June has been declared as the month of Satyarth Prakash (The light of truth) as the writing of this masterpiece began on the 12th of June 1874. We are indebted to Rama Jaykrishna, an admirer of Swami Dayanand, who insisted that Swami Ji compiled his ideas in a book form for the benefit of future generations. It is true that « les paroles s’envolent, les écrits restent ». Thus, compiling his ideas in a book form germinated in the mind of Swami Dayanand. The content of Satyarth Prakash is spread over 14 chapters. The second and third chapters are an analysis of the education system and proposed reforms. But before going in depth into the subject, let us have a flashback view of the education system at that time.
During the colonial period in India, female education, considered taboo, was on a back foot for many reasons. To begin with, the Indian society being a conservative and orthodox one did not entertain female education in its system. Secondly, the British government did not make any sincere effort in this direction. They did not want to interfere with the established tradition and customs of the Indian Society by favouring female education. It is true that some Christian missionaries were running schools for women but the education dispensed seemed to be a threat to the religion and culture of the Indian society. The Britishers preferred to educate and train the men with the aim to eventually enrol them in the railway and other departments. In such conditions, female education became a major concern to Swami Dayanand.
The second and third chapters of Satyarth Prakash deal with education in general. He elaborately discussed this burning issue in these two chapters.
Being a visionary reformer, Swami Dayanand in these two chapters advocated the education of all, irrespective of gender, caste and class. He considered education as the most important pillar for the development of a society. According to Swami Ji, both the state and the society should make education compulsory and it should be a penal offence for not sending children (boys and girls) to school after the fifth /eighth year. To support his idea regarding the importance of education, he quoted the great scho-lar Manu who believed that: where women led unhappy life, the family is soon destroyed while that family enjoys perpetual propriety where women are honoured and lead a joyful existence. Swami ji believed that Mother, Father and Educator are the real instructors of a child. Discipline takes root in a child under the guidance of these three preceptors. He added that parents who neglect the education of their children are their veritable enemies.
It is thanks to this great reformer that the closed portals of schools are opened to the female sex who were confined within the four walls. Indian women and women of Indian origins should be grateful and thankful to Swami Dayanand who has upgraded the status of women in the society. Today they can proudly say that they are at par with men in all the spheres of life. Even those orthodox families who once opposed female education are now reaping the fruits of the efforts made by Swami Dayanand.
During this month of Satyarth Prakash, it is recommended that we go through this book and enrich our knowledge about the greatness of the Vedic Religion. It is an undeniable fact that this great masterwork has brought a revolution in the socio-political fabric, not only in Indians but to the whole mankind. It is considered an awakening call in the society. Satyarth Prakash has been translated in some 25 languages. Braille copies are also made available for the benefit of the blind.
V.K.Beeharry
Member
Arya Veer