Raja ram Mohan ray

Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772–1833) was a prominent

Indian social reformer, often regarded as the
"Father of the Indian Renaissance." Born in West
Bengal, he advocated for the abolition of practices
such as Sati (widow burning) and sought to
promote women's rights and education. A
proponent of rationalism, he emphasized the
importance of science and logic in understanding
religion, founding the Brahmo Samaj in 1828,
which aimed to reform Hindu society. His efforts in
education led to the establishment of several
institutions. Roy's visionary ideas and tireless
advocacy for social justice significantly influenced
modern Indian thought and reform movements.
Social contribution
Bengali culture was saddled by a number of evil rites and
laws in the late 18th century (sometimes referred to as
the Dark Age). Numerous ceremonies and strict moral
rules were imposed, most of which were incorrectly
translated and adapted from ancient cultures. The most
perverse of these customs was the Sati Partha. At their
husband's burial pyre, the widows would self-immolate as
part of the rite. Although women had the opportunity to
participate in the tradition in its original form, it later
turned into a necessary practise,particularly for Brahmin
and higher caste families. In order for much older men to
benefit from the karmic blessings of their wives' Sati
sacrifice; young girls were wed to them in exchange for
dowries to much older men. The ladies were frequently
pushed or even drugged into obedience because they did
not choose to be subjected to such crimes. Raja Ram
Mohan Roy objected and spoke out against this inhumane
behaviour. He presented his views to the higher-ups of
the East India Company in an open and direct manner.
The Governor-General, Lord Bentinck, understood Roy's
motivations and feelings, and as a result, the Bengal Sati
Regulation, also known as Bengal Code Regulation XVII,
A. D. 1829, was passed in spite of strong opposition from
the orthodox religious community.

RELIGIOUS REFORMS
Raja Ram Mohan Roy's rationalist approach challenged
orthodox Hindu practices like polytheism and idolatry.
Influenced by Sufi philosophy, Vedanta, and Islamic
thought, he promoted a universal religion based on
monotheism and spiritual truth. His Tuhfat-ul-Muwahiddin
criticized religious superstitions, while his efforts led to
the abolition of Sati. In 1828, he founded the Brahmo
Sabha, later Brahmo Samaj, advocating for monotheism,
ethical spirituality, and social reform. His work, like The
Precepts of Jesus, emphasized moral teachings. Roy’s
progressive vision greatly influenced later reformers and
laid the foundation for modern religious and social
thought in Bengal.
The Brahmo Samaj sought to reform Hinduism by
promoting monotheism and rejecting idol worship.
Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, it fought for
social reforms, including the abolition of Sati, gender
equality, and education. The Samaj supported rationalism
and religious tolerance while opposing the caste system.
Leaders like Debendranath Tagore and Keshab Chandra
Sen continued its mission after Roy's death, pushing for
progressive legislation that contributed to India's
modernization. The movement became a symbol of
enlightenment, blending traditional values with a
universal perspective on religion and society, inspiring
figures like Swami Vivekananda.

Educational reforms
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was deeply invested in traditional
languages like Sanskrit and Persian, but later decided to
master English to advance his career with the British. His
love for literature led him to read extensively, combining
ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Quran with
a broader understanding of Western ideas. Realizing that
his education lacked scientific knowledge and logical
reasoning, he advocated for the establishment of an
English education system in India, promoting subjects like
mathematics, physics, and botany. In 1817, along with
David Hare, he co-founded Hindu College, which became
a leading institution producing some of India’s most
innovative thinkers.
Roy's efforts brought about revolutionary changes in
India’s education system. He established the Anglo-Vedic
School in 1822 and later Vedanta College in 1826, both of
which aimed to blend traditional Indian philosophy with
modern reasoning and scientific subjects. These
institutions played a crucial role in shaping modern
education in India, merging classical teachings with
contemporary intellectual approaches, thereby fostering
a new generation of thinkers and reformers.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820–1891) was a
prominent Indian scholar, social reformer, and key
figure in the Bengal Renaissance. Born in
Birsingha, West Bengal, Vidyasagar was a child
prodigy with exceptional intellect, excelling in
Sanskrit and other subjects at the Sanskrit College
in Calcutta. His mastery of the language earned
him the title "Vidyasagar," meaning "Ocean of
Knowledge." He played a pivotal role in
modernizing the Bengali education system,
emphasizing the importance of teaching in the
vernacular language rather than in classical
Sanskrit or English. As principal of Sanskrit
College, he introduced reforms to make education
more accessible, especially for non-Brahmins and
women.
Vidyasagar is best known for his progressive social
reforms, particularly his efforts to improve the
status of women in Indian society. He campaigned
vigorously for widow remarriage, successfully
persuading the British government to pass the
Widow Remarriage Act of 1856, which legalized the
remarriage of Hindu widows—a practice that was
socially stigmatized at the time. Additionally, he
was a strong advocate against child marriage and
worked toward the upliftment of women through
education. Vidyasagar's contributions to social
reform and education left an enduring legacy in
Bengal and beyond, making him one of the most
revered figures in Indian history.

