History of the ARYA SAMAJ SOUTH AFRICA
ARYA SAMAJ SOUTH AFRICA
EARLY HISTORY
The Vedic Philosophy expounded by the dynamic reformer, Swami Dayanand Saraswati of India made a tremendous impact on the early settlers in South Africa. It was evident that many of these Indian settlers possessed the firm fibre that would help foster a religious and social awareness in the country. Since the indentured labourer came from the lower socio -economic rungs and was the victim of exploitation, it is easy to see why the Arya Samaj, with its total opposition to discrimination had a great appeal to the early Indian pioneers.
When Hindu society in South Africa was slowly losing its identity, the Arya Samaj was flourishing in India and its swamis were visiting countries abroad where Indians had settled. These pracharaks vigorously set about fostering a Hindu awareness amongst the indentured Indian labourers settled in countries such as Mauritius, Trinidad, British Guiana, Fiji and South Africa. Thus through the good work they undertook, the pioneer pracharaks like Bhai Parmanand, Swami Shankaranand, who in 1912 motivated the formation of the Hindu Maha Sabha, provided a common platform for all Hindus. They paved the way for the future growth of the Arya Samaj in South Africa.
A locally born indentured labourer’s son and stalwart of the Arya Samaj, Pandit Bhawani Dayal, became involved in Gandhiji’s famous Satyagraha. Pandit Bhawani Dayal and his wife were imprisoned on 10 October 1913. Being a staunch Samaji, he ardently preached the Vedic religion. He pioneered the propagation of Indian languages. He also served as the President of Natal Indian Congress.
In 1921, Pt. Ishwardutt Vedalankar came to Natal, becoming the first graduate of Gurukul Kangadi to visit South Africa under the banner of the Arya Yuvuk Sabha. As an eloquent speaker, Panditji attracted the large audiences of all faiths. Mr. D. G. Satyadeva was the life blood of the Arya Yuvak Sabha of which he was President for many years and one of the founders of the Aryan Benevolent Home.
ESTABLISHMENT OF ARYA PRATINIDHI SABHA (APS) 1925
By the end of 1925 a number of Arya Samajs were well established in Natal. There was no central organisation to co-ordinate and give the work done by the different early pioneers any kind of unity. It was Mr D.G. Satyadeva who mooted the idea of a central organization. Shivaratri day, 22 February 1925, heralded the establishment of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha in Natal through which medium the cause of Vedic Religion was advanced. The first officials elected were Pt. Bhawani Dayal (President), B.A. Mahrajh (Secretary), P.R. Pather (assistant Secretary), and R.K. Kapitan (Treasurer),with Durban as the headquarters.
Satsangs, Language Classes, Training of Priests, Music Classes, Theatre, Building of Schools, Social Welfare, and Politics -each of these endeavours fell into the active programmes undertaken by the Arya Samaj nationally and locally.
The Arya Samaj has been an ardent advocate of the emancipation of women. It has given encouragement to the education of women and equality in religious matters. It also encourages the establishment of Stree Samajs run solely by women but which still subscribe to the Ten Principles of the Arya Samaj. Pandita Nanackchand will always be remembered for exhorting a demoralised Hindu society to seek inspiration and rejuvenation in Vedic culture. Her acts of courage and fortitude were recognised by President Mandela who appointed her to be one of the priests at his multi faith wedding ceremony to Graca Machel in August 1998.
THE ARYA PRATINIDHI SABHA TODAY
Today, almost nine decades since its formation, the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha remains a mature and flourishing organisation which continues to offer direction and leadership to the community at large in the religious, social, cultural and educational fields. Its mission remains the promotion the acceptance of the Ten Principles of the Arya Samaj as a blue print for transformation in one’s personal life and in society at large. It aims to conduct and promote all its activities in keeping with the spirit of these principles.
Mr Shishupal Rambharos is an excellent example of the influence of the Aryan Benevolent Home on the lives of the many young children and others who find shelter there. His dedication, commitment and compassion for the downtrodden led him to become the President of the Aryan Benevolent Home and Life President of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.
