250th Birth Anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy, born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Hooghly district of West Bengal, was a pivotal figure in Indian history. He co-founded the Brahmo Sabha in 1828 and left an indelible mark on various fields including politics, public administration, education, and religion. Renowned as the “Father of the Bengal Renaissance,” his influence extended far beyond his lifetime.

Roy’s contributions to modern Indian history were profound, particularly in his efforts to revive the pure and ethical principles of the Vedanta school of philosophy found in the Upanishads. He advocated for the unity of God, translated Vedic scriptures into English, and played a key role in founding the Calcutta Unitarian Society and the Brahmo Samaj. These endeavors aimed at reforming and modernizing Indian society.

His campaign against the practice of sati, or the burning of widows, stands as one of his most significant achievements. He also crusaded against other social evils such as child marriage, polygamy, and the caste system. Roy sought to integrate Western culture with the best aspects of Indian traditions and established schools to promote a modern system of education in India, replacing traditional Sanskrit-based education with English-based education.

Roy’s writings attracted attention from British and American Unitarians, and he used his position as an employee of the East India Company to advocate for political reform. He founded the Atmiya Sabha and the Unitarian Community to fight social evils and promote social and educational reforms in India.

Throughout his life, Roy emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social reform and founded several educational institutions. His journal, the Sambad Kaumadi, addressed topics such as freedom of the press, the inclusion of Indians in high-ranking positions, and the separation of the executive and judiciary.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy passed away on September 27, 1833, leaving behind a legacy of social reform, educational advancement, and religious enlightenment. His tireless efforts against caste discrimination, untouchability, superstitions, and social injustices continue to inspire generations. In honor of his 250th Birth Anniversary, the Department of Posts is proud to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp, recognizing his significant contributions to the pride and progress of the nation.