2012 - Madan Mohan Malaviya | Commemorative Coin

The 5th commemorative coin of 2012 was released to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary Madan Mohan Malaviya.

Madan Mohan Malaviya was one of India’s most respected national leaders, remembered for his contributions to education, politics, social reform, and the freedom movement. Born in 1861 in Allahabad, he grew into a statesman of rare integrity and vision, guided throughout his life by deep patriotism and an unwavering commitment to public service. His name became synonymous with scholarship, moral courage, and the belief that national progress could be achieved only through the spread of knowledge and character-building education. Among his many accomplishments, his role as the founder of Banaras Hindu University stands as a towering legacy that continues to shape India’s intellectual landscape.

Malaviya entered public life at a time when India was awakening to political consciousness. His skills as an orator and his ability to articulate the concerns of the people earned him admiration early in his career. His famous speech at the 1886 Congress Session marked the beginning of a lifelong association with the Indian National Congress. Over the years, he served as Congress President four times and played an influential role in shaping moderate politics within the party. While he firmly opposed injustice and colonial exploitation, he believed in constitutional methods, constructive dialogue, and national unity as essential foundations for India’s march toward self-rule.

Education was the cause closest to Malaviya’s heart. His dream of creating a world-class centre of learning that combined the best of Indian tradition with modern scientific education led to the establishment of Banaras Hindu University in 1916. BHU became, and remains, one of Asia’s largest residential universities, a living testament to Malaviya’s belief in education as the key to national regeneration. He envisioned the university as a place where young Indians would receive not only academic knowledge but also values of service, discipline, and cultural pride. His tireless efforts in fundraising, institution building, and intellectual leadership made him one of India’s greatest educationists.

Beyond politics and education, Malaviya engaged actively in social reform. He worked to eradicate caste discrimination, promote Hindu–Muslim harmony, and improve access to education for marginalised communities. His commitment to journalism was equally notable—he founded the English daily The Leader and played a key role in strengthening the nationalist press, which served as a voice of public opinion during the freedom struggle. He also contributed to civic life, legal advocacy, and industrial development, reflecting his belief that true national progress required collective advancement in every aspect of society.

Madan Mohan Malaviya’s life embodied the values of selflessness, moral strength, and devotion to the nation. He participated in the freedom movement, opposed oppressive colonial policies such as the indentured labour system, and worked tirelessly for India’s cultural and intellectual resurgence. His role in the 1932 Gandhi–Irwin Pact negotiations, his legal defence of revolutionaries in the Chauri Chaura case, and his advocacy for social justice reflected the breadth of his service.

He passed away in 1946, a year before India attained independence, but his ideals and institutions continued to inspire generations. Awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously, Malaviya remains one of India’s most revered nation-builders. His life’s work stands as a reminder that national strength arises not only from political freedom but also from enlightened minds, compassionate hearts, and unwavering integrity.

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