Arya Samajists Observed 140th Arya Samaj Foundation Day

By Balram Rambrich & Vishnu Bisram

Hundreds of Arya Samajists, under the banner of United Arya Samaj Federation Inc (UASF) from the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut metro region observed the 140th anniversary of the founding of the Arya Samaj movement at a special grand havan at the Arya Spiritual ground on 133rd. Street and Liberty Avenue.

Devotees from several Arya Samaj organizations performed Havan Yajna, sang bhajans and gave speeches to mark the auspicious occasion. The Havan Yajna and special mantras were recited to mark the occasion which was administrated by Pt. Bharat Singh, Pt Atamanand Belpat and Pt. Bassant Goolsarran. A pandit from each mandir was given a chance to recite the Havan mantras, displaying unity and brotherhood among all the Arya Samaj mandirs.

The Arya Samaj Movement, (a major Reform organization within Satya Sanaatan Vedic Dharma) was founded by Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati on April 10th, 1875 in Mumbai, India. Maharishi Swami Dayanand was one of the first Indian freedom fighters advocating an end to British rule in India.

He was widely venerated as a true revolutionary throughout Indian society. The principal aim of Arya Samaj is to uplift and propagate the spiritual, social, physical and educational advancement of all mankind. The Motto of the Arya Samaj is Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam- Making the Universe noble.

Maharishi Swami Dayanand sought to reform traditional Hinduism by advocating an end to casteism and the dowry system among other social evils. Swami Ji believed that Dharma is the following of truth which triumphs ultimately, and secures “Dharma, Arth, Kama and Moksa” for all devotees. Maharishi Swami Dayanand said: “The man who resolves, to stick to truth at all costs, steadily rises in virtues. When his virtues raise his reputation and prestige, he becomes even more a devotee of Truth. This devotion to truth becomes an unerring source of power and greatness”. The leaders of the movement believed that Arya Samaj has performed commendable services in “the amelioration of darkness, ignorance, inequality and social justice”.

Hindu women should thank Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati, for his vigorous fight to improve their social rights, the right to educate themselves, and the right to read Vedas and Upanishads. Remarriages, equal rights as per men's, abolition of Dowry system, equal opportunity to select their partners etc. The Indian women could never have attained their emancipation.

Swami-ji also reminded us of the Paanch Maha Yajnya (the 5 great daily individual duties of Vedic Satya Sanatan Dharma) which consists of Brahma, Deva, Pitr, Atithi and Bhoot and yajnas. Brahma Yajnya: Our first duty is towards God. This consists of daily prayer- sandhya, meditation and study of the Vedas. Deva Yajnya: Our second duty is to ourselves, and it includes performing Havan which disciplines the mind & body through Yoga; it improves our intellect to guide us in the right direction. Pitr Yajnya: Our third duty is respect for our parents, teachers and elders. They sacrificed for us as we grow to become adults. They deserve our praise, thanks and our services as they become old and helpless. Atithi Yajnya: Our fourth duty is towards our guests and visitors. Service, Respect, & hospitality offered with love and goodwill brings a sense of fulfillment to the householder and in return our guests gratefully honor our homes with their blessings and good wishes. Bhoot Yajnya: Our fifth duty is towards all other living beings. Man’s greatness is depicted in his compassion and doing good for all God’s creation and to protect and maintain his environment.

Arya Samaj thoughts have spread throughout the Indian diaspora including the Caribbean where the Arya faith was brought by the indentured ancestors. When Arya Samajists migrated during the 1970s and thereafter from the Caribbean to New York, they continued the Arya Samaj movement, establishing a few mandirs in Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Connecticut. These devotees continue to conduct weekly Sunday services and observe auspicious festivals.

There were also special services throughout the week to mark the foundation of the Arya Samaj: Arya Samaj of Long Island; Arya Spiritual Center, Om Temple; Arya Samaj USA and Mahaa Rishi Dayanand Gurukula. Swami Shradhanand History, What is Namaste, Meaning of Sandhya, The Meaning of AUM, The Vedas, and the other on the five daily duties of Hindus.

