddhanand was a prominent Indian freedom fighter and social reformer who lived from 22 February 1856 – 23 December 1926. He was born Munshi Ram Vijayvargiya in the village of Talwan in Punjab, India, and later changed his name to Shraddhanand Saraswati after becoming a sannyasi (a Hindu ascetic who renounces worldly pleasures) in 1902. He is known for his immense contribution to India’s freedom struggle, as well as his tireless efforts to uplift the weaker sections of society.
Swami Shraddhanand was born in a conservative Hindu family and was named Munshi Ram Vij at birth. He received his early education in the village school and later moved to Lahore for higher studies. In Lahore, he learned Persian, Urdu, English, and Sanskrit and became proficient in these languages. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj, and became a follower of his philosophy.
Swami Shraddhanand dedicated his life to the service of the nation and worked for the upliftment of the weaker sections of society. He started his career as a teacher and later became the principal of the Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar. He was a prolific writer and wrote extensively on a variety of subjects, including religion, education, and social reform. He founded the Punjab National Bank in 1894 to provide financial assistance to farmers and small traders.
Swami Shraddhanand was also a staunch supporter of the Swadeshi movement and actively participated in the freedom struggle. He was a vocal critic of British colonial rule and advocated for the boycott of British goods. He believed in the concept of self-reliance and encouraged the use of indigenous products.
The Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. The movement aimed to reform Hinduism and bring back the purity of the Vedic religion. Swami Shraddhanand was a devoted follower of Swami Dayanand and played an important role in the spread of the Arya Samaj philosophy.
Swami Shraddhanand founded several schools and colleges based on the principles of the Arya Samaj. He believed in the power of education to bring about social change and worked tirelessly to promote education among the masses. He also fought against the caste system and advocated for the equality of all castes and communities.
