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Madan Mohan Malaviya
This great nationalist, independent movement leader and journalist was born on 25 December 1861 in Allahabad. Madan Mohan Malaviya was associated with the Indian National Congress since its very inception and attended its second Session in Calcutta in 1886. Early in his life he worked as editor of two important dailies; in 1887 of ‘Hindosthan’ and in 1889 of ‘The Indian Opinion’.
Malaviya ji also completed his LLB from Allahabad University and practiced as a successful lawyer. At the same time he was very active in the freedom struggle; he became president of Indian National Congress in 1909 and 1918. He was a moderate leader within the Congress; Gandhi ji gave him the title of “Mahamana”.
He remained very active in various movements against the British and as a lawyer fought for the release of the freedom fighters that were convicted after the Chauri Chaura case and got almost all of them freed.
But perhaps the most important contribution of Malaviya ji was his effort in founding the Banaras Hindu University with the help of Annie Besant in 1916; the BHU is today one of best Universities in India. Madan Mohan Malaviya remained its Chancellor till 1939.
On 12 November 1946, this great educationist and freedom movement leader passed away. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in the year 2014.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
