New Delhi: Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya played a key role in the Indian Independence Movement and was the founder of Banaras Hindu University. On his 75th death anniversary, the country remembers this astute statesman.
Born in Allahabad
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, known as Mahanama, was born on December 25, 1861, to a Brahmin family in Prayagraj (then Allahabad). His father's name was Brijnath and his mother's name was Moonadevi. Mohan Malaviya did his early education in Allahabad and then received a BA degree from the University of Calcutta. Within two years of completing his legal education, he started practising in the High Court.
During his lifetime, Madan Mohan Malaviya took over many responsibilities as a freedom fighter, journalist, social reformer as well as a lawyer.
Served as Congress President
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya served as Congress president in 1909, 1918, 1932 and 1933. He was known as a moderate leader. After starting 'Indian Opinion', an English daily in 1889, Malviya, from 1907, became the editor of the Hindi weekly 'Abhyudaya' for two years.
Fought case of freedom fighters
Madan Mohan Malaviya, who received the Bharat Ratna, quit advocacy and started social service in 1911. However, he advocated in the case for 177 freedom fighters arrested in the Chauri-Chaura case and acquitted 156 of them. All the accused were sentenced to death.
The Nation Pays Tributes
Remembering Mahamana on his death anniversary, tributes poured in from different quarters, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Lok Sabh Speaker Om Birla, Mumbai Congress among others.