Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/13

 RAM MOHAN ROY. 1772-1833. AMONG the famous men of Bengal in the nineteenth century no name deserves a more honoured place than that of Ram Mohan Roy. At once the pioneer of the great Renaissance that was slowly dawning in Bengal and the first representative of India to the British people, he opened up to his fellow countrymen new paths of progress and reform. When as yet the old traditions and the old beliefs, clothed in the gathering ignorance of centuries, still held their ground unchallenged, he zealously sought fresh knowledge and, when found, proclaimed it unafraid. Against ignorance and superstition he waged constant warfare, striving always to find the truth in all things. Hinduism both in its social and religious aspects had fallen on evil days. Sunk in apathy and fast bound by tradition, it was left to Ram Mohan Roy and his little band of followers to prepare the way for its Renaissance. By his ceaseless labours in the cause of education, his successful advocacy of the abolition of Sati, his endeavours to purify the Hindu faith, and by his wonderful bringing together of East and West in the last three years of his life, he has left an undying claim upon the gratitude of his fellow-countrymen.