Social Activist and Arya Samaj Leader Swami Agnivesh Dies at 80 after Multi-organ Failure

Former Haryana MLA and Arya Samaj leader Swami Agnivesh, who was hospitalised due to liver cirrhosis and was in a critical condition, died at a hospital in New Delhi. The 80-year-old social activist was admitted at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in New Delhi and was on ventilator since Tuesday due to multi-organ failure.

His last rites will be performed on Saturday at Agnilok Ashram in Behelpa, Gurgaon at 4 pm. Before that, his body will be kept at his office in 7, Jantar Mantar Road so that people can pay last respects. Those coming to pay last respects have been urged to follow COVID-19 protocols.

Agnivesh founded a political party, Arya Sabha, that was based on the principles of the Arya Samaj in 1970. He was also an advocate for the dialogue between religions. He was involved in various areas of social activism including campaigns against female foeticide and the emancipation of women.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were among those who condoled his demise. “Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of social activist & champion of women’s rights Swami Agnivesh Ji. My condolences to his admirers & followers. RIP,” Puri tweeted.

“Grieved at the passing of Swami Agnivesh, who gave up a career as a professor in Kolkata to fight for many causes. My condolences to his friends and followers,” Banerjee posted on Twitter.

Gandhi called his demise an “irreparable loss” to the country. “Swami Agnivesh, the founder of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and revolutionary leader of Arya Samaj passed away today. His demise is an irreparable loss to the entire country and Arya Samaj. My humble tribute to him,” he posted on Twitter in Hindi.

Mourning the loss of the Arya Samaj leader, activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan said, “The demise of Swami Agnivesh is a huge tragedy. A true warrior for humanity and tolerance. Among the bravest that I knew, willing to take huge risks for public good.Was brutalised in Jharkhand by a BJP/RSS lynch mob 2 yrs ago. Liver got damaged. RIP Agnivesh ji.”