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152 Sava, another association for religious discussion, to which many of the foremost Brahmos of later days traced their first inspiration and enthusiasm.

In the midst of these philanthropic activities, Keshub had endeavoured to follow the universal practice then in vogue in Bengal for a young man to adopt the family profession. In 1859 in accordance with family tradition he entered the Bank of Bengal, beginning as a clerk on the modest stipend of 25 Rs. a month. Though the work was utterly uncongenial to him, so well did he perform his duties that before a year was passed his salary was doubled and apart from his family influence it was certain that speedy promotion awaited him. But the conviction soon took deep root in him that he was called upon to give up his life entirely to his educational and religious work and two years after entering the Bank he astonished his friends by resigning his position. He was the first young man of his rank and class to give up his worldly prospects in order to devote himself entirely to the advancement of his fellow-countrymen, and his disinterestedness and unselfishness greatly enhanced his already growing reputation. In 1860 he visited Krishnagar, on one of his first famous missionary expeditions, and so far broke with family customs and tradition as to accompany Devendra Nath Tagore on a voyage to Ceylon by sea. Though the spell had been broken by the journey of Ram Mohan Roy to England thirty