Mahamana as an Educationist

Malaviyaji's long association with began from the day he was appointed an English teacher at the District High School at Prayag in July 1885. Through he was initially reluctant to accept this offer, he showed extraordinary talent as a teacher. He was a diligent teacher and had a tremendous sense of commitment towards his profession. He himself said:

'During my regular preparation at home, I tried to know the origin and meaning of all important English words. For this purpose I thoroughly studied Trench's 'Biography of English Words' and 'English: Past and Present' that enabled me to know the origin, meaning and history of English words. I used to learn from books and imparted that knowledge to my students. That period as a teacher was a very happy phase of my life. I was highly satisfied with my teaching life. Those days my life was spent only in teaching ….'

It was his zeal for teaching and learning that led Malaviyaji to idea of setting up of University. Malaviyaji proposed the idea of a university in 1904 during a meeting at the Mint house, Banaras which was chaired by the Maharaja of Banaras. This idea was applauded by all. It envisioned a university in the holy city of Kashi which would consist of a College of Sanskrit learning imparting the knowledge and teaching of Vedas, Vedangas, Smritis, Darshans, Itihas, and Puranas ; a college of Ayurveda comprising of botanical garden and hospital; a college of Sthapathyaveda and Arthshashtra which would teach physical and social sciences and will also have technical institutions like an agricultural college with all the essential aides, a college of Gandharva Veda that will provide the knowledge of dramatics, painting, sculpture and also the performing arts including music, dance etc.; a college of Linguistics which will equip the students with English as well as foreign languages and will also enrich the Indian culture.Mahamana was firm in his resolution for the establising of Banaras Hindu University. He was called the “prince of beggars”, as he went around the country seeking donations for the university- he left no stone unturned to realise the dream of the university he had once seen. It was through his relentless effort and his strong realization of the importance and necessity of the quality education that a prospectus of the university was prepared in 1905. It was sent out to many people for further discussion. During the Varanasi session of Congress in 1905, this prospectus was discussed and was later on approved unanimously in the Sanatandharma Mahasabha at Prayag, in the following year.