New Delhi, 26 September (H.S.): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, among several other leaders, paid tribute on Saturday to the great social reformer, educationist and humanitarian thinker Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on his birth anniversary, recalling his contributions to education and social reform. Vidyasagar was born on September 26, 1820, and is widely remembered as a prominent figure of the Bengal Renaissance.

Om Birla said on the social media platform X that Vidyasagar’s greatness was reflected not only in his scholarship and efforts towards social reform but also in his simple way of life, compassionate nature and extraordinary concern for humanity. He said Vidyasagar was always ready to help those in need, and that his personality represented a remarkable blend of scholarship, humility and a spirit of service.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Vidyasagar was a strong advocate of women’s education who established schools for girls and worked to expand their access to education. He also made significant contributions to the development of the Bengali language and script.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said Vidyasagar regarded education as one of the most powerful instruments of social transformation. He said that through Varnaparichay, Vidyasagar helped reshape the Bengali alphabet and opened the doors of knowledge to countless children. His lifelong efforts in support of widow remarriage and women’s education, Shah added, continue to provide direction to society. Vidyasagar is widely recognised for his advocacy of women’s education and widow remarriage.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described Vidyasagar as a great social reformer and said he championed women’s rights and widow remarriage. He said Vidyasagar’s efforts played an important role in bringing about social change and strengthening the dignity and social status of women.

Kharge added that Vidyasagar’s contributions to Bengali language and culture—as a philosopher, educationist, publisher, rationalist, social worker and polymath—would continue to inspire generations.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also remembered Vidyasagar on his birth anniversary, describing him as one of the key pillars of the Bengal Renaissance and a distinguished social reformer. Vidyasagar is regarded as one of the leading figures associated with the Bengal Renaissance and is particularly remembered for his work in education and social reform.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar