Remembering Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his birth anniversary, a towering figure of the Bengali Renaissance and the 'Father of Bengali Prose'

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Remembering Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his birth anniversary, a towering figure of the Bengali Renaissance and the 'Father of Bengali Prose.' Born on 26th September 1820, his progressive ideas on reform and education had a profound impact on 19th-century India, and his rich legacy continues to guide us today.

Vidyasagar, whose original surname was Bandopadhyaya, adopted the title Vidyasagar when he became a law graduate, symbolizing his immense knowledge as the “Ocean of Wisdom.” His contributions were vast: author, thinker, activist, social reformer, and above all, a true humanist.

Two stories from his life capture his humility and profound wisdom. Once, while traveling to give a lecture, he shared a train ride with a young man unaware of his identity. The young man, seeking a coolie for his suitcase, was advised by Vidyasagar to carry it himself and save the money. When the young officer refused, deeming it beneath his dignity, Vidyasagar quietly carried the suitcase for him. At the lecture, the young man was stunned to see that the 'coolie' was none other than the great Vidyasagar himself. Overcome with shame, he sought an apology, to which Vidyasagar responded with a smile, “Son, there is no harm in doing one’s own job.”

On another occasion, Vidyasagar attended a dinner in traditional dhoti and kurta but was denied entry. After changing into a suit and tie, he was invited in. During the meal, he humorously directed his tie and suit to eat, perplexing the hosts. When questioned, he replied, "When I came in Indian dress, I was turned away. But when I returned in Western attire, I was welcomed. It seems my dress was invited, not me." His words left the hosts deeply embarrassed.

In yet another instance, when Vidyasagar went to meet the Principal of Hindu College, Mr. Kerr, he was rudely greeted with Kerr’s feet on the table, a gesture of arrogance and disrespect. Later, when Kerr visited Vidyasagar, he found Vidyasagar with his feet on the table. Offended, Kerr expressed his dismay, to which Vidyasagar calmly responded, "I thought this was how you greet people in your country."

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's legacy as a social reformer and humanist continues to inspire generations.

#IshwarChandraVidyasagar #BengaliRenaissance #FatherOfBengaliProse #SocialReformer #Humanist #LegacyOfWisdom #BirthAnniversaryTribute

Venkataramanan Ramasethu

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