2016-09-26 Mon

Born on 26 September 1820, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a key figure behind the Bengal Renaissance.

He was born as Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay in a Hindu Brahmin family of West Bengal. His quest for knowledge was so intense that he used to study under a street light as it was not possible for him to afford a gas lamp at home. He surpassed each barrier and cleared all the examinations with excellence with number of scholarships.

At the age of twenty six years joined the Sanskrit College as 'Assistant Secretary'. Vidyasagar championed the uplift of the status of women in India, particularly in his native Bengal. He took the initiative in proposing and pushing the Widow Remarriage Act XV of 1856 (25 July) in India.

He received the title "Vidyasagar" due to his excellent performance in Sanskrit studies and philosophy. He was commemorated by India Post with a 20 paise stamp which features his portrait along with books and lamp which truly signify his title “Vidyasagar”.