Madan Mohan Malaviya, who passed away on 12 November 1946, was a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement, a distinguished scholar, and an educational reformer, best known as the founder of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 2014.
Key Contributions and Roles
- Educational Reform: Malaviya co-founded Banaras Hindu
University (BHU) in 1916 with the aim of integrating modern scientific
knowledge with Indian traditions. He served as the university's
Vice-Chancellor from 1919 to 1938.
- Indian Independence
Movement: A four-time
President of the Indian National Congress (1909, 1918, 1932, 1933), he
actively participated in major independence movements.
- Social Activism: He advocated for Hindu-Muslim
unity, the removal of caste barriers, and was instrumental in ending the
Indian indenture system.
- Journalism and Media: Malaviya founded the English
newspaper The Leader in 1919 and served as Chairman of
the Hindustan Times from 1924 to 1946.
- Legal Career: As a lawyer, he successfully
defended many accused in the Chauri Chaura case, preventing numerous death
sentences.
Nicknames
and Legacy
- He was widely known
as "Mahamana" (Great Soul).
- Malaviya is credited
with popularizing India's national motto, 'Satyamev Jayate' (Truth
alone triumphs).
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