Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/585

538 prevented my son from contracting widow marriage, which he did from the impulse of his own heart, I would have been the basest of men. In fine, I consider myself fortunate that Narayan Chandra entered into this alliance out of his own motion. I am not a slave to the customs of my country. Whatever I may deem proper or necessary for the good of the country or myself I will do at all risks. I will never shrink from it for fear of society or of my kinsfolk. In conclusion, I have to say that those, who will not have the courage or will dislike to keep festal or other intercourse with Narayan Chandra for fear of society or for any other reason, may easily refrain from such communication. I don't think, Narayan Chandra will be sorry on that account; and as for me, I too will not be offended or displeased. In my opinion, in these matters every one is at liberty to act according to his or her own free will; no one should follow our instance or act up to our wishes. 31st Sravan.

'Your well-wisher

(Sd). ’Isvar Chandra Sarma.'

The letter clearly shows that Vidyasagar was no double-dealer. His advocasy of the re-marriage of Hindu widows was sincere, though it must be said that his conviction was based on wrong arguments. The Hindu Society has nothing to fear from men like Ram Mohan Ray or Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, who never concealed their