Mahamana as a Journalist

Single-handedly Creating a Vibrant Press

Malaviyaji realized the value of a vibrant press. He founded two newspapers of his own and edited or assisted in half a dozen others. Even as late as 1929, when he was preoccupied with other things, including his work in the legislature, he pursued his interest in journalism.

A well-known advocate in Allahabad, Sachidanand Sinha from Bihar, was deeply attached to Malaviyaji since their student days. Malaviyaji supported him in starting the English monthly, Hindustan Review in 1899 and the weekly, Indian People in 1903.

Malaviyaji started his own paper, a Hindi weekly, Abhyudaya,in 1907 and edited it till 1909. This weekly launched a relentless campaign through itd coloumns for reforms in the Legislative Council, of which he had become a member in 1902. Abhyudaya was published as a daily in 1915, and again in 1926-1927 for a short time. Thereafter, it continued as a weekly under his overall supervision and guidance, but with different editors. It had a chequered career, due to clash with authorities. During its heydays, its circulation shot up from 3000 to 11000.

On 24 October 1909, Malaviyaji started The Leader, an English daily, by incorporating Indian People and He was its editor till 1911. The Leader was a formidable critic of government actions and plans and was popular with its readers. It came to have its own office in 1927. A companion Hindi journal, was a formidable critic of government actions and plans and remained popular and prosperous. It had its own building in 1927 and a companion Hindi journal, Bharat, was issued for the political enlightenment of Hindi-speaking people. Both Abhyudaya and The Leader rendered valuable service to the cause of national freedom for nearly four decades. Even after obeserving frugality, the paper could not overcome its financial losses. In March 1928, it was reborn as The Hindustan Times Ltd with the majority of the shares held by G.D. Birla. However, Malaviyaji continued as its chairman till his death.