BHU’s Founder: Facts About Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was established by Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916. It is a public central university located in Varanasi. BHU has 12,000 students residing on its campus, it is the largest residential university in Asia. 6 institutes, 14 streams, and about 140 departments form the BHU. It has students coming in from 48 countries.

BHU's founder, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was notable for his role in the Indian independence movement.

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Here are some facts about the founder of BHU, Madan Mohan Malaviya:

1. Satyameva Jayete

Madan Mohan Malaviya has been credited with popularising 'Satyameva Jayate'- India's national motto. Panditji did not coin the term.

2. BHU

He worked hard to make Banaras Hindu University (BHU) a reality. When he was denied funding by the Nizam, he supposedly auctioned his slipper at a market. The same Nizam bid for the chappal and bought it at a massive price.

3. Politics

Even though a Congress leader, today even the BJP sees him as an inspiration, just like Vallabhbhai Patel. He was president of the Indian National Congress for four times.

4. Hindu-Muslim Unity

Malaviya is often described as a Hindu nationalist, but he always strived for Hindu-Muslim unity.Here is an excerpt from his presidential address at the INC's Calcutta session in 1933.

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"I implore all Hindus and Mussalmans, Sikhs, Christians and Parsees and all other countrymen to sink all communal differences and to establish political unity among all sections of the people. In the midst of much darkness, I see a clear vision that the clouds which have long been hanging over our heads are lifting. Let every son and daughter do his or her duty to expedite the advent of dawn of the day of freedom and happiness. Truth is on our side. Justice is with us. God will help us. We are sure to win. Vande Mataram."

5. Chauri Chaura

Panditji used to practice law at Allahabad High Court. He was the one to defend most the accused in 1922 Chauri Chaura riots. He is said to have saved 153 accused of getting the death penalty.