The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, said institutions such as Gurukul Kurukshetra played an important role in preserving India’s knowledge traditions, ethical values and cultural ethos while preparing future generations for nation-building.
The President was addressing the 114th foundation anniversary celebrations of Gurukul Kurukshetra and the Swami Shraddhanand Martyrdom Centenary Commemoration held at Gurukul Kurukshetra in Kurukshetra as the Chief Guest on Sunday.
She paid tribute to his sacrifice, austerity and dedication to national service, and appreciated Gurukul Kurukshetra’s contribution to promoting Indian culture and Vedic education.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Haryana Governor Professor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, representatives of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the sacred campus of Gurukul Kurukshetra brought together the inspiration of history, the pride of the present and a resolve for the future.
The day held special significance for every resident of Haryana, as the state was marking 60 years of its formation and celebrating its diamond jubilee. The occasion also marked the centenary year of Swami Shraddhanand’s martyrdom and Gurukul Kurukshetra’s 114th foundation anniversary.
Paying homage to the freedom fighter, educationist and social reformer, the Chief Minister extended foundation day greetings to the Gurukul Kurukshetra community and Haryana Day and diamond jubilee greetings to the people of the state. Welcoming the President, he said her presence at this centre of knowledge and values underscored the importance of education. Swami Shraddhanand Made Education a Foundation for National Awakening. The Chief Minister said Swami Shraddhanand Ji had awakened self-respect in colonial India, advanced social reform and dedicated his life to the nation’s freedom.
Inspired by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Ji, he showed the way towards building a strong society founded on knowledge, character and service. Swami Ji understood that a nation’s future was shaped by the values and capabilities of its younger generation, he said.
His vision was to provide an education that nurtured knowledgeable, disciplined, courageous and self-reliant students committed to the nation. The Chief Minister said the centenary of Swami Shraddhanand Ji’s martyrdom called upon everyone to become more mindful of their duties.
Taking the light of education to the last person in society would be the most fitting tribute to him, he added. Established by Swami Shraddhanand Ji in 1912, Gurukul Kurukshetra remained a living legacy of his foresight, the Chief Minister said.
The institution was promoting students’ holistic development by bringing together Indian traditions and a scientific outlook. He acknowledged the contributions of teachers, administrators, supporters and alumni to the institution’s journey.
He also praised Acharya Devvrat’s dedication to Gurukul Kurukshetra and his efforts to expand education rooted in values.
The Chief Minister also appreciated Acharya Devvrat’s efforts in natural farming. He said Acharya Devvrat was practising natural farming on 180 acres of land without using any chemical pesticides.
Students Depict Swami Shraddhanand’s Life and Sacrifice. Students of Gurukul Kurukshetra presented performances showcasing Indian culture, Vedic traditions and physical education. Through Mallakhamb, Surya Namaskar and exercise displays, they demonstrated their talent, discipline and physical proficiency.
A special presentation depicted Swami Shraddhanand Ji’s life, struggles, social reform initiatives, patriotism and sacrifice, bringing the revered saint and patriot’s inspiring journey and ideals vividly to life.