Mahamana as a Journalist

High standards and adherence to the ethics of journalism were Malaviyaji's strong points as can be seen in the way he pulled up the editor (his own son Krishna Kant) in 1914 for writing an objectionable editorial on widow remarriage. He wrote a letter to Krishna Kant:

The previous night I had a dream in which I saw that the Abhyudaya (press) was on fire. The sadness I felt after reading today's Abhyudaya is more than the scene of the press burning in the dream. It is not right, even while I am alive, to publish such an article which makes me feel like a culprit in the society and puts me to shame... do not allow your enthusiasm to sweep away reason and discretion... maintain a standard of decency and respect for the values of society...

In 1910 a Hindi fortnightly Maryada (Prayag) started with the co-operation of Malaviyaji with the aim of the upliftment of hindi and political renaissance. Further, to convey the essence of Sanatana Dharma, Malaviyaji patronized Ganesh Guru Datt of Punjab who started Sanatana Dharma, a weekly, in 1933. Some traditionalists burnt the initial issues of the weekly but Malaviyaji was least disturbed and continued with the publication.

Malaviyaji conveyed his forthright views on many public issues of importance and was critical of the government's slow reforms and oppression. He frankly conveyed public opinion on the functioning of the government and tried to effectively awaken and educate national consciousness on matters of national or local interest, socio-political and religious issues. He considered journalism not as a business but as a Dharma which he followed with great allegiance. He also encouraged the publication of literary pieces in the newspapers. Malaviyaji treated journalism as an art. He involved himself in every activity of the newspaper production. From the collection of the news to its composing and the get of the paper, Malaviyaji gave attention to each and every detail. According to Malaviyaji, a successful newspaper or periodical must have an able editor, a strong analytical insight, a style of presenting the theme in an artistic manner, dispassionate attitude and a high degree of sincerity. He suggested this in Abhudaya dated May 5, 1907: