Some key aspects of the towering personality of Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University, reveal the depth of his extraordinary character.
Honoured with the title Mahamana by Mahatma Gandhi and awarded the Bharat Ratna, Malaviya ji stood for purity, courage, discipline, and unwavering devotion to the nation.
His life reflects a rare blend of scholarship, spirituality, patriotism, and selfless service—qualities that continue to inspire generations even today.
- Madan Mohan Malaviya’s ancestors originally came from the Malwa region of present-day Madhya Pradesh and later settled in Prayagraj. Because of their roots in Malwa, the family received the title “Malaviya,” which Madan Mohan Malaviya later adopted.
- Malviya was born in Allahabad (Prayagraj) on December 25, 1861, into a Brahmin family.
His father’s name was Brijnath Malaviya, and his mother’s name was Moona Devi. At the age of sixteen, he married Kundan Devi of Mirzapur.
Malviya came from a lineage known for deep knowledge of Hindu scriptures and strong Sanskrit scholarship. His ancestors were highly respected for their learning and wisdom.
- Mahamana- means a very kind and generous person. Mahatma Gandhi gave this title to Malaviya because of his good nature.
- From childhood, Malviya showed the qualities of a gifted speaker. At the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, he often addressed people on topics related to Hinduism. This early practice helped him develop into a powerful national-level orator at a young age.
- Malaviya dedicated his life to the nation. Although he was a famous and successful lawyer, he left his legal practice in 1911 to serve society. But when 177 freedom fighters were sentenced to death in the Chauri Chaura case, he went back to court. Through his strong arguments, he saved 156 of them from the death penalty.
- Malaviya ji introduced the tradition of blowing the conch during Congress sessions, giving the national movement a sacred and cultural touch. For him, the conch was not just a symbol—it was a call for purity, courage, and unity. At a time when India was fighting foreign rule, the sound of the conch reminded people of their spiritual strength and cultural roots. This simple act by Malaviya ji filled every Congress gathering with new energy and patriotism.
- Malaviya ji was one of the earliest national leaders to demand complete prohibition of alcohol in India. He believed that liquor destroyed families, weakened society, and eroded the nation’s moral strength.
- It was Malaviya who helped popularise the phrase “Satyameva Jayate”—meaning Truth alone triumphs. Taken from the Mundaka Upanishad, this powerful message later became the national motto of India. Malaviya emphasised this ideal during the 1918 Congress session, where he served as President, giving the phrase a new national importance.
- Malaviya ji fought fearlessly for Hindu rights during the Khilafat and Cow-protection movements, standing firmly for the dignity and safety of his community. At a time of rising tensions and political pressure, he spoke with courage, clarity, and deep conviction. He urged people to protect their traditions peacefully but strongly, and he defended Hindu interests without ever promoting hatred. His balanced yet bold leadership made him a respected voice for justice and harmony across the nation.
- Malaviya ji played a quiet yet influential role in selecting Annie Besant as the first woman President of the Indian National Congress. He deeply respected her courage, scholarship, and commitment to India’s freedom. Without seeking credit, he guided leaders to recognise her abilities at a time when women rarely held such positions. His silent support helped open a historic path, showing how Malaviya ji always worked for the nation’s progress.
- When Malaviya ji fell seriously ill, many urged him to enter Kashi’s sacred boundary so he could attain liberation. But he firmly refused. He believed his duty toward India was not complete, and he wished for another birth to continue serving the nation. For him, moksha could wait, but the country’s needs could not. His decision to stay outside Kashi in his final days shows the depth of his devotion and his extraordinary spirit of selfless service.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT
- Malaviya ji never used British goods and always chose swadeshi items, even when they were costly or difficult to find. For him, swadeshi was not just a political message—it was a daily discipline and a silent protest against foreign rule. He believed every Indian should strengthen the nation by supporting Indian products. Through his simple lifestyle and firm choices, Malaviya ji inspired thousands to adopt swadeshi and showed how true patriotism begins with small, personal sacrifices.
- Malaviya ji strongly opposed the idea of separate electorates because he believed it would break the nation into pieces. At a time when British policies encouraged religious and social division, he stood firmly for unity. He warned that separate electorates would create permanent walls between communities and weaken India’s freedom struggle. His voice was calm but powerful, reminding leaders that a divided country could never become strong. For Malaviya ji, national unity was sacred and non-negotiable.
