OUR BELOVED GURU

OUR BELOVED GURU Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati was a profound thinker, philosopher, spiritual teacher and one of the greatest masters of Vedanta. He was born on August 15, 1930, in Manjakkudi, a small village on the banks of River Kaveri in Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. Though deeply rooted in the richness of Indian tradition, Pujya Swamiji was contemporary in his thinking and approach to the issues of the day. His impeccable logic, brilliant analysis, erudition, precise use of language, and humour made him a renowned and sought after teacher of Advaita Vedanta. Pujya Swamiji’s benevolence and empathy extended to all civilisations, and all cultural forms that helped bring positive change in the lives of thousands of people. He strove to preserve, nurture and appreciate the diversity of human culture. His influence in India and around the world was enormous. He was the founder of AIM for Seva, Swami Dayananda Educational Trust, Arsha Vidya Research & Publication Trust and Arsha Vidya Gurukulams in India and USA. His vision continues to be upheld and propagated through these organizations. Pujya Swamiji firmly believed that the youth of our nation should receive value education and cultural validation. He advocated that education complemented with cultural outlook would bring in self esteem and confidence in an individual. Only someone who is taught to respect the richness of his or her roots could grow to become a self confident individual. It is self confidence and self esteem that impel a person to contribute towards and participate in the prosperity of his or her nation.