Social reform
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar emerged as a
prominent social reformer during a transformative
era in Bengal, marked by significant movements
against practices like Sati and social injustices
spearheaded by figures like Raja Rammohan Roy
and the Young Bengal Party. Influenced by
humanism, Vidyasagar dedicated himself to
alleviating the suffering of women and challenging
social evils such as polygamy and child marriage.
While Rammohan Roy laid the groundwork for the
abolition of Sati, Vidyasagar expanded the reform
agenda by advocating for the Widow Marriage Act
of 1856 and passionately addressing issues related
to women's education and social dignity. His work
was characterized by a blend of compassion and
commitment to eternal truths, making him a heroic
figure in the struggle against deeply ingrained
societal norms.
Vidyasagar’s contributions extended beyond social
reform to the realm of journalism, where he sought
to elevate the Bengali language and literature. He
played an active role in publishing magazines such
as Tattwabodhini and Sarvashubhakari,
recognizing the power of the press in shaping
public opinion and raising awareness about social
issues. His writings, including satirical pamphlets
advocating for widow remarriage and the abolition
of polygamy, highlighted the need for societal
change. Through these efforts, Vidyasagar aimed
to educate the masses and encourage critical
thought among his contemporaries. His
commitment to reform and education not only
helped bring attention to pressing social issues but
also laid a foundation for future advancements in
Bengali society.

Educational reform
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar significantly
transformed education in Bengal by promoting
higher education and modern subjects. His work at
the Metropolitan Institution marked the
introduction of English education, where he
personally funded many college expenses, earning
recognition from Rabindranath Tagore for saving
the institution. His efforts laid the foundation for
Vidyasagar College and emphasized the
importance of education in Bengali and English.
At Fort William College and the Sanskrit College,
Vidyasagar innovated by integrating Western
knowledge with traditional Indian teachings. He
opened the Sanskrit College to all students,
introduced instruction in the mother tongue, and
improved the curriculum by incorporating Western
subjects. His advocacy for primary education
included training well-qualified teachers and
establishing normal schools to address shortages.
Vidyasagar’s contributions enriched Bengali
literature and literacy, significantly impacting
societal awareness and education. He was the one
who wrote bornoporichoy and upokromika.

Religious reforms
Vidyasagar used ancient Hindu texts to argue that
widow remarriage was permitted and that
polygamy was not. He lobbied the British
authorities to pass the Hindu Widows' Remarriage
Act in 1856. Vidyasagar campaigned against
polygamy, arguing that it was not sanctioned by
sacred texts. He led a petition against polygamy
among Kulin Brahmins in 1857 and again in 1866.
Vidyasagar's efforts led to the Age of Consent Act
in 1891, which set the minimum age of marriage at
12 years.

Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) was a renowned
Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, and disciple of Sri
Ramakrishna, who played a pivotal role in
introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and
Yoga to the Western world. Born as Narendranath
Datta in Calcutta, he was a key figure in the revival
of Hinduism in India and is credited with inspiring
a sense of pride and unity in the Indian identity
during the British colonial era. His iconic speech at
the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago
in 1893, where he addressed the audience as
"Sisters and Brothers of America," brought global
attention to India's spiritual heritage. Vivekananda
emphasized the importance of self-realization,
social service, and the upliftment of the masses
through education and spirituality. He founded the
Ramakrishna Mission in 1897, which continues to
promote education, social welfare, and religious
harmony worldwide.

Social reforms
Swami Vivekananda's contributions to the world
social order were marked by his promotion of
Vedanta and Indian spirituality in the West. He
stayed in America for over three years, delivering
lectures and establishing the first Vedanta Society
in New York. His work impressed intellectual
circles, earning him offers to teach Eastern
philosophy at Harvard and Columbia Universities.
Vivekananda emphasized the universal nature of
Vedanta, advocating for unity in religious thought
and the combination of India's spiritual traditions
with modern advancements. His return to India in
1896 saw him call for the upliftment of the masses,
advocating for a new social order that addressed
the neglect of the poor, especially women. He
believed India’s ethnic and religious diversity
should be embraced through love and respect.
Vivekananda’s social reforms were centered on
eradicating poverty, promoting education, and
empowering the masses. He stressed that spiritual
change must be paired with material progress,
famously stating that "religion is not for empty
stomachs." He advocated for economic,
intellectual, and social equality and urged India to
overcome illiteracy and poverty. His concern for
women's upliftment and his critique of feudal
oppression inspired future leaders like Mahatma
Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. While proud of
India's cultural heritage, Vivekananda called for
reforms to improve the lives of the masses and
embraced Western ideas without imitating them
blindly. His vision of a strong, independent India
built by energetic, patriotic citizens continues to
inspire social reform efforts.

