Haryana CM Saini pays tributes to Swami Atmanand on 140th birth anniversary

Haryana is the birthplace of great personalities who have pioneered social, cultural and religious transformations since the Vedic period. This was stated by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during the celebration of 140th birth anniversary of eminent freedom fighter and social reformer Swami Atmanand organised by the Swami Atmanand Haryana Scheduled Caste Education Society at Rohtak on Wednesday.

“These saints and reformers have guided humanity through their teachings, which continue to remain relevant even today. Swami Atmanand dedicated his entire life to uplift the exploited and deprived, consistently opposing casteism and discrimination. Through his association with the Arya Samaj, he made significant contributions toward eradicating social evils," the CM said.

He announced a grant of Rs 51 lakh to the education society and assured that all demands raised by the society would be duly considered and fulfilled. Highlighting the life and contributions of Swami Atmanand, Saini said Swamiji dedicated himself to the welfare of the poor and underprivileged.

“He established the Haryana Harijan Ashram at Rohtak in 1928 and the Swami Atmanand Harijan Trust in 1948. Apart from his role as a social reformer, Swamiji was also an active participant in the freedom movement and worked tirelessly to promote education,” he said.

During the programme, the CM also launched a ‘One Rupee, One Brick’ campaign, under which former MP Sunita Duggal presented a silver brick.

State Cooperation Minister Arvind Sharma also announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh to the Swami Atmanand Scheduled Caste Education Society. BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra said Swami Atmanand dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the poor and underprivileged, while consistently encouraging people to educate their children. He announced a grant of Rs 11 lakh to the education society.

Information Commissioner Amarjeet Singh, former minister Anoop Dhanak, and education society head and former Chief Secretary Satish Chaudhary also addressed the gathering.

Saini also reviewed the preparations for two programmes of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, scheduled to be organised at Rohtak on October 3. The CM gave instructions to the officials to ensure smooth conduct of the events.

Haryana Cooperation Minister Arvind Sharma, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Rohtak Mayor Ram Avtar Valmiki and district officials were also present during the event.