Arya Samaj Marks 170th Birth Anniversary of Swami Shraddhanand Ji Maharaj with Solemn Celebrations

New Delhi, February 22, 2026: Delhi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha organised a solemn and inspiring celebration to mark the 170th birth anniversary of Swami Shraddhanand Ji Maharaj, revered freedom fighter, educationist and one of the tallest leaders of the Arya Samaj. The programme, held at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi, was attended by distinguished personalities including Justice Shiv Narayan Dhingra, former Judge, Delhi High Court,  Karnail Singh, MLA and Chairman, Mandir Prakoshth, Delhi, Swami Chakrapani Ji Maharaj, President, Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha, Acharya Rishipal Ji of Gurukul Indraprastha, Faridabad, Professor Pratibha Mehta Luthra, Vice Chancellor, Gurukul Kangri University, Vinay Arya, General Secretary, Delhi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha along with several other eminent social, spiritual and public leaders.

The programme recalled Swami Shraddhanand’s extraordinary journey from Munshi Ram Vij to a Sanyasi who dedicated his life to national awakening, social reform and Vedic education. Speakers highlighted his pioneering role in establishing Gurukul Kangri at Haridwar and the Gurukul tradition in Kurukshetra, which created one of the world’s largest centres of Vedic learning and shaped generations of committed, value based citizens.

The gathering also remembered his tireless work for the education of women, opening of orphanages, upliftment of the poor and marginalised, and his courageous campaign against untouchability through initiatives such as Arya Nagar, which offered dignity, housing and opportunity to those pushed to the margins of society. Swami Shraddhanand’s leadership of the Shuddhi movement, aimed at restoring self-respect and cultural confidence among those who had moved away from their ancestral faith, was described as a transformative chapter in India’s social history.

Paying tribute to the great reformer, S. K. Arya, President, Akhil Bharatiya Dayanand Sewashram Sangh, said, “Swami Shraddhanand Ji did not merely preach reform, he lived it every moment of his life. Through Gurukuls, Shuddhi, service to the poor and his fearless stand against untouchability, he showed us how Vedic values can remove injustice and build a fair, compassionate society. On his 170th birth anniversary, our resolve is to take his work forward by expanding education, character building and social service so that every young Indian can stand with pride and purpose.”

On the occasion, a new book on the life and works of Swami Shraddhanand, authored by Dr. Vivek Arya, was formally released, adding a valuable resource for scholars, students and seekers interested in his legacy. Speakers also recalled the circumstances of Swami Shraddhanand’s martyrdom in Delhi on 23 December 1926, when he was assassinated by Abdul Rashid for his uncompromising commitment to national unity and religious reform, and noted that his supreme sacrifice turned him into a symbol of courage and clarity in the face of extremism.

During the function, scholars, social workers and Arya Samaj leaders shared perspectives on how Swami Shraddhanand’s ideals of fearlessness, equality and service remain relevant for today’s India. Cultural presentations, Vedic prayers and a special session for youth on value based education underlined the resolve to carry his message to the next generation.

The Delhi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha expressed gratitude to all participants and partner organisations, and called upon citizens, especially the youth, to study the life of Swami Shraddhanand and contribute to building a society rooted in knowledge, dignity and national pride.

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