VA Hindu by faith created a secular BHU

Malviyaji revisited by VIshwanath Pandey

No offence meant but Vishwa Nath Pandey and Pandit Madam Mohan Malviya share one common asset. Their long and sustained association with BHU ( Banaras Hindu University. Courtesey Vishanath, I have been a privileged guest and speaker in various departments of the BHU. I still cherish fond memories of my visit and stay at the international guest house. It was a treat. the add-on was the boat-ride across  the Ganges to Rampur which is widely known for its legendry Ramleela patronsied by its erstwhile ruler.

I have just finished 486-page collector's monument Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and the Format Years of Indian Nationalism i on the life and ideas of the four-time Congress President Pandit ji whom Gandhi addressed as his elder brother.  Brought out in 2015 by LG Publishers Distribuors and priced at Rs 1250 Some cynics have attributed various differences between these twp stalwarts but there was a mutual respect and accommodation throughout three decades of association. People refer to the formation of a parallel educational institution in Banaras at the behest of Gandhi ji. But there is always a scope of many fountain heads of knowledge and philosophy.

Banaras is considered to be the oldest living city of not only India but of the world. Prime ministerNarendra Modi took a strategic decision to represent this city in Lok Sabha. It has given him a head start in and out of parliament. But coming back about Pandey's tribute to the creator of his alma mater the BHU, it contains 16 addresses and interventions by Malviya in the provincial and the legislative council. Malviya contribution in establishing the BHU has become a folktale. The way he approached all the possible princely sources to collect funds for his cherished dream is an unparalleled enterprise for the cause of higher education. Malviya gave an impression that he was deeply embedded in religion but his aim in creating the BHU was the promotion of technical education. Moreover his religion was not exclusive or limiting. Because Hindusim is not a religion but a way of life. It was the western charade who beat a  tom tom against it.  Today the BHU attracts students and scholars from all parts of the world to study Indian history, philosophy, mythology and in particular Sanskrit language. One name comes to my mind is of Oscar Pujol, a Spaniard with whom I interacted closely because of my interest in Latin America.

Another acclaimed historian and a former professor of the JNU Mushirul Hasan says in his foreword to this work: The BHU stands out as a tribute to its founder. Creation of the Aligarh Muslim University by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. and the BHU by Malviyaji were two milestones in providing a solid foundation to higher education in British India. The British tried to stop it but Malviy fought tooth and nail through his eloquent pleading in the legislature.

The book has consciously avoided any political controversy. Nehru, Gandhi, RSS, Jan Sangh and Congress included. Malviya ji believed in Sanatan Dharma but his faith didn't harbor on any anti-Muslim feelings. Pandey has signed off this offering by quoting Malviya's last message where he had asked Hindus to be non-violent but not cowardice when it comes to their self-respect and religion.