Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/25

IV one whom he considered worthier, at the time of which we are writing. Vidyasagar was drawing a a poor pay of Rs 50 a month. The appointment which fell vacant was that of teacher of the Grammar class in the Sanscrit College, and carried a pay of Rs 90. The post was offered to him on the recommendation of Mr. Marshall. But Vidyasagar refused the appointment because he considered the eminent Tara Nath Tarkavachaspati a more profound grammarian. The appointment was given to Tarkavachaspati, and Vidyasagar walked all the way from Calcutta to Calna to inform him of the appointment. Such a rare instance of disinterestedness astonished Tarkavachaspati himself. "Glory to you, Vidyasagar,"—he exclaimed,—"You are not a man, but a god in human form!"

The post of Assistant Secretary to the Sanscrit College fell vacant in 1846. Rossomoy Dutt, one of the most distinguished men of his times, was then the Secretary; and he had early discerned Vidyasagar's great talents and energy. He requested the Education Council to appoint Vidyasagar to the post on a higher pay than it then carried, which was Rs 50 only. The pay was not increased, but Vidyasagar's appointment was sanctioned. His great energy found a wider vent in this larger field of work, and he earnestly endeavoured to remodel Sanscrit education, and to bring