educational reforms
Swami Vivekananda's views on education
emphasized a blend of science and Vedanta,
incorporating both Indian and Western
culture. He advocated for a curriculum that
promotes leadership, patriotism, and
freedom, while emphasizing spiritual
education through scriptures like the
Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. He believed
in "man-making" education, focused on
character building, moral and physical
development, and the cultivation of dignity
and self-respect. Teachers, according to him,
should inspire and connect deeply with
students, helping them manifest their
inherent divine perfection.
Vivekananda strongly supported education
for women, urging for their empowerment
and equality in society. He emphasized that
men and women are equally capable in both
academic and domestic spheres. He
advocated for the use of the mother tongue
as the medium of instruction to spread mass
education and argued for value-based
education that builds character. His vision of
education aimed at fostering morality,
honesty, and humanity in students, creating
a supportive environment for their holistic
development.

Religious reforms
During his early years, Swami Vivekananda was
associated with reformist movements like the
Sādhāran Brāhmo Samāj and Nava Vidhāna Brāhmo
Samāj, which were part of the Brāhmo Samāj
founded by Ram Mohan Roy. These movements
sought to modernize Hinduism by rejecting
polytheism, idolatry, extreme asceticism, and
oppressive practices such as suttee, while
combining Hindu traditions with Western
philosophy, science, and Christian ideas. Influential
figures like Keshub Chandra Sen, leader of Nava
Vidhāna, played a key role in shaping
Vivekananda's thought by introducing him to
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who emphasized the
unity of all religions. Though Vivekananda
interacted with socialists and anarchists during his
travels, he did not fully embrace these ideologies
but rather criticized their potential for causing
societal upheaval. Instead, his views were shaped
by a synthesis of Vedantic philosophy and social
reform.
In 1885, Swami Vivekananda experienced personal
hardship with the death of both his father and
Keshub Chandra Sen. His family faced financial
difficulties, and during this time, Vivekananda
deepened his discipleship under Ramakrishna,
whom he had met in 1881. After Ramakrishna's
death in 1886, Vivekananda and other disciples
took monk vows and established a monastery in
Baranagore.
Between 1890 and 1892, he embarked on a
pilgrimage across India as a mendicant monk,
during which he witnessed the severe poverty and
deteriorating state of Hinduism. This led him to
realize that metaphysical teachings alone were
insufficient for the suffering masses, inspiring him
to advocate for the dissemination of education and
the upliftment of the poorest segments of society,
including those in the lowest caste, the Chandala.
Vivekananda aimed to create a new form of
monastic life, integrating both spiritual and
worldly service. To fund these efforts, he traveled
to the United States, famously stating, "I give
them spirituality, and they give me money." His
participation in the 1893 World's Parliament of
Religions in Chicago made him a celebrated figure,
and he became a pioneer in spreading Hinduism in
the West. He founded the New York Vedanta
Society in 1894, the first Hindu organization in the
West, and organized the first yoga retreat outside
South Asia.
In 1897, Vivekananda returned to India, where he
founded the Ramakrishna Mission Association and
restructured the monastic branch, Ramakrishna
Math. Both organizations worked to spread
Ramakrishna’s teachings and focused on social
services, including establishing schools, hospitals,
and orphanages.

Narayan guru
 Temple entry
He established temples that were open to all
castes, including lower castes, and led the Vaikom
Satyagraha movement to demand temple entry for
lower castes. In 1936, he issued a historic temple
entry proclamation that challenged discriminatory
practices.
 Education
He believed that education was key to social
progress and personal liberation. He founded
schools and encouraged his followers to seek
knowledge and promote education.
 Spirituality
He emphasized the importance of spirituality and
self-empowerment. He believed that all humans
are equal and should be treated as such,
regardless of their social or religious background.
 Slogan
He coined the slogan “One caste, one religion, one
god for humanity” to combat caste injustice.
 Sivagiri foundation
In 1924, he established the Sivagiri foundation to
promote virtues such as cleanliness, education,
devotion, agriculture, handicrafts, and trade.
 Philanthropic society
In 1903, he founded the Sree Narayana Dharma
Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), a philanthropic society.