SOCIAL REFORMERS OF INDIA
The twentieth century is a great period in India's social and cultural history. Thirled with the desire to reform the society according to the requirements of the modern worldof science and technology,democracy, and nationalism,the thoughtful Indians set out to reform the traditional ways and methods that were inevitably etched to the Indian culture.
INDIA INDEBTED TO SOCIAL REFORMERS
The Indian social reformers uphold the Indian philosophy and culture to its best. The status of women was uplifted. The education system was modernised. Child marriage, Cast rigidity,and Sati system was banned. India made a remarkable progress in every walk of life. All this led to a growth and development of our nation and ever since, we are continuously making progress on the path of development.
SWAMI VIVEKANAND (18Jan1863-4July1902)
He is known as the Youth Icon and his birthday January 12, is celebrated as the National Youth Day in India. Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk and one of the most celebrated spritual leaders of India. He worked tirelesly towards betterment of the poor and needy in the society.
YOUTH ICON OF INDIA
He stunned everyone with his opening line, "Sisters and Brothers of America" on the platform of the Parliament of the World's Religions 1893,Chicago. He founded the Vedanta Society of New York in 1894. He also founded the Ram KrishnaMission at Belur Math near Kolkata. Its primary objective was to serve the poor and distressed population of the country. The young monk and his teachings hae been an inspiration for the youth of the country.
SWAMI DAYANAND SARSWATI(12Feb1824-30, Oct 1883)
He was given the epithet of Maharshi and is considered as one of the makers of India. Swami Dayanand Saraswati was more than a religious leader of India who left deep impact on the Indian society. He founded the Arya Samaj that brought about changes in the religious perception of Indians.
He brought about a complete overhaul of the education system by introducing Anglo-Vedic schools.He also led back to the Vedas and Shuddhi Movement. He revoked the practice of idol worship and was against other social evils like superstitions and caste segregation. He set up a number of Gurukuls to teach his followers the knowledge of the Vedas. Some of his famous publications are Sanskar Vidhi, and Yajurveda Bhashyam.
JYOTIBA PHULE (11Apr1827-28 Nov 1890)
He was bestowed with the title of Mahatma on 11 May 1888 by another social reformer Vithalrao from Mumbai.
Jyotirao Jyotiba Govindrao Phule was a prominent social reformer and thinker of the nineteenth century India. He led the movement against the prevailing caste- restrictions in India. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was also a pioneer for women education in India and fought for education of girls throughout his life. He is believed to be the first Hindu to start on orphanage for the unfortunate children.
In 1873, Jyotiba Phule formed the Satya Shodhak Samaj (Society of Seekers of Truth). He undertook a systematic deconstruction of existing beliefs and history, only reconstruct an equality promoting version.
Dr.B.R. AMBEDKAR (14 Apr 1891-6 Dec 1956)
He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna,India's highest civilian honour in 1990.
Dr. Ambedkar was a jurist, social reformer and politician. He is also known as the Father of Indian Constitution. His efforts to eradicate social evils like untouchability and caste restrictions were remarkable. He founded the Bahishkrit Hitakarni Sabha at Mumbai with the objective of creating socio political awareness among untouchables.
His biggest contribution was his momentous effort as the chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee. Ambedkar was appointed as India's first Law Minister in the Cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru. He put particular emphasis on religious, gender and caste equality.
RAJA RAM MOHUN ROY(22 May, 1772-27 sept,1833)
The title 'Raja' was bestowed upon him by the Mughal emperor Akbar ii in 1831.
Raja Ram