<h4>Introduction to Swami Dayanand Saraswati</h4><p>The <strong>200th birth anniversary</strong> of <strong>Swami Dayanand Saraswati</strong> was commemorated on <strong>12th February 2024</strong>. This significant occasion highlighted his enduring legacy and contributions to Indian society and religious reform.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Key Event:</strong> 200th Birth Anniversary</p><p><strong>Date Observed:</strong> 12th February 2024</p></div><h4>Early Life and Spiritual Journey</h4><p><strong>Swami Dayanand Saraswati</strong> was born as <strong>Mool Shankar Tiwari</strong> on <strong>12th February 1824</strong>. His birthplace was <strong>Tankara, Gujarat</strong>, a region known for its rich spiritual heritage.</p><p>He embarked on a profound spiritual quest, wandering as an <strong>ascetic</strong> for <strong>fifteen years</strong>, from <strong>1845 to 1860</strong>. During this period, he dedicated himself to the search for ultimate truth and enlightenment.</p><h4>Establishment of Arya Samaj</h4><p>A pivotal moment in his mission was the formal establishment of the first <strong>Arya Samaj Unit</strong> by <strong>Swami Dayanand Saraswati</strong> in <strong>Mumbai</strong> in <strong>1875</strong>. This organization became a powerful force for social and religious reform.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Organization:</strong> Arya Samaj</p><p><strong>First Unit Established:</strong> Mumbai, 1875</p><p><strong>Later Headquarters:</strong> Lahore</p></div><p>Subsequently, the headquarters of the <strong>Arya Samaj</strong> were relocated and established in <strong>Lahore</strong>, further expanding its influence across the subcontinent.</p><h4>The DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) Schools Movement</h4><p>To realize <strong>Swami Dayanand Saraswati's</strong> vision for modern education rooted in Vedic values, the <strong>DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) schools</strong> came into existence in <strong>1886</strong>. These institutions played a crucial role in blending traditional Indian knowledge with Western education.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Educational Initiative:</strong> DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) Schools</p><p><strong>Year of Establishment:</strong> 1886</p></div><h4>Vedic Philosophy and the Slogan 'Back to the Vedas'</h4><p><strong>Swami Dayanand Saraswati</strong> drew immense inspiration from the <strong>Vedas</strong>. He considered them to be <strong>'India's Rock of Ages'</strong>, believing them to be infallible and the true original seed of Hinduism.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Core Belief:</strong> Infallibility of the <strong>Vedas</strong> as the foundation of Hinduism.</p><p><strong>Iconic Slogan:</strong> <strong>"Back to the Vedas"</strong> – a call for a return to the pure, unadulterated teachings of the ancient scriptures.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>For UPSC, understanding <strong>Swami Dayanand Saraswati's</strong> emphasis on the <strong>Vedas</strong> and his reformist zeal is crucial for questions on <strong>19th-century socio-religious reform movements</strong> (GS Paper I).</p></div>