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Birth Anniversary of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
- 25 Dec 2025
- 3 min read
The birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya is observed on 25th December.
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
- About: Born on 25th December 1861 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern India, blending educational reform, the freedom struggle, journalism, and social service.
- Mahatma Gandhi called Malaviyaji Devata Purush, Rabindranath Tagore titled him Mahamana (however some sources have attributed it to Mahatma Gandhi), and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan described him as a Karmayogi.
- Key Contributions:
- Role in India’s Freedom Struggle: He was a key participant in Gandhiji’s Salt Satyagraha and the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930, and served as President of the Indian National Congress four times (1909, 1918, 1932, 1933).
- Functioned as a member of the Imperial Legislative Council for 11 years (1909–20) and successfully introduced the Devanagari script in British-Indian courts.
- Popularized the term Satyameva Jayate (from Mundaka Upanishad), which later became India's national motto.
- Helped establish the Hindu Mahasabha in 1915.
- Returned to the legal profession specifically to defend those accused in the Chauri Chaura incident (1922).
- Educational Pioneer: Founded the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916. He was also a key figure in establishing scouting for Indian youth.
- Social Reform: Played a pivotal role in ending the indenture system, liberating many Indians from bonded labour.
- Environmental Activism: Established the Ganga Mahasabha in 1905 to prevent British damming of the Ganga at Bhimgoda in Haridwar.
- Journalism: Founded multiple publications including Hindi weekly Abhyudaya (1907), Hindi monthly Maryada (1910), and English daily Leader (1909); served as Chairman of Hindustan Times Board.
- Role in India’s Freedom Struggle: He was a key participant in Gandhiji’s Salt Satyagraha and the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930, and served as President of the Indian National Congress four times (1909, 1918, 1932, 1933).
- Recognition: Awarded Bharat Ratna in 2014; honored with Mahamana Express train service (Varanasi–New Delhi) in 2016.
| Read More: Madan Mohan Malaviya Jayanti |
