Page:Vidyasagar, the Great Indian Educationist and Philanthropist.djvu/46

 knowing pundits. Before a week was over he submitted an exhaustive account of the existing mode of instruction, also suggesting better methods. His plan was to shorten the period of study by selecting better text-books and discarding useless works and to systematise everything. He it was who first advocated the use of Bengali books and the making of English a compulsory subject of study. All these proposals impressed the Council favourably.

Babu Rassomoy Dutta, the Secretary, was naturally offended when Vidyasagar, his subordinate, was required to draw up the report. Knowing that the time had come for his retirement, he prudently laid down the reins of office. In a few days the two secretaryships were abolished and in their stead was created the post of the principal. Vidyasagar became the first principal in January 1851, when about thirty.