Social Reformers
Decades come and go but what remain are the impression and great acts of the social
reformers. India is privileged to have number of great souls like Dayanand Saraswati and
Raja Ram Mohan Roy. They managed to bring revolutions by making radical changes in
the society. Some of the reformers took up the challenges of breaking the jinx of prevailing
caste-system while some fought for the introduction of girls'-education and widow
remarriage. The contributions, made by these, simple yet eminent souls towards humanity
are really extraordinary. Their activities and thoughts guided the nation to a new
beginning.
Acharya Vinoba Bhave
Acharya Vinoba Bhave was a freedom fighter and a spiritual teacher. He is best known as
the founder of the 'Bhoodan Movement' (Gift of the Land). The reformer had an intense
concern for the deprived masses. Vinoba Bhave had once said, "All revolutions are
spiritual at the source.
Baba Amte
From a child born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Baba Amte later transformed his life
into a social activist. He devoted his entire life to serve the downtrodden people of the
society. He left his lucrative profession to join India's struggle for independence.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Biography
Dr B R Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was one of the architects of
the Indian Constitution. He was a well-known politician and an eminent jurist. Ambedkar's
efforts to eradicate the social evils like untouchablity and caste restrictions were
remarkable.
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is considered as one of the pillars of Bengal renaissance. In
other words, he managed to continue the reforms movement that was started by Raja
Rammohan Roy. Vidyasagar was a well-known writer, intellectual and above all a staunch
follower of humanity. He brought a revolution in the education system of Bengal.
Jyotiba Phule
Jyotiba Phule was one of the prominent social reformers of the nineteenth century India. He
led the movement against the prevailing caste-restrictions in India. He revolted against the
domination of the Brahmins and for the rights of peasants and other low-caste fellow.
Mother Teresa
Mother TeresaMother Teresa was a true follower of humanity. Many people considered
Mother as the "reincarnated form of Lord Jesus". Mother Teresa devoted her entire life in
serving the needy and abandoned people of the society. Although her mission started in
India, she succeeded in bringing the people of all societies under one roof, i.e. humanity.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Raja Ram Mohan Roy is considered as the pioneer of modern Indian Renaissance for the
remarkable reforms he brought in the 18th century India. Among his efforts, the abolition of
the sati-pratha-a practice in which the widow was compelled to sacrifice herself on the funeral
pyre of her husband-was the prominent.
Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa
Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa was a popular saint of India. He had a strong faith in the
existence of god. He regarded every woman of the society, including his wife, Sarada, as holy
mother. Swami Vivekananda was one of the prominent disciples of Ramakrishna, who later
formed the Ramakrishna Mission.
Shahu Chhatrapati
King Shahu Chhatrapati was considered as a true democrat and social reformer. He was an
invaluable gem in the history of Kolhapur. Shahu was associated with many progressive
activities in the society including education for women. He was greatly influenced by the
contributions of social reformer Jyotiba Phule.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Dayanand Saraswati was a reformer and believed in pragmatism. He preached against many
rituals of the Hindu religion such as idol-worship, caste by birth, animal sacrifices and
restrictions of women from reading Vedas. He was not only a great scholar and philosopher
but also a social reformer and a political thinker.
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda is known for his inspiring speech at the Parliament of the World's
Religions at Chicago on 11 September, 1893, where he introduced Hindu philosophy to the
west. But this was not the only contribution of the saint. He revealed the true foundations of
India's unity as a nation. He taught how a nation with such a vast diversity can be bound
together by a feeling of humanity and brother-hood.