Gracing this program was Arya Pathik Vaanprasth Girish Khosla from Detroit Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of America who flew in especially for all the Mandirs' programs. Also Pt. Ramlall gave special mantras for the occasion and a brief remark on of Arya Samaj in Guyana. A program was organized by the Mahaa Rishi Dayanand Gurukula. A program was held at Arya Samaj Long Island in Hicksville.

The celebrations concluded with the maha Havan service at the Arya Spiritual Center ground on 133rd. Street, Queens that was officiated by various Pandits. The program began with a welcoming song ‘Swaagat Sab Jan’, and a flag raising ceremony led by the Youths of Arya Spiritual Center and Pandit Bharat Singh. Attendees also listened to brief remarks from Pandit Ramlall, Pandit Vedabrat Ramesh Etwaru, Dr. Ramesh Gupta, Pandit Girish Khosla, Bhai Veer Mukhi, Bhai Jethindra Abbi and Bahen Vijay Arora.

The members of the various Arya Samaj mandirs turned out in large numbers to perform Havan Yajna with their families and friends, to chant the holy Gayatri Mantra, to praise God and sing bhajans. ‘Poojanee Prabhu’ followed by one bhajan from each mandir.

Pandita Sunita and Bhai Vijay Shivraj were the two chairpersons for the program. There were over 75 Kundas to mark the 140th Anniversary of Arya Samaj establishment. Devotees shared Prasad and embraced each other showing unity, strength and cohesiveness among Arya Samajists.

The garlanding of guests was done by members of the United Arya Samaj Federation Inc. A plaque was presented to Amrita Singh for outstanding and dedicated services to the Arya Samaj and for her commitment in promoting Vedic Satya Sanaatan Dharma values in our community. Amrita is a leading musician and a talented vocalist; she is the Kirtan of the mandir.

The organizers of the celebration wish to thank everyone who assisted with the various programs and activities: including but not limited to Pt. Ramesh Etwaru (President), Khrishan Narine (Vice-President), Vijay Shivraj (Secretary), Annie Nankumar (Treasurer), Mala Dasrat (Organizing Secretary), Balram Rambrich (PRO), Naro Balli (Member), Pt. Sunita Sukram (Member), Veer Mukhi (Member), Pt. Bharat Singh (Member) and Mahadai Etwaru (Member). Special thanks to Bhai Naro Balli who obtained all permits and arrangements for the Multi-Kunda Hawan.

The United Arya Samaj Federation and its member mandirs consisting of -- USA Arya Samaj, Arya Samaj of Garden State - Om Temple, Maharishi Dayananda Gurukula, Arya Spiritual Center, Long Island Arya Samaj, New York Arya Samaj, New Jersey Arya Samaj, Arya Samaj of Suburban New York, Connecticut Arya Samaj and the Bronx Arya Samaj -- seek to continue to foster unity in similar Arya Samaj programs.

The recent activities of The United Arya Samaj Federation are as follows: provided financial assistant to the Triumph Arya Samaj in Guyana to erect a shed behind the Mandir. On February 28, 2015, the Federation held a concert to raised funds for Guyana Central Samaj, the funds will be used to tile the inside of the Mandir and also paint the entire Mandir. The Federation participated in Annual Holiday Senior Dinner at Villa Russo in Richmond Hill, Queens.

The next major program for the United Arya Samaj Federation Inc. is a Retreat and (Workshop) on various topics such as: Satyarth Prakash Chapters 2 & 3, Rigveda Bhashya Bhumika, Science of Yoga, Film on Life of Swami Dayananda with discussion and Youths and Adults brainstorming session. This program will be held on June 27, 2015 at The OM Temple, 124-126 Joralemon Street, Belleville, NJ 07109.

As we concluded the celebrations of Arya Samaj Foundation 140^th years, we are proud to announce that the Bronx Arya Samaj will officially open for regular Havan, Bhajans and pravachan on April 26, 2015. Congratulations to Bhai Jay, Bhai Deo, Pt. Rishi and all members of the Bronx, Arya Samaj.