Honouring the Visionary: Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s 253rd Birth Anniversary
Today, May 22, 2025, marks the 253rd birth anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a towering figure in Indian history whose vision and voice laid the cornerstone for social, educational, and religious reform in 19th-century India. Often revered as the “Father of the Indian Renaissance,” Roy was much more than a reformer—he was a torchbearer of progress, reason, and compassion during a time when India was shackled by social evils and colonial dominance.
This day is more than a remembrance—it’s a celebration of a legacy that continues to guide India’s conscience.
Early Life: The Making of a Revolutionary Mind
Born in a Time of Orthodoxy
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Bengal (present-day West Bengal), into a deeply religious and orthodox Brahmin family. But from an early age, he questioned age-old customs and sought spiritual truth beyond rituals.
He mastered Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and later English, giving him access to a wide spectrum of philosophical and religious texts—from the Vedas and Upanishads to the Quran and Bible.
This multi-faith foundation played a vital role in shaping his progressive, inclusive worldview.
A Voice Against Social Injustice
Abolition of Sati: His Most Courageous Battle
The abolition of the Sati practice—where widows were forced to immolate themselves on their husbands’ funeral pyres—is perhaps his most celebrated contribution. At a time when questioning such practices meant inviting public outrage, Roy stood firm.
He not only spoke and wrote against Sati but actively petitioned the British authorities. His relentless efforts led to the Sati Regulation Act of 1829, passed under Governor-General Lord William Bentinck.
“Can man commit a more heinous crime than burning his wife alive?”
— Raja Ram Mohan Roy
This act of moral bravery saved countless lives and changed the fabric of Indian society.
Fight for Women’s Rights and Education
Roy was a pioneer of women’s rights in India. He campaigned for:
Widow remarriage
Women’s right to education
Opposition to child marriage and polygamy
At a time when women were denied basic dignity, he envisioned a society where they could live, learn, and lead.
He founded schools for girls and emphasized the need for science, rationality, and modern education alongside traditional learning.
Brahmo Samaj: A New Dawn in Indian Spirituality
In 1828, Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist religious movement that aimed to cleanse Hinduism of rituals, idol worship, and caste discrimination.
The Brahmo Samaj believed in:
One universal God
Equality among all humans
Rejecting superstitions and dogma
Moral living and social service
This movement ignited a spiritual and intellectual awakening in India that inspired reformers like Keshab Chandra Sen, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Rabindranath Tagore.
Bridging the East and West
Raja Ram Mohan Roy believed that India could evolve by integrating the best of Western scientific thought with the wisdom of Eastern philosophy. He supported the introduction of English education, believing it would empower Indians to think critically and globally.
In 1830, he traveled to England as an ambassador of the Mughal emperor Akbar II, becoming one of the first Indians to do so. There, he continued advocating for Indian rights and explained India’s heritage to the Western world with clarity and pride.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Raja Ram Mohan Roy died in Bristol, England, in 1833, but his influence never faded. His statue stands tall in Kolkata and Bristol, and his ideas still breathe through India’s Constitution, its educational system, and its reformist spirit.
Interesting Facts About Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Did You Know?
He was fluent in more than 10 languages including Bengali, Hindi, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, and English.
He was given the title “Raja” by the Mughal emperor Akbar II in recognition of his diplomatic skills.
He strongly supported freedom of the press and founded several journals including Sambad Kaumudi (in Bengali) and Mirat-ul-Akbar (in Persian).
He fought against caste discrimination, saying no religion should divide humanity.
He is called “Father of Indian Journalism” for pioneering vernacular press during British rule.
A Tribute to a Timeless Reformer
Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s life reminds us that true change begins with courage—the courage to question, to stand up, and to educate others. In today’s fast-paced digital world, where information is plenty but wisdom is rare, his ideals are more relevant than ever.
He taught us to think independently, to act morally, and to believe in the power of compassion and reform.
As we celebrate his 253rd birth anniversary, may we not just remember him but live by his legacy—to question what’s wrong, embrace what’s right, and work towards a just, enlightened, and inclusive society.