Pandit Nardev Vedalankar, a graduate of Gurukul Kangadi, arrived in the country in 1947 to teach Gujarati a task which he carried out to the end. He did not return to India and gave lifetime service to successfully propagate the tenets of the Vedic Religion. He is the founding father of the Hindi Shiksha Sangh which was established in 1948 to promote and teach the Hindi Language. His academic excellence in Hinduism has been established by his books which have been published by the Veda Niketan, and the foremost among them is Shastra Navanitam “A Concise Study of Hindu Scriptures.”
VEDA NIKETAN – PUBLISHED LITERATURE
THE VEDA NIKETAN (formed by one of the stalwarts of the Arya Samaj, Pt. Nardev Vedalankar) was established with the objective of teaching the Vedic religion and philosophy by engaging in two broad activities, viz. conducting of graded religious examinations and publishing Vedic Literature in the English language.
The APS has produced numerous books and tracts on Hinduism in both Hindi and the English language to educate the community on the principles, philosophy and practice of the religion. The Sabha was the first Hindu body to address the need to produce literature in the English language.
Havan For Me
This booklet, edited by Dr B Rambilass, brings the Havan right into your home in its simplest form. Guided by this booklet, a family can perform a simple Havan on any family occasion. The performance of Havan/Agnihotra
VEDIC PUROHIT MANDAL
The Vedic Purohit Mandal (Priests’ Academy), also established by Pandit Nardev Vedalankar, trains priests who attend to the religious needs of the community. The emphasis is on the Vedic Principles and philosophy, and the rituals are performed in accordance with the vidhis (prescribed procedure) of the Sixteen Vedic Sanskaras (ceremonies).
Bahukund Yajnas
The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha embarks on grassroots initiative to teach the performance of the Havan Ceremony in its simplest form to the communities at large. The idea is to have Yajnas where many people can participate.
NARAIN JEAWON VEDIC CENTRE (NJVC)
The primary goal of the Narain Jeawon Vedic Centre is the promotion of the Vedic religion, and the educational and health needs of the community. The Centre offers various health services for free to the community at large. These services are offered by young practitioners voluntarily.
ARYA YOUTH LEAGUE (AYL)
Established in 1984, the Arya Youth League today is a youth body, promoting the education of youth on Hindu religion and culture, without isolating them from very important contemporary issues that they also face. The AYL has youth wings throughout Kwa Zulu Natal, with the aim of kindling and sustaining an interest in Hindu Dharma (morals and virtues) and related issues.
ARYA SAMAJ AFFILIATES
Old and new Arya Samaj institutions affiliated to the APS since its establishment. They have excelled themselves in their own areas carrying out the work of the Arya Samaj. The main objects were to uplift the community in the religious, social and educational fields. Many affiliates have gone beyond their own expectations in serving the larger community in their own areas irrespective of caste, creed or colour.
Some of our affiliates are: Arya Mithra Mundal Reservoir Hills, Arya Samaj Asherville, Arya Sthree Samaj Raisethorpe, Arya Samaj Phoenix, Avoca Cultural Society, Veda Dharma Sabha Howick, Isipingo Beach Arya Samaj, Orient Heights Arya Samaj, Arya Samaj Ladysmith, Plessislaer Arya Samaj, Raisethorpe Arya Samaj, Shree Ramayan Sabha Overport, Silverglen Arya Samaj, Veda Dharma Sabha Isipingo, Veda Dharama Sabha Verulam, Yuvak Arya Samaj Clairwood, Veda Dharma Sabha Pietermaritzburg, Veda Dharma Sabha Pretoria and Arya Samaj Gauteng.
POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION
An ex-Robben Island prisoner, and former Minister of Transport has the following to say about the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha:
“The APS comes with a rich legacy of struggle. This legacy has been enriched by our experiences in South Africa as we were engaged in the fight for non-racialsim and democracy. The resources of the APS and its affiliates were made available to the people. In the anti-pass campaigns, the passive resistance campaigns, the freedom charter campaign, the Campaigns of the United Democratic Front, and countless other resistance activities religious organisations like the APS gave their support and for this they will always be remembered.”– Mac Maharaj
Some of the political activists who actively participated with the political leaders in the resistance movements were Swami Bhawani Dayal, Gopallal Hurbans, Sewsunker Lalbahadur Singh, Vishwaprea Supersad, Abanindranath Chanrakesh Badal and others too numerous to mention.