Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/151

110 Dr. Mouett, the Secretary to the Education council, had a necessity for some information on the Sanskrit Literature or Hindu Religion, he used to go to Mr. Marshall for the information. The latter, in his turn, had the matter decided by reference to Vidyasagar. It was in this way, that Dr. Mouett came to know Vidyasagar, whom he henceforth regarded with much esteem and trust. Gradually he had a great affection for Vidyasagar, and was ever his well-wisher and benefactor.

Shortly after he had entered the Fort William College, Vidyasagar had to witness a great change in the educational policy of this country. He was intimately connected with the education department, and under this department, he had to bring about many alterations, and introduce new plans. We will, therefore, try to notice them briefly.

When Isvar Chandra first entered the Sanskrit College, as a student, in 1829, English education had not much spread in this country. Some respectable residents of Calcutta and its neighbourhood were the first to begin to appreciate English education, and try to introduce it into this country. Through the exertions of Hare, Harrington, East, and some other generous Europeans and a number of influential natives of this country, a school was set up in the premises of Gora Chand Basak of Garanhata on Monday, the 20th of January, 1817. It was the groundwork of the Hindu College of after years. There was also another party who