Mahamana Malaviya Jayanti

25th December 1861, Prayag : Allahabad - Beautiful of all cities in India, at the confluence of the three rivers. Twilight hour - the world rejoices over the birth of Jesus Christ. Angels sing the song of peace and good-will among men.

Tiny temple bells chime in Ahiyapur, Allahabad, in an auspicious hour, on such a glorious day, a baby boy born in the Malaviya Family. The devotee family of Lord Krishna, called him Madan Mohan. In Dharma Jnyanopadesha Pathshala, he started his studies.

In 1880, in Muir College, Allahabad he were studying with Moti Lal Nehru, both of them learn to speak fine English and acquired mastery over the English tongue. In the College Dramatic Society, Shakespear’s “Merchant of Venice” was played in which he played the part of Portia. He spoke so sweetly and pleaded for mercy. His words dropped as gentle rain. He looked like an embodiment of love and compassion. The British Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court went up to the stage after the play was over and congratulated the actor.

In 1929: On the banks of Hoogly, he gave Panchakshara Mantra to the Untouchables and said,” I regard the untouchable, the Chandala, as my brother, just like a brahmin. Bhagwat says “Chandala also can hear discourse of God.”

In 1930: The battle of freedom has begun. The leaders were forbidden to walk along the King’s highway. He along with other leaders sat on Cruickshank Road in Mumbai to defy the ban. “Fearlessness is the only way to freedom” proclaimed Malaviya Ji.

In 1935: A young brahmachari takes a vow to stop the slaughter of animals, in front of Kali temple. After 35 days he was in dying condition. Malaviya Ji arrived and sat by the young man’s side and recited Durga Saptsati. As the recitation was over Malaviya Ji sprinkled Ganga Jal over him. The sleeper woke up from his swoon. His life was saved. Calcutta wondered at Malaviya Ji’s miraculous powers. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore heard the story, and moved by the Malaviya Ji’s tapsaya. “God never forsakes his devotee” said Malaviya Ji.

In 1942: Two sages sit side by side on a dais before a vast concourse of people in the Campus of Benaras University. It was the Silver Jubliee of B.H.U. Holy Kashi became holier by the presence of Mahamana and Mahatma. “Blessed is India that has given birth to Gandhiji and Malaviyaji. Lucky are we to hail the two men today” remarked Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, President of the Jubilee Convocation.

In 1946: When Pt. Nehru took the charge of Government of India, he heard the good news. His eyes glisten and he uttered the memorable words :-

“Apne Desh men Apna Raj”

In 1946 : At Manikarnika Ghat, Benaras the pyre lit. The flames leap up and consumed the dead body of Malaviya Ji. A hapless populace weep aloud on the river-bank. Nature mourn. Whole nation was sorrow stricken. There was Universal grief.

From Noakhali in Bengal, Mahatma Gandhi wrote: “The adored of Bharatvarsh is dead. Long Live Malaviyaji.”

Courtsey : Bhavan’s Journal vol VIII No. 11

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