The birth anniversary of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, fondly remembered as Mahamana, is observed on 25th December every year. He was one of the foremost architects of modern India—an educationist, freedom fighter, journalist, social reformer, and nationalist leader who seamlessly blended Indian cultural values with modern institutions.
About Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
- Born: 25 December 1861
- Birthplace: Prayagraj (then Allahabad)
- Died: 12 November 1946
- Titles & Epithets:
- Devata Purush – by Mahatma Gandhi
- Mahamana – by Rabindranath Tagore (though some sources attribute it to Gandhi)
- Karmayogi – by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Malaviyaji symbolised selfless service (Seva), moral courage, and national awakening during the colonial period.
Role in India’s Freedom Struggle
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was a moderate nationalist initially, but gradually aligned with mass-based movements led by Gandhiji.
Key Contributions
- Actively participated in:
- Salt Satyagraha
- Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
- Served as President of the Indian National Congress four times:
- 1909, 1918, 1932, 1933
- Member of the Imperial Legislative Council (1909–1920) for 11 years
- Advocated civil liberties
- Raised issues of Indian education, press freedom, and judicial reforms
- Successfully ensured the use of Devanagari script in British-Indian courts, strengthening Indian languages in administration.
Defender of Civil Liberties: Chauri Chaura Case
In 1922, after the Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters were sentenced to death, Malaviyaji returned to legal practice specifically to defend them.
- He argued the case before the Privy Council
- Most death sentences were commuted, saving many lives
This act cemented his reputation as a fearless humanitarian lawyer.
Educational Pioneer: Founder of BHU
Malaviyaji’s greatest legacy lies in education.
Banaras Hindu University (1916)
- Founded Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi
- Envisioned as:
- A modern university
- Rooted in Indian knowledge systems
- Promoting science, technology, philosophy, and ethics together
- Supported by:
- Annie Besant
- Donations from Indian princes and public contributions
Today, BHU is among India’s largest and most prestigious universities.
Other Educational Contributions
- Promoted scouting and youth movements in India
- Advocated national education with moral and spiritual grounding
Social Reforms and National Causes
Ending the Indenture System
- Played a vital role in the campaign against the indenture system, which sent Indian labourers to colonies under exploitative contracts.
- His efforts contributed to its abolition, freeing thousands from bonded labour.
Religious & Cultural Nationalism
- Helped establish the Hindu Mahasabha in 1915
- Advocated:
- Cultural unity
- Social harmony
- Reform within Hindu society
Environmental Activism: Protector of the Ganga
Long before environmentalism became mainstream, Malaviyaji took decisive action to protect rivers.
- Founded Ganga Mahasabha in 1905
- Opposed British plans to dam the Ganga at Bhimgoda (Haridwar)
- His efforts led to:
- Legal recognition of river flow rights
- One of India’s earliest environmental mass movements
Journalism and Public Discourse
Malaviyaji strongly believed that a free press is the soul of democracy.
Publications Founded
- Abhyudaya (Hindi weekly, 1907)
- Maryada (Hindi monthly, 1910)
- Leader (English daily, 1909)
Other Roles
- Chairman of the Hindustan Times Board
- Used journalism to:
- Spread nationalism
- Promote Indian languages
- Awaken social consciousness
Satyameva Jayate: A National Ideal
Pandit Malaviya popularised the phrase “Satyameva Jayate” from the Mundaka Upanishad.
- Meaning: Truth Alone Triumphs
- Later adopted as India’s National Motto
- Embodied his lifelong commitment to truth, ethics, and justice
Recognition and Legacy
- Bharat Ratna (2014) – India’s highest civilian award
- Mahamana Express train service (Varanasi–New Delhi) launched in 2016
- His birthday, 25 December, is also observed as Good Governance Day in India
Why Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Matters Today (Exam Perspective)
- Symbol of education-led nation-building
- Early advocate of environmental conservation
- Bridge between moderate and mass nationalism
- Champion of Indian languages, press freedom, and civil liberties
Conclusion
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was not just a freedom fighter but a nation-builder in the truest sense. His vision of an India rooted in ethical values, education, environmental balance, and cultural confidence remains deeply relevant even today. Remembering Mahamana is not merely paying tribute to the past—it is reaffirming the ideals that shape India’s future.
Prelims Fact Box
| Topic | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| Birth | 25 December 1861 |
| University Founded | BHU (1916) |
| National Motto | Satyameva Jayate |
| Environmental Body | Ganga Mahasabha |
| Highest Award | Bharat Ratna (2014) |
✍️ Mains Relevance
GS Paper I: Modern Indian History
GS Paper II: Education, Governance
GS Paper IV: Ethics, Values, Role Models
Keywords: Education-led nationalism, ethical politics, environmental consciousness, press freedom
🧠 Model Mains Value Addition Line
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya exemplified value-based nationalism, where education, ethics, environment, and freedom were inseparable pillars of nation-building.
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