eVaranasi.com

by

Ruchika Mohla

When we think about India, we think about its great history; the people and events that helped to shape the nation into what it is today. We automatically think of Mahatma Gandhi, a man so dedicated to bring India its independence, that he wouldn’t let anything stop him. This inexhaustible figure stood as a symbol of hope and independence to India and her people. His belief in nonviolent disobedience served as the tool in gaining independence from Great Britain. Like Gandhiji, many figures stand out in India’s history. Figures who showed they would fight for what they believed in. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was one such figure.

Pandit Vrajanath, the father of Pandit Malaviya, earned his income by reciting stories about Sri Krishna and his devotees. This collection of stories was entitled Srimad Bhagavatha. He had no other way of supporting him and his wife. He was a firm believer of God and had faith that his God would let those who trusted him down. Unfortunately, Vrajanath’s father, Pandit Premadhar Malaviya, died. Vrajanath went to Gaya to complete the services when he was approached by the priests after the ceremony. The priests told him to pray to God that he grant him whatever he asks. The priests then gave him their blessings. Pandit Vrajanath faced the east and said, "God, grant me a son the equal of whom has not been born and never be born." Unaware of the power of his wish, Pandit Vrajanath’s prayers were answered.

The day came, December 25, 1861, when Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was born in Allahabad, a city in north central India. He was born to Pandit Vrajanath and Moona Devi, an orthodox Brahmin family. Many people heard of the birth and they visited the family to congratulate them on their gift. Although his family was not wealthy, they were very well respected. People greatly admired Pandit Vrajanath for his good nature, pure life, and his scholarship. Because of this admiration, Madan Mohan was greatly loved by all and he grew up being a cheerful and active boy.

At the age of five, Madan Mohan began his education. There was no school located in his hometown; however, a scholar, Pandit Haradeva, was running his own school. Vrajanath took his son to Haradeva for admission into his school. After asking the boy to recite a sacred verse (shloka), Haradeva exclaimed, "You will bring lasting fame to your family and your family will become great because of you!" This marked the beginning of Madan Mohan’s education.

Pandit Haradeva taught Mohan a work called "Laghu Kaumudi" in Sanskrit. He also taught him verses from the Bhagavad-Gita and many other different works. At the age of eight, Madan Mohan was declared ready to begin his serious studies and disciplined life. He was very self-disciplined and enjoyed engaging in children’s games. After learning that there were many children attending schools where English was taught, Madan Mohan asked his father to admit him into one such school. The price was difficult for the family to pay but even this obstacle was overcome. The boy’s mother, Moona Devi, sold her gold bangles to obtain the money her son would need. In no time, Madan Mohan was attending an English school of his choice.

He was under the instruction of a very strict teacher, Gordon Saheb. If the children weren’t at school by the designated time, they would be punished. The financial condition of Madan Mohan’s family was not good at this time. Before school, Madan had to eat food that had been cooked the previous day. Moreover, he had to walk to the house of a nearby classmate each evening to get his school work done since he could not study comfortably at his own home.

In 1881, Mohan passed the F.A. Examination and became a student of Muir Central College. In 1884, he passed the B.A. Examination at Calcutta University. He wanted to test for the M.A. Degree but decided to take up employment in hopes to help his family’s financial condition. He was fifteen at this point and attended an assembly of scholars in Mirzapur with his uncle. The scholars were so surprised by the intelligence of this boy, that they showered him with praise. One scholar, Pandit Nanda Roy, wanted him to marry his daughter Kundana Devi. Kundana Devi was very supportive and understanding of Madan Mohan. Mohan then took up employment as a teacher on a salary of forty rupees a month.

At the second meeting of the Indian National Congress, Madan Mohan delivered a speech that grasped the attention of every single listener. His speech was later described as "unforgettable." It was at this meeting that Mohan met Maharaja Shri Ram Pal Singh, the owner of a weekly called "The Hindustan." He asked Mohan to become editor of the paper and handed over the management to him.

Like all people in the world, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya had a dream. His dream was to build a Hindu university. When the twenty-first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Benares, he brought up his ideas. He obtained sacred land in Benares and traveled all across the country to get funds to pay for the university. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya is proof that you can do anything if you put your mind and heart into it. On February 4, 1916, the Benares Hindu University was finally ready. People from all over came to celebrate this auspicious day. The goal of this university was to teach its youth about the Indian culture. The students were taught to protect their religion and respect the many others. The university instilled moral values in the students and allowed them to explore their religion for themselves.

In 1931, the Second Round Table Conference met in London. At this conference, some Indian leaders had a discussion with the British Government. Mahatma Gandhi decided to take Madan Mohan Malaviya with him. He is greatly remember for his speech at the Conference and was highly spoken of by his fellow leaders. He was known to be a brilliant speaker and was admired by all. This was a difficult time in which India was under British rule. Many horrible incidents occurred in which people were killed and injured. Once such incident occurred in a place called Naokhali. A brutal slaughter took place and Madan Mohan was greatly troubled both physically and emotionally. Unable to bear the terrible shock of this event, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya passed away on November 12, 1946. His death was greatly mourned by the nation.

Malaviya may not stand out as brightly as Mahatma Gandhi, but he was the major ‘invisible’ foundation in the shaping of our nation. Madan Mohan helped to strengthen the Indian Culture by educating the youth. He believed that to preserve the Indian culture, the next generation would have to be educated well enough to respect and value their religion. The Benares Hindu University did just that. It educated the students and made them feel proud of their religion and what it had to offer. The Government of India followed his lead and established three other universities of the same type in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. Malaviya’s dedication and commitment should serve as the inspiration to others to put their entire heart and soul into what they believe. His dream helped to make India what it is today- a country of great pride and culture. As Gandhiji is given the name " Father of the Nation," so is Malaviya the "Teacher of the Nation."

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