Tributes on the anniversary of the death of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Social reformer, educator, freedom fighter and spokesperson against the oppression of women, the anniversary of the death of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is celebrated today. Popularly called Vidyasagar, he is best known for his “Barna Parichay”, which literally means “introduction to the alphabets”. Its contribution to the spread of remarriage of widows and to raising awareness against untouchability is immense.
Born under the name Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay in 1820, he obtained the title of “Vidyasagar” or “the ocean of learning” for his vast knowledge in several fields. He is known to have brought the magic of William Shakespeare to life in Bengali literature by translating a number of his plays. Vidyasagar simplified Bengali typography and interpreted complex notions of Sanskrit grammar into easy Bengali.
Union ministers and leaders of all parties tweeted their respect to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Union Home Secretary Amit Shah wrote on Twitter: “I bow to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar ji on his punyatithi. A distinguished social reformer and one of the pillars of the Bengal Renaissance, he played a major role in the empowerment of women. His relentless efforts eradicated many social evils and made the law of widow remarriage possible. “
I bow to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar ji on his punyatithi. A distinguished social reformer and one of the pillars of the Bengal Renaissance, who played a major role in the empowerment of women. His relentless efforts eradicated many social evils and made the law of widow remarriage possible. pic.twitter.com/0avoMblLy9
– Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 29, 2020
Lok Sabha President Om Birla, in his tribute to Vidyasagar, said: “… Her contributions in the field of education, women’s empowerment and social reforms continue to inspire.”
In remembrance of the freedom fighter, philosopher, educator and social reformer, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar ji on the occasion of his death anniversary.
Her contributions in the field of education, women’s empowerment and social reform continue to inspire. My humble respects!#ishwarchandravidyasagarpic.twitter.com/jwvhMEwRae
– Lok Sabha Speaker (@loksabhaspeaker) July 29, 2020
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: “… He is one of the greatest figures of the Bengal Renaissance. His contribution to educating women and legalizing the remarriage of widows is undeniable.”
Tribute to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, social reformer and educator, on the occasion of his death anniversary. He is one of the tallest figures of the Bengal Renaissance. Its contribution to the education of women and the legalization of remarriage of widows is undeniable.
– Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 29, 2020
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s quest for knowledge was such that he used to study under the streetlights as his family could not afford a gas lamp at home. He is known to have learned English numbers by reading stages on his journey from his village of Midnapore to Kolkata. Vidyasagar passed her exams with excellence and also won numerous scholarships. He joined Sanskrit College in Kolkata and studied there for twelve years. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was an expert in Sanskrit grammar, literature, dialectics and Vedanta.
