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   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.

Panditji – An Associate of Mahamana

Among the associates of Mahamana Malviyaji, Roop Kishoreji was held in high esteem. He was a dedicated worker in politics, education, service-oriented tasks and in addition to all this he gave discourses on Bhagavat and held discussions on its teachings. Pt. Roop Kishoreji was known as Maharshi Vyasa in his native place. But he always considered himself as a humble disciple and associate of Malaviyaji. He was recognized in the entire Vraj Mandal as a propagator of Malaviyaji’s mission of revival of Sanatan Dharma.

Speech has an impact but it should be strongly supported by unwavering faith in the words being spoken. This strength comes from imbibing those principles in one’s own life before preaching them to others. The text of Bhagavat, which talks of Divine grace and devotion, is capable of cleansing the sins of even ghosts and vampires. The story of the ghost of Dhundhkari is narrated every time while talking about the greatness of Bhagavat. Life of Panditji was an embodiment of the qualities of compassion and devotion in their fullest glory. Many people reformed their lives after coming in contact with him. There are innumerable incidences of people shedding their vices and bad habits. There was an incident in which Dhandhu, a jungle-dacoit, was transformed through Panditji’s Satsang and he gave up his wicked means of earning livelihood. He had terrorized the entire region. He did not have group of his own but he himself was so strong that he could alone handle and fight 25-30 people.

Once Panditji was going to give a discourse and encountered Dhandhu. He began telling, ‘You are a Brahmin. Hence I will not show any disrespect towards you. But I have to do this job to earn my livelihood. If I give up robbing, I will not be able to fend for those who depend on me. I will not exercise force on you. I only want that you hand over all your valuables quietly to me.” Dhandhu uttered all this with full force. Any ordinary person would have panicked on hearing the stern voice of the dacoit and trembled in fear. But his frightening demeanor had no effect on Panditji. He maintained the same composure as he had before he encountered the dacoit. Seeing that his threat was in vain, the dacoit was surprised. He asked again whether Panditji heard what was said.  Panditji replied, “I have heard everything. But I will not give you even a penny. If you come to listen to my next discourse, I promise that I will give all that will be collected as offerings.” Dhandhu’s eyes widened with amazement. The conversation continued between them for some time. Ultimately he agreed to accompany him for the discourse. He listened attentively the discourses on Bhagavat for one full week.


His old sanskaras would pop their head out intermittently. He would then begin to shout and threaten people. But this did not continue for long. At the conclusion of week-long Bhagvat Katha, Panditji collected in a bundle the offerings and gave it to Dhandhu. The bundle was made up of cash offerings and ornaments. Dhandhu lifted the bundle onto his head and said, “Command me my lord. Where do we go?” Panditji replied, “I have kept my promise. You are free to go wherever you want.” Dhandhu threw down the bundle and fell at Panditji’s feet. He began to cry loudly and said, “I have found my path. Please forgive me. From now on I will work hard and earn a honest livelihood.” In all humility he again put the bundle on his head and carried it to Panditji’s home. Whoever witnessed or heard this miracle found it hard to believe that the dreaded dacoit Dhandhu had been transformed!

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