Mahamana as a Social Reformer

No better portrait of Malaviyaji could be drawn than the poet Wordsworth's description of the character of the 'Happy Warrior': unflinching in his resolve and adamant in times of crisis, his heart yet soft to a degree, and nobody could be more easily moved to tears at the sight of misery than he.

Malaviyaji's life was committed to innumerable social causes, which tested and proved the character of the “Happy Warrior” in him. He created hundreds of organizations and institutions dedicated to a variety of social causes. He was a person whose wide sympathies drew him into various social activities and whose genius and urge for action left an indelible impression on whatever aspect of life he touched upon. His sensitiveness to sufferings and expression of sympathies in words and action were spontaneous. This was possible mainly because he felt that suffering is universal and no discrimination should be made in extending help. He was free from rancour, hatred and malice and instead was known for his gentleness, courtesy and sweet manners towards all. There are few examples of great persons who could match his sensitivity, sympathy and sweetness with his vision and action.

Malaviyaji was involved in Social work since his early days. As a youth, in 1889, he founded the Bharati Bhavan Library, which is still serving the citizens of Allahabad. Malaviyaji was the president of the Board of Trustees for his lifetime. The Mac Donnel Hindu Boarding House at Allahabad which houses 230 students,was again a result of his sympathetic response to the utter lack of good facilities and proper ambience for students, coming from distant places to pursue their education. The Minto Park, now renamed 'Madan Mohan Malaviya Park' is another monument built by Malaviyaji in 1910. Other social activities were mainly in his capacity as the chairman of the Allahabad Municipality, during which time he took a deep interest in the alleviation of the plague-affected people's suffering.

In 1912, Malaviyaji encouraged his son, Ramakant, to start the Yatri Seva Samiti, which later became Prayag Seva Samiti. The main objective was to extend help to the thousands of illiterate and helpless pilgrims who thronged Prayag through the year. The second objective was to provide relief and help those hit by unpredictable natural calamities like floods, famine and earthquakes. This Samiti also rendered relief to the victims of Jallian walah Bagh in 1919.