Dr Oudaye Narain Gangoo, President, Arya Sabha Mauritius, is an eloquent orator and a Vedic scholar of repute. He is recognised as an authority on the Arya Samäj not only in Mauritius but also in other countries including India. Because of his devotion to the Arya Samaj and his great capacity for organization, he is a respected name in the Arya Samaj circles. The simplicity in his behaviour, his seriousness of approach, wisdom and composure in handling different situations as well as straightforward and hardworking nature have impressed me ever since 1 knew him from the days of Satyärtha Prakasha Centenary Celebrations in Mauritius in 1998.
He is highly respected as a teacher and is popularly known as 'Guruji'. As General President of the International Aryan Conference held in connection with the Centenary Celebrations of the establishment of the first unit of Arya Samaj in Mauritius, I have seen him at work and, in my opinion, Särvadeshik Ärya Pratinidhi Sabha, New Delhi has taken a wise decision in conferring the title of 'Arya Ratna' on him a title which he deserves.
Dr Gangoo is a versatile writer and has many books in Hindi and English to his credit. He is also Chief Editor of the 'Aryodaye' the mouthpiece of the Arya Sabhā Mauritius. That a person of his stature has undertaken to write the history of the 'The Arya Samaj movement in Mauritius and South Africa' is indeed a matter of pleasure and satisfaction.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part deals with the conditions prevalent in Indian society at the time when Swāmī Dayānanda Saraswati appeared on the social landscape. In addition to a brief life story of the great Swami, his works and beliefs are succinctly discussed.
The second part is devoted to the history of the Arya Samaj movement in Mauritius. The 100-years of this dynamic movement are divided into four periods while section three deals with the activities of Arya Samaj in South Africa.
A reading of the book suggests that it is a highly researched work. The research has been patient, painstaking and thorough. The author has consulted primary sources. He has spent quite some time in South Africa collecting the necessary material. The language of the book is forceful and absorbing. In fact, the author has lived up to his reputation. This much needed work about the history of the Arya Samaj in this part of the world, will serve as a reference for others who will be later working on the history of the Arya Samaj. Any library will be richer with such a book.
We hope to have more of such publications from Dr Gangoo's pen in the future. May God be with him.
The movement Swami Dayananda Saraswati launched way back in 1875. it is generally agreed,came as a beacon to enlighten the path of humanity in India. With the passage of time, it has reverberated beyond the shores of India. Today, the Arya Samaj plays an important role among the Indian Diaspora.
Its impact is being felt among the descendents of those sons and daughters of Mother India who, many years ago, left their motherland to start life anew under very harsh conditions in many instances, in their country of adoption.
I have, ever since my childhood, been associated with the Arya Samaj movement in Mauritius as well as with the magnum opus of Swami Dayananda Saraswati The Satyärtha Prakäsha which in many ways has been a source of inspiration to me while guiding my path.
This book, Arya Samaj in Mauritius and South Africa' sheds light on the philosophy of the movement which has been a source of inspiration to the many men and women who have served it selflessly.
In the process, they have dedicated a life-time to the service of others. Their lustre still radiates over the Arya Samaj movement. I have to add that the list of these people is so lengthy that I have not been able to include all of them in this work. I crave their indulgence.
While preparing this book,I have made use of the works of many authors to whom I am extremely grateful. My friend, Mr Mithyl Banymandhub, took the trouble of reading the manuscript and offered many valuable suggestions. I would like to place on record his generosity. Mr Mithyl Banymandhub also read the typed material and made the necessary corrections.
Professor Ramprakash, former Minister of Science and Technology of the Punjab University spontaneously agreed to write the Foreword of this book. I am appreciative of his interest in this publication.
Finally, I offer this book to the lotus feet of Maharshi Dayānanda Saraswati whose spirit hovered over me all the while I was working on it and has always been a source of inspiration to me.
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