Odyssey of The Enlightened - 3

From Yamuna to Ganga-III

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

(AKhand Jyoti May-June 2008)

Four months after the passing of the Benaras Hindu University Act in October 1915, the University was established on Magh Shukla Pratipada of Samvat 1972 (February 1916). On the same day, the then Viceroy Lord Hardinge laid the foundation stone. Many dignitaries including Governor of Bengal, Deputy Governors of three provinces, twelve rulers of princely states, many scholars, landlords, businessmen, etc. were present on this occasion. In fact, this university was an evolved and developed form of Central Hindu College started by Annie Besant. The resolution to start a university was taken almost five years earlier. Annie Besant, Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, Rameswar Singh – the ruler of Durbhanga had together started the work. It was decided that once rupees fifty lakhs had been deposited in the bank and there was a distinct possibility of raising another rupees one crore, the process of establishing the university could begin.

It was possible to collect the required money with the help of Government and a few other princes. But Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya proposed that they also seek the help of the general public. The motive behind seeking donation from the general public was to establish a bond of love and co-operation with them. With the hefty contributions from the rich and the small donations collected from the public, rupees 21 lakhs had been collected by March 1913. It took two more years to meet the target of rupees 50 lakhs. The annual contributions of the rulers of Bikaner, Jodhpur and Kashmir states were also included in the fund. An appeal was made to scholars, leaders, social workers, purohits and teachers all over the country to offer their co-operation. People from different walks of life came together and worked day and night to meet the financial targets. In the span of five years, more than half of the required amount was raised. Collections included even a handful of grains and one paisa.

Among those who were collecting donations for Benares Hindu University in Vraj, Pandit Roop Kishore Sharma was the foremost. He was a resident of Anwalkheda, a village near Agra. He was a staunch devotee of the Lord and an eminent scholar of Bhagavat Mahapuran. He traveled far and wide to give discourses on Bhagavat. Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya was very much influenced by his style of expression and commentary. Both of them stayed in the same Gurukul for some time but the basis of their relationship was nothing other than love towards Bhagavat. It was Malaviyaji who gave the idea of soliciting support for Sanatana Dharma from the listeners of Bhagavat narration. Once it was decided that Panditji would collect small amounts of money from the listeners; Malaviyaji set for him a target of rupees 11,000. Pandit Roop Kishoreji sent this amount in several installments. This contribution included the donations made by people who invited him to give talks on Bhagavat. There is no clear account on how much money was sent from where. A large chunk of money was sent as Gupt Daan (undisclosed contribution).

Having worked for raising funds, Pandit Roop Kishoreji was also present on the inaugural function of Benares Hindu University. A few scholars and purohits of Vraj were also with him. A few family members and relatives also accompanied him so that they may see Kashi. The family also included a five and a half year old child. Panditji busied himself in the work related to the function along with two other associates. Others were occupied with visiting the temples of Kashi, having a dip in the Ganga, Anushthan and other activities.

The foundation laying ceremony of Kashi Hindu University continued for several days. The aim of the university was to teach students about the most modern science, while also making them understand the fundamental principles of Sanatana Dharma and Indian Culture. It was a part of Benares Hindu University Act that the university will provide highest level of education on Hindu spiritual sciences. Students from all religions and backgrounds could study here. It was made mandatory that only a person who believes in Hindu Dharma could become the rector of the university. It was also arranged as part of the University Act that there will be a number of other prominent persons as members, apart from the government nominees in the governing body.

Some people tried to put pressure so that the word ‘Hindu’ was removed from the name of the university. These revolts were ignored from the beginning. Later Mahatma Gandhi reprimanded those who asked for removal of word ‘Hindu’ from the name.

Deekshaguru (Initiator) meets his disciple

It is natural that the inaugural ceremony included rituals like Yagya, discourses, narration of the scriptures etc. Pt. Roop Kishoreji was assigned a part of this program’s responsibility. Many scholars and purohits had come to take part in the scheduled religious rituals. Panditji was involved in arranging for their accommodation, taking them around the town and providing their general needs. During that time he was not aware of his family’s whereabouts. He did not know where they were put up or what they were eating. He was so absorbed in the job assigned to him that he hardly took any notice or care of himself.

It was five days into inaugural ceremony celebrations. It was the day of Vasant Panchami - the day of manifestation of Goddess Sarasvati, the deity of learning and knowledge. Many activities like meetings and conference of dignitaries were in progress. Sarasvati Puja was the special attraction of the day. The stage was decorated with mango leaves and boughs. 60-70 students and teachers were seated in front of the stage. Yagya Kund was also placed in front of the stage. Yagya began with chanting of Vedic mantras. Malaviyaji was conducting the ritual of Yagya. The students seated in the front were also chanting mantras along with him. Among these students was Shriram, the son of Roop Kishoreji. The age of the child was about 5-6 years. Generally, the child was always with his mother and family. That day, Panditji brought Shriram with him with some plan in his mind. Probably his idea was to enable the child to attend the Sarasvati Puja and also benefit from the company of Malaviyaji for some time.

When students recited the mantras, it added to the beauty and ambience of the whole place. It was natural for small children to commit some mistakes in chanting. When such mistakes crept in, no one took notice of them. The renowned scholars and teachers felt that it was best to encourage the students. The youngest of the students was Shriram. Whenever he recited the mantras, Malaviya ji’s attention would turn to him. He could not turn his expectant gaze away on seeing such a small child reciting mantras. After completing the Puja of the deity of the day, Malaviyaji came to the child and lovingly caressed his head.

The moment Malaviyaji approached, the child Shriram prostrated at his feet. He asked the child lovingly, “Who is your father, child?” Before Shriram could answer, Pandit Roop Kishoreji stepped in and stood humbly in front of Malaviyaji and said that Shriram was his son. Malaviyaji then asked a couple of things about the boy. He stared intently at the boy for a few minutes and then asked, “Is his upanayana done?” Panditji replied, “The upanayana is yet to be done. We will be fortunate if it could be done by you.

Malaviya’s face brightened up with a smile as though this was exactly what he expected and that Panditji gave words to his thoughts. Malaviyaji readily agreed to initiate Shriram and give him a formal Mantra Diksha at the appropriate time, but as the sankalpa had been taken, he could be considered initiated from that day itself. That opportune time was to come a few years later. That day was full of other activities. Annie Besant’s discourse was scheduled. Malaviyaji was scheduled to have personal meetings with Maharaj Krishnaraj Vadiyar, the ruler of Mysore state and other dignitaries.

The inaugural ceremony was undoubtedly an important event for the university, but many incidents were triggered during this event that proved to be historic turning points. The ceremony depicted the blend of Sanatana Dharma and Indian culture with the modern streams of education. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi gave his historical speech on patriotism in which he had challenged all the influential and talented Indians, bluntly telling them that they had turned their backs to their responsibilities towards the Motherland and its freedom from foreign subjugation.

Princes present during this speech got agitated at Gandhiji’s criticism. They staged a walk-out from the program. Annie Besant was also among the protestors who left the place. Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya remained seated calmly during this session. He did not bother about people’s protests.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma