1: Birth and Early Life of Swami Dayanand Saraswati

- Swami Dayanand Saraswati was born as Mool Shankar Tiwari on 12th February 1824 in Tankara, Gujarat.

- His parents, Lalji Tiwari and Yashodhabai belonged to an orthodox Brahmin family.

- Due to being born under Mool Nakshatra, he was named Mool Shankar in his childhood.

- During the years 1845-60, he wandered as an ascetic in pursuit of truth.

2: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati’s Philosophical Journey and Contributions to Society

- Swami Dayanand was not only an Indian philosopher but a notable social leader and the formative figure behind the Arya Samaj.

- His consequential work, Satyarth Prakash (The True Exposition) encapsulate his ideas and views.

- He became the first protagonist for Swaraj (self-rule) with his visionary call "India for Indian" in 1876.

- Believing in a classless, casteless and united India, he strived for India's freedom from foreign rule.

- He envisioned Aryan religion as the common thread uniting all Indians.

- A firm believer in the Vedas, he considered them to be the foundation stone of Hinduism which led him to coin the phrase “Back to the Vedas”.

- He also championed the Vedic chaturvarna system, where caste isn't determined by birth but by a person’s occupation.

3: Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s Contribution to the Educational Sphere

- Saraswati introduced revolutionary changes in the Indian educational system and was seen as a key visionary shaping modern India.

- The establishment of DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) schools in 1886 realised his vision to reform the education sector.

- The first DAV School was established at Lahore with Mahatma Hansraj as the headmaster.

4: Know About Arya Samaj

- Arya Samaj seeks to reestablish the supremacy of the Vedas as the absolute truth, rejecting all post-Vedic additions.

- The organisation has been a powerful force for social reform, upholding the sanctity of the Vedas, karma, samsara, cow protection, and societal change.

- It opposes several traditional practices such as animal sacrifice, murtis worship, rituals for ancestors (shraddha), caste-based birth system, untouchability, child marriage, pilgrimages, and temple offerings.

- Arya Samaj has been instrumental in furthering female education, advocating intercaste marriage, setting up missions, orphanages, and homes for widows, establishing a network of schools and colleges, and contributing towards famine relief and medical works.

In conclusion, the 200th birth anniversary celebration of Swami Dayanand Saraswati indeed offers an opportunity to reflect upon his profound impacts that have helped shape modern India. His teachings continue to enlighten and create social reforms even today.