Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, fondly known as the father of Bengali prose, was born in Birsingha village in Bengal Hooghly district in 1820. He was called Vidyasagar (sea of knowledge) for his intelligence and brilliance in many fields. He grew up to become a freedom fighter, an educator and a social reformer. He is a well known proponent of women’s rights in 19th century Bengal. Isha Chandra Vidhyasagar died in Kolkata (then Calcutta) on 29 July, 1891 at the age of 70. 

Ishwar Chandra Vidysagar death anniversary: Contribution of the social reformer

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar made great efforts for the upliftment of women such as promoting widow marriage and advocating against polygamy.

He set up schools for girls and initiated important changes in the fields of education by promoting equality and justice for women.

He further implemented social reforms in order to transform orthodox Hindu society.

It was him who initiated the acceptance of tuition and admission fees. He also made Sunday a weekly holiday. 

He is best known for writing the Bengali primer Barna Parichay, which is an introduction to Bengali alphabets.

During the 19th century, he initiated many socio-religious reforms in the society. 

Seetar Vanavas, Oti Alpa Hoilo, Shakuntala, Jivancharita are among few of his literary creations.

Ishwar Chandra Vidysagar death anniversary: Quotes by him

The life without suffering is like a boat without a sailor, in which there is no discretion of itself, it also moves in a light breeze

Beyond the welfare of others, there is no other righteous work and religion

No matter how big a man becomes he should always remember his past

Self-restraint gives discrimination; mediation gives concentration; peace, satisfaction and humanity

Those who are atheists should believe in God from a scientific point of view, they have an interest in it

If a person wants to become big, then he should do even the smallest work, because only self-help is the best

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