Haryana Day: President Murmu at the gurukul that gave India 125 NDA officers

Kurukshetra. President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said gurukuls help keep India’s knowledge traditions and moral values alive while preparing young people to build the nation. She spoke as Haryana celebrated 60 years of statehood.

Murmu was chief guest at the 114th foundation day of Gurukul Kurukshetra. The event also began the centenary of the martyrdom of its founder, Swami Shraddhanand, the freedom fighter and educationist who set up the institution in 1912. She paid tribute to his sacrifice and praised the Gurukul’s work for Vedic education.

‘The real Gen Z’

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, long associated with the Gurukul, said 125 of its students had become armed forces officers through the National Defence Academy (NDA). About 1,500 students study there now, and many have gone on to the IITs.

Gurukul students, he said, were “the real Gen Z” because they learn discipline and values along with their lessons. He said the strict routine and focus on fitness make them strong, self-reliant and people of good character.

Devvrat called the campus a living legacy of Swami Shraddhanand, who drove the Shuddhi Movement from this land and worked from here during the freedom struggle. He unveiled the logo of the ‘Balidan Shatabdi Samaroh’ and said programmes would run through the year to tell young people about the Swami’s life and reforms.

Take education to the last person’: CM Saini

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini welcomed the President and said her visit showed how much education matters. The campus, he said, joins the inspiration of history, the pride of the present and a resolve for the future. He wished people on Haryana Day and called the day special for every resident, as it marked the state’s diamond jubilee.

Saini said Swami Shraddhanand awakened self-respect in colonial India, pushed social reform and gave his life to the freedom movement. Inspired by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, he worked for a society built on knowledge, character and service.

“A nation’s future is shaped by the values and capabilities of its youth,” Saini said, describing the Swami’s belief. The Swami wanted schools that turned out knowledgeable, disciplined, brave and self-reliant students devoted to the country.

The centenary, the Chief Minister said, was a call for everyone to be more mindful of their duties. Taking education “to the last person in society” would be the best tribute to the Swami.

He said the Gurukul supports students’ all-round growth by blending Indian tradition with a scientific outlook. He thanked its teachers, staff, supporters and alumni, and praised Devvrat’s dedication to the institution. He also lauded Devvrat for practising natural farming on 180 acres without chemical pesticides.

Swami gave his property for the Gurukul: Governor Ghosh

Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh called Swami Shraddhanand’s life a rare example of truthfulness, fearlessness, service and selflessness. He described him as a leading figure in Dayanand Saraswati’s tradition.

Ghosh said the Swami gave away his personal property to set up the Gurukul and revive Vedic education. For him, society and the nation came before personal comfort. He saw education as a way to build character, self-discipline and a sense of duty, not just as a path to a job. His aim was to raise truthful, disciplined and responsible citizens.

Sacrifice “did not merely mean embracing death,” Ghosh said. It meant rising above self-interest, fear and comfort to serve society. People could honour the Swami by working for society, education and the nation as far as they are able, he said, adding that his ideals would keep inspiring future generations.

Students stage the Swami’s life

Students performed mallakhamb, Surya Namaskar and drills. A special show traced the Swami’s life, struggles, social reforms and sacrifice. Swami Shraddhanand was assassinated in Delhi in December 1926.

Representatives of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and other dignitaries attended.