Which national leader received Bharat Ratna Award posthumously in the year 2014?

The correct answer is Madahn Mohan Malaviya.

Key Points

• Madahn Mohan Malaviya was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2014.
• He was a prominent Indian educationist, freedom fighter, and politician, famously known for founding the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916.
• Malaviya played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement and was associated with the Indian National Congress, serving as its president four times.
• He was also a key figure in promoting social reforms and worked extensively against untouchability and caste discrimination in society.
• Malaviya is remembered for his contributions to journalism, as he was the founder of the newspaper The Leader, published from Allahabad.

Additional Information

• Bharat Ratna Award:
  • Established in 1954, it is India’s highest civilian award, given for exceptional service in art, literature, science, and public service.
  • The award consists of a certificate (Sanad) signed by the President and a medallion, but it does not carry any monetary grant.
  • Posthumous awards are allowed under the Bharat Ratna criteria.
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU):
  • Founded in 1916 by Madahn Mohan Malaviya, BHU is one of the largest residential universities in Asia.
  • The university has been a center for excellence in education and research across diverse fields.
• Indian National Congress (INC):
  • Malaviya served as the INC president in 1909, 1918, 1932, and 1933, contributing significantly to the freedom struggle.
  • He emphasized self-reliance and education as key tools for achieving independence.
• Social Reforms:
  • Malaviya worked to abolish untouchability and improve the conditions of marginalized communities.
  • He promoted Hindu-Muslim unity and advocated for the upliftment of women through education.