Madan Mohan Malaviya

December 25 is observed as the birth anniversary of Madan Mohan Malaviya, who is known for founding the Banaras Hindu University and becoming the bridge between Nationalists, Moderates and the Extremists during the freedom struggle. Also known as ‘Mahamana’, he was bestowed with the Bharat Ratna in 2015, 68 years after his death. In 2016, the Varanasi-New Delhi Mahamana Express was initiated by the Indian Railways in his honor.