Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: Pioneer of Women’s Education and Social Change
Syllabus: Person in News (UPSC Prelims)
Source: The Times of India
Context
The Union Home Minister paid tribute to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his 205th birth anniversary in Kolkata, celebrating his contributions as a social reformer, educationist, and writer.
Who Was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar?
- A 19th-century social reformer, educationist, and writer, Vidyasagar is called the “Father of Modern Bengali Prose”.
- Known as Vidyasagar (Ocean of Knowledge) and Dayar Sagar (Ocean of Kindness).
Early Life
- Born on 26 September 1820 in Birsingha village, Midnapore, Bengal Presidency.
- Grew up in extreme poverty but excelled in Sanskrit and English studies.
Career and Education Contributions
- Cleared the Law Examination (1839) and became Head of Sanskrit Department at Fort William College (1841).
- Served as Principal of Sanskrit College, Calcutta.
- Advocated education for non-Brahmins and women.
- Authored Borno Porichoy (1855), the primary Bengali alphabet primer still in use.
Contributions to Social Reform and Indian Society
- Social Reforms
- Championed the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act (1856).
- Worked against child marriage and advocated restrictions on polygamy.
- Women’s Education
- Founded schools for girls, enabling higher education for women against orthodox opposition.
- Cultural Nationalism
- Modernised Bengali language and prose, nurturing a shared Bengali identity and paving the way for nationalist awakening.
- Empowerment of Marginalised Communities
- Opened educational opportunities for lower-caste students, breaking caste barriers.
- Worked closely with Santhals in Karmatanr (now Jamtara, Jharkhand), establishing schools, adult literacy centres, and free clinics.
Organisations Associated With Vidyasagar
- Sanskrit College, Calcutta – Principal (1851–1858)
- Bethune School, Calcutta – Supporter and promoter of girls’ education
- Various students’ societies and educational initiatives during the Bengal Renaissance
- His efforts inspired the Brahmo Samaj’s progressive reform campaigns, continuing the legacy of Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Legacy
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar remains an enduring symbol of social reform, education, and compassion, whose life work advanced gender equality, education for all, and social justice in 19th-century India.
