Bharat Bhushan Arya
When the word ‘Mahatma’ is used the name that comes to mind instantly, is that of Mahatma Gandhi , but there is another person, rarely referred to in India’s history books, who is hailed with the title ‘Mahatma’.The man is Mahatma Munshi Ram (later known as Swami Shraddhanand Saraswati) , an Aryasamaji , a social reformer, a freedom fighter, an educationist , supporter of women’ s education and a preacher of Vedic studies.
Munshi Ram ji was born on 22nd day of February 1856 in a small village of Talwan ,Dist. Jalandhar in Punjab . His father Lala Nanak Chand a police officer ,had a great respect in the society. Munshi Ram , though married and an advocate by profession, was leading a luxurious, comfortable independent life.
Turning point in the life of Munshi Ram Ji:
The year 1879 was a turning point in the life of Munshi Ram when his father persuaded him to attend a religious function in Bareilly where founder of Arya Samaj Swami Dayanand Saraswati had to come to deliver sermons on Veds . Munshi Ram had a long intellectual discourse with Swami Ji on socio-religious matters. Strongly influenced by the knowledge, courage, skills and strong personality of Swami Dayanand Sarswati , Munshi Ram became a dedicated Arya Samaj missionary who throughout his life propagated the teachings of Veds and worked for the welfare of the society.
Supporter of Women’s education :
One day Munshi Ram saw his own daughter, Ved Kumari,because of studying in a Missionary school singing ,” Isa Isa Bole Tera Kay Lagega Mole ” , he decided to provide education to the children based on Vedic Dharm ,through schools run by the Arya Samaj.Munshi Ram carried out various social activities at Arya Samaj including women’s education. In fact, he released a series of articles on women’s education in a newspaper where he explained the need for their education.
Concept of Modern and Vedic education by starting DAVs:
Followers of Swami Dayanand Saraswati founder of the Arya Samaj, and front line Arya Samajis of that time I.e. Mahatama Munshi Ram, Hans Raj and Pandit Gurudatt Vidyarthi decided to open a chain of schools and colleges that would fulfill students requirement of modern as well as Vedic education. It was with that intent that the Dayanand Anglo Vedic School(DAV) was founded in 1886 at Lahore ( Now in Pakistan).That was a big project where all Arya Samajis worked hard, put their heart and soul into this project. Today , DAV with thousands of schools, colleges and a university , is a world known institution in the field of education where lacs of students are getting modern education.
Entering Vanprasthashram:
In 1891 at the age of 35 years Munshi Ram entered Vanprasthashram and got the name Mahatama Munshiram .What a miracle that a common man named Munshi Ram reformed himself to rose in stature in the public esteem to become a “MAHATMA “(a great noble soul) .
Concept of Vedic education through ‘Gurukuls’
Though idea of starting DAVs was to impart both modern as well Vedic education but later on, Mahatma Munshi Ram and Pandit Gurudatt Vidyarthi felt that the Anglo element in DAV school was dominating the Vedic element. Mahatma Munshi Ram was of the firm view that the only way to achieve the past glory of India was to revive Indian system of education by opening more and more ‘Gurukuls ‘. So besides DAV ,they decided to start Gurukuls . Brahmcharis ( students) of Gurukuls are considered disciplined citizens who imbibed Vedic ideals and had a national outlook . Mahatma Munshi Ram spearheaded this movement. The first Gurukul started at Gujaranwala ( now in Pakistan ) in the year 1900 with twenty young boys (Brahmacharis ) .Pioneers among the 20 Brahmacharis were the two sons of Mahatma Munshi Ram – Harishchandra and Indra. . Later in the year 1902 it moved to Kangri near Haridwar which is now a world known ” Gurukul Kangri University”. Wherefrom lacs of students (brahmcharis) after taking Vedic education are spreading message of peace a nd communal harmony in the whole world.
Swami Shradhanand Saraswati played a very prominent role in the freedom struggle. By virtue of his personality he connected with the masses across various sections of society. Swami Shraddhanand’s mission of liberating the country was invaluable. ‘Marshal Law’ in Punjab and ‘Rowlatt Act’ were forced upon Indians.On 30th March 1919,There was an agitation in Delhi against the oppressive ‘Rowlatt Act’. Swami Shraddhanand was leading the agitation. There was ban on processions then. Swamiji announced challenging the ban that, a procession will be held in Delhi. Accordingly thousands of patriots had joined the procession by the time it reached Chandani Chowk , the Gurkha Regiment was ready with guns, bayonets etc. at the command of the British police officer .Brave Swami Sharaddhanand reached the venue with thousands of followers. When the police officer threatened to fire upon the crowd, Swamiji bared his chest and challenged the police officer to shoot him first.The police officer was so impressed by Swamiji’s courage and fearlessness that he ordered the force to bow down their guns ,bayonets.
Swami Shraddhanand also started two newspapers, the TEJ in Urdu and ARJUN in Hindi. The cause of upliftment of the downtrodden and the Shuddhi movement was very dear to his him. Under Hindu Reform Movement, first Hindu Shudhi Sabha was established in the year 1923 at Agra and Swami ji became its first president.Swami ji always stood in the front line of the Arya Samaj movement and made the Arya Samaj a power and contributed to its popularity by his numerous works and exemplary practical life. His towering and inspiring personality was a source of eternal inspiration.
Inspite of his numerous contributions to the country ,Swamiji did not get the fame or credit that he deserved. No one even knows him as a Mahatma.
Thus, he became an unknown Mahatma.
At the age of 70 years , on a fateful day of 23 Dec. 1926, Swami ji completed last journey of his life and India lost a gem of humanity.
(The author is President, Arya Samaj, Trikuta Nagar)
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