Raja Ram Mohan Roy

A pioneering Indian reformer who fought against social injustices and introduced Western education to India, laying the groundwork for modern Indian society.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772–1833) was a visionary Bengali polymath whose work reshaped India's social, religious, and educational landscape. Born into a Brahmin family during British colonial rule, Roy rejected rigid caste practices and became a vocal critic of sati (widow burning) and child marriage. His 1828 campaign led to the ban on sati, marking a turning point in India's human rights history.

Roy is often called the 'Father of the Indian Renaissance' for founding the Atmiya Sabha (1815), a society promoting rationalism and monotheism within Hinduism. He later established the Brāhma Samāj (1828), which advocated for gender equality and scientific education. His 1823 publication Precepts of Jesus argued for Christianity's ethical core without dogma, influencing interfaith dialogue.

As a bridge between East and West, Roy worked with British officials to modernize India's legal system and establish the Hindu College (1817), now Presidency University Kolkata. His advocacy for English-language education created a generation of Indian professionals who later led independence movements. Roy's legacy is preserved in Kolkata's Brahmo Samaj Temple, a symbol of his secular ideals.

Despite his global connections—he petitioned the British Parliament and met with European thinkers like Volney—Roy remains underappreciated outside India. His holistic approach to reform, combining social justice with intellectual innovation, continues to inspire movements for ethical governance and pluralism.