A commemorative postage stamp on 125 years of Arya Samaj, a Vedic religion reform movement and its founder, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, first to give call for Swaraj (India for Indians) in 1876 (later taken up by Bal Gangadhar Tilak) :

Issued by India

Issued on Apr 5, 2000

Issued for : The Department of Posts is issuing this commemorative stamp in honour of the invaluable services rendered to humanity by the Arya Samaj.

Design : Today the Arya Samaj organization is active all over the world. The stamp design portrays the work done by the Arya Samaj, spreading the light of knowledge and truth, and carries the Sanskrit invocation “तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय” – From the darkness lead us to the light. It also commemorates Maharshi Dayananda Saraswati, the founder. The first day cover portrays the goal of the organization “कृण्वन्तो विश्वमार्यम्” – Let us make the whole world noble.

Credits :
Stamps & FDC : Bharati Mirchandani
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : First Day Cover

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 300 Paise

Overall size : 2.9 x 3.9 Cms.

Printing size : 2.9 x 3.9 Cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Stamps Printed : .4 Million

Number per issue sheet : 40

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

Name : Mul Shankar Karasandas Tiwari (Brahmachari name: Shuddha Chaitanya)

Born on Feb 24, 1824 at Tankara, Gujarat, India

Died on Oct 30, 1883 at Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

About : 

• The Arya Samaj was founded by Maharshi Dayananda Saraswati on April 7, 1875 in Bombay with ten fundamental principles of universal character to revive and propagate the Vedic way of life. As enshrined in these principles, the Arya Samaj is a world movement. It exhorts all to accept truth and renounce untruth. Its prime object is to do good to the world, making people physically strong, spiritually enlightened and socially uplifted. It preaches love, justice and righteousness towards all without distinction of race, caste or creed. The goal of Arya Samaj is “कृण्वन्तो विश्वमार्यम्” – Make This World Noble.
• Swami Dayananda was a great sage and a fearless reformer who sought, apart from restoring Hinduism to its original radiance and wisdom, also to propagate the spirit of nationalism in different parts of India. The essence of his teachings is contained in ‘Satyartha Prakash’ a monumental treatise, which forms the essence of the Arya Samaj philosophy. The teachings of the Vedas, summarised into 10 basic principles (i.e. the decretum), lie at the core of the Arya Samaj. With numerous institutions engaged in education, social service and spiritual activities, the Arya Samaj today gives hope and direction to thousands of people in different parts of the world, advocating ‘Universal Brotherhood’ and ‘One Dharma’ by adhering to the rules of:“Realising God by understanding and speaking all truth, developing a scientific and rational temperament, acquiring more and more knowledge to be utilized for common welfare, destroying superstitious and fraudulent mentality, controlling sensual passions, associating with noble persons, cultivating good and active habits and being honest in dealing with others etc.”
• The Arya Samaj has supported the spirit of ‘Swadeshi’ i.e. self-reliance of the economy as the primary strategy for driving away poverty. However, in continuation of the teachings of Swami Dayananda, the Samaj also lays emphasis on establishing economic and political links with other countries. The vedic path of economics not only ensures a healthy and corporate society but maintains the dignity of human soul also.
• The Arya Samaj considered the caste system, untouchability, child marriage and unequal status of women as inhuman, and drawing strength from the Vedas, fought a social battle successfully against them. The role played by the Samaj in the national awakening of the late 19^th and early 20^th century was of great significance.
• Text : Based on material supplied by the sponsors.

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