I have read with great interest “History Of Arya Samaj Nairobi (100 Years Of Vedic Culture)”by Dr.Anand Kumar Srivastava.Dr Anand is Head of Sanskrit Department at C.M.P. Degree College,a constituent college of Allahabad University, Allahabad; and he is a renowned Scholar in Sanskrit Literature.He has written many books,some of them are in the syllabus of various Universities and Institutes.He is an authority in the areas of Classical Sanskrit Literature,Poetics and Grammar.
In this treatise he has gone through the origins of Arya Samaj in Nairobi,the capital city of Kenya.He has traced the historical progress with meticulous detail and panache.He has combined the precision of a historian,the narrating skills of a story teller,the details of a commentrator and the zeal of a scholar.A commendable effort by all means.
As a spiritual movement Arya Samaj has matured and and has now become a religion, passion and dedication for it’s followers and Dr.Anand has told us why?Well written Dr.Anand, a big salute to you Sir.
Here I present just a little introduction of this great History.
Indian contact with the East Coast of Africa dates back to the Pre Christian Era.The influx of Indians,mainly as traders and labourers for construction of roads and railways,commenced in about 1890.The Gujratis were sent for their aptitude and business sense and Punjabis were sent as they were physically stronger and sturdy.Both these communities combined the enthusiasm,vigour,attitude,aptitude and gusto any community needs to progress and to stay forward.So these two communities were in the majority as migrated Indians there.
Arya Samaj was the first Socio religious organization to serve the Hindus that had settled abroad.In the first quarter of 20th century,mainly the missionaries of Arya Samaj movement ventured overseas,carrying with them message of the Vedas to many lands.
When the Aryans;mainly from the Punjab,migrated to Kenya,they felt the need for religious guidance in order that the necessary cultural traditions could be established and maintained.Many migrant Indians were away from their families and roots.They had grown rich and affluent due to their hard work and business sense.But money comes with it’s vices too and elderly Indians were afraid that the newly rich Indians may fall prey to vices in absence of strong cultural and spiritual guidance .So the need was felt to provide the enlightened way of life for fellow Indians at Nairobi.So with this aim Arya Samaj Nairobi was founded on 5th July 1903.It was the first Arya Samaj in East Africa.When other Arya Samajs were established in this region,it worked as a parent unit.
It is considered to be the most advanced and the most resourceful Arya Samaj in the World.Almost all the prominent Swamis and Scholars of Arya Samaj have visited Arya Samaj Nairobi.The members of the Samaj feel that they have a duty towards the land of their adoption.The Samaj is always ready to make a contribution for the upliftment of the African masses through schools and Dispensary.It established the first girl’s educational institution in Kenya in 1910.
The author has tried his best to cover all the aspects of Arya Samaj Nairobi.He has reproduced the texts engraved on metal or marble plaques and often quotes the minutes of Antarang Sabha to make his research authentic.
Krinvanto Vishvam Aryam.Let us unite and-
Cherish the past,
Adore the present;
And build for the future.
The credit for such a stupendous achievement goes to our far –Sighted founders and senior members of Aryan Community.They were the epitome of Religious,Cultural,Social as well as Educational Fervour and Ardour.Their selfless service,devotion,dedication,determination and above all, vision to the cause of Arya Samaj.It’s principles,objectives, and tenets propounded by Swami Dyanand Sraswati,laid the foundation of Arya Samaj in Kenya.Over the years,successive Chairmen have endeavoured to build upon that foundation and have achieved greater height in every respect;and today it stands on very firm footing and continues to propogate the message of it’s founder.
It is quite likely that in a work of this nature,the historic events might get preference over the role of the individual members.This should not be construed to mean otherwise.All efforts have been made to maintain a balance,but it is understandable that events will definitely get precedence over individuals when it comes to the writing of history of organization.
Writing the history of the recent past is a work full of apprehensoins and the same goes for an organization.It is difficult to remain impartial or indifferent as the chances of having pre –conceived notions loom large.
The absence of balanced outlook in the evaluation of facts causes bias and prejudice and the independence of outlook of the writer also becomes suspicious.
Writing history is a mammoth task.Some happenings get lost in the limbo of the past,while some proven facts are lost in oblivion.The writer fills these gaps with his reasoning,that is consistent with the prevailing circumstances.It is here that he has to remain very cautious.Although it is the duty of the historian to present the happenings,serialized according to their periods,still he should arrange te sequence of events in such a manner that they depict continuation of progress.
The word Itihasa is a combination of three Sanskrit words-‘ Iti’ ‘Ha’and ‘Aasa’ which means “Thus it happened is well known.”Thus the word’ Itihasa’(History) gives a description of the happenings of the past,which has no connection either with the present or with the future.Whether it be the history of a country or that of an organization ,the author has to rely heavily upon the available material.It is true that he perceives that material according to his own outlook,discovers the truth in it by his reasoning- talent and then presents it after adorning it with truth.So, it is an important responsibility of the historian to be objective in his approach and make reality as his basis.
The liberal minded sages of Arya Samaj considered the population of the whole world as one family.Their aim has always been ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’(all the men ,living on the earth,should live in bliss.)They propogated the dictum of welfare for all.They wanted to make the whole humanity noble.
The Hindus of ancient India were not merely adventurous traders but they were also very enthusiastic about propogating their culture and religion abroad.Aryans never invaded other countries in order to enslave the people over there;but they traveled to far away lands in connection with the propogation of their religion,culture,trade and values.The lands and islands,known as Greater India;were not its subjugated colonies but they were interwoven with a deeply felt cultural and artistic thread,over the decades.Burma,Sumatra,Jawa and Bali,Thailand,Combodia,Vietnam,Mauritious,Fiji,
Singapore were parts of Greater India.
The Arya Samaj movement created a revolution in the minds of the people of India and they just welcomed the refreshing change as a breeze of fresh air.The sapling of enlightenment created by this movement was so enchanting that it soon availed firm rootings not only in India but in outside places too.It was the power of the vision of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
About forty like minded immigrant Indians assembled at the residence of Shri-Jai Gopalji on River road dated 5th july 1903 and, so Arya Samaj Nairobi was officially formed.Sri- Inder singh and Sri-Badri Nath Arya delivered inspiring speeches and were selected as Chairman and Secretary of the society.Total 39 members established it.In the beginning there was no official building for it so weekly Satsang and meetings were held at any of the homes of the members.Soon the need was being felt for a larger building to hold the meetings and Satsang,so a land was purchased and Arya Samaj Temple was made in Nairobi.
The founding fathers of Arya Samaj knew well that for all their vision a dedicated and loving human heart is the basic virtue.
Social activism is an essential part of one’s spirituality. To remain true to one’s spiritualiy one has to be socially engaged.The forces of Truth,Love,Compassion and Justice can only prevail if a society,group or individual actively and consciously fights the forces of Untruth,Hatred,Injustice and Brutality.
The humanitarian philanthropic and social work of his Arya Samaj has been exemplary and promoted peace,harmony and goodwill across the globe,and Nairobi is no exception.One hundred years constitute a long period and The Arya Samaj would not have continued for such a long time without the dedication,hard work and selfless service of many community leaders who have volunteered their time,energy and efforts for keeping it going and bubbling.It has been egalitarian,dynamic and righteous society.
Arya Samaj movement has blended spiritual upliftment with socio and cultural enrichment of heart and soul as well.The local population too has welcomed it with open heart.
