Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the International Arya Mahasammelan 2025 in the national capital on Friday, delivered a powerful speech that wove together themes of women's empowerment, national pride, and social reform, while sending a pointed message to neighbouring Pakistan.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister invoked a recent and symbolic event: President Droupadi Murmu's sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft. "Just two days ago, our President Droupadi Murmu Ji took a sortie in a Rafale fighter aircraft. Her companion was Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh," PM Modi stated, highlighting the pivotal role of women in India's defence forces.
The mention of the female pilot was framed as a testament to India's progress. “Today, our daughters are flying fighter aircraft and also promoting modern agriculture by becoming Drone Didis. Today, we can proudly say that India has the highest number of female STEM graduates in the world. Today, women are also playing leadership roles in the field of science and technology," he said.
This assertion, coming in the wake of the recent military success dubbed 'Operation Sindoor', was widely interpreted as a strong signal to Pakistan, underscoring India's resolute and modernising military, powered significantly by its women.
The Prime Minister was speaking at a landmark event—the International Arya Mahasammelan—which is a central part of the Jyāna Jyoti Festival. The festival commemorates the 200th birth anniversary of social reformer Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Ji and 150 years of the Arya Samaj’s service to society.
PM Modi framed the 150th anniversary of the Arya Samaj as an occasion "not just connected to a part of society or a sect but to the Vedic identity of the entire country." He praised the organisation for fearlessly championing Indianness and hailed its founder, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, as a "visionary leader."
Reflecting on the ongoing celebrations, the Prime Minister noted the success of a continuous "intellectual yajna" (sacrifice of knowledge) that has been running for two years to honour the sage's bicentenary. "I am pleased that this unbroken intellectual yajna has been running continuously for two years... I bow at the feet of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and pay my respectful tribute to him," he said.
Connecting the Arya Samaj's historical legacy to the present, PM Modi highlighted Swami Dayanand's pioneering work in eradicating social ills and empowering women, noting that girls were provided with education in DAV schools from the very beginning, a revolutionary step in its time.
During the occasion, the Prime Minister also released commemorative coins to mark the dual milestones of the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and the 150th anniversary of the Arya Samaj.
The Mahasammelan has brought together representatives from Arya Samaj units across India and abroad. An exhibition titled '150 Golden Years of Service' is also being held, showcasing the organisation's transformative journey through its monumental contributions in education, social reform, and spiritual upliftment.
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