Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya’s Vision for Banaras Hindu University
In 1904, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya envisioned establishing a university dedicated to education and cultural advancement. He left his lucrative law career to work full-time on this noble mission. Around the same time, Annie Besant and other leaders established the Central Hindu College at Banaras. By 1911, all efforts merged, forming The Hindu University Society under Pandit Ji’s leadership, with its headquarters in Allahabad. Kashi Naresh, Dr. Vibhuti Narain Singh, generously donated 1,300 acres of land in Banaras for the university.
The Question of the Foundation Stone
In the second quarter of 1914, during a society meeting, a critical agenda item was discussed: “Who should lay the foundation stone?” When a member suggested a saint from Punjab who was a Sikh, Pandit Malaviya immediately agreed, stating, “Then what? We shall get the foundation-stone laid by him.”
Pandit Malaviya’s Journey to Sant Attar Singh Ji
In May 1914, despite the scorching summer heat, Pandit Malaviya traveled to Mastuana Ashram, located near Sangrur on the borders of Nabha and Patiala states. He arrived at Sangrur by train and, in a gesture of humility, removed his shoes and walked barefoot on the sandy road for 8 kilometers. When offered mares for the journey, Pandit Ji politely declined, emphasizing respect and humility for his visit to a saintly person.
Meeting Sant Attar Singh Ji
Upon reaching the Ashram, Pandit Ji found Sant Attar Singh Ji reciting Kabir’s hymn:
“Aval(i) Allah noor(u) upaaiaa Kudrat(i) k-ai sabh band-ai Ai-k noor t-ai sabh jagg upjiaa Kao(u)n bhal-ai ko mand-ai”
(From the One Light, the entire universe came into existence. How can there be distinctions of good or bad among them?)
Listening to this divine hymn, Pandit Malaviya was deeply moved, affirming his decision to seek Sant Ji’s blessings for the foundation stone of the university.
Laying the Foundation Stone of Banaras Hindu University
It was finalized that the foundation stone of Banaras Hindu University would be laid by Sant Attar Singh Ji on 24 December 1914. This historic event became a symbol of unity, spirituality, and dedication to education and societal progress.
Sant Attar Singh Ji’s involvement in this monumental event highlights his profound spiritual influence and his contribution to fostering education and cultural values, leaving an everlasting legacy for future generations.
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