Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a prominent Bengali polymath, social reformer, and educationist who played a significant role in the Bengali Renaissance. He was born on 26 September 1820 in Birshingha village, Medinipur district, Bengal Presidency.
What are Vidyasagar’s contributions to education?
• Reforms: Vidyasagar introduced significant reforms in the education system, advocating for the inclusion of science, mathematics, and modern philosophies in the curriculum.
• Inclusivity: He fought to open educational institutions to all castes and advocated for women’s education.
• Schools: He established 35 schools for girls across Bengal and reformed the curriculum to include vocational training.
How did Vidyasagar support women’s rights?
• Widow Remarriage: He advocated for widow remarriage and was instrumental in the passage of the Widow Remarriage Act XV of 1856. He even arranged marriages for child widows, including marrying his son to an adolescent widow to set an example.
• Women’s Education: Vidyasagar tirelessly worked to promote women’s education, going door-to-door to encourage families to send their daughters to school.
What were Vidyasagar’s contributions to Bengali language and literature?
• Alphabet Reform: He reconstructed the Bengali alphabet and reformed Bengali typography, making it more accessible.
• Publications: Vidyasagar authored several influential books and contributed to various publications. He also established the Sanskrit press to make books affordable for the common people.
What impact did Vidyasagar have on society?
Vidyasagar’s work significantly impacted Bengali society by promoting education and social reform. He challenged orthodox practices and advocated for progressive changes, leaving an indelible mark on India’s intellectual and cultural landscape.
When did Vidyasagar pass away?
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar passed away on 29 July 1891 in Kolkata at the age of 70.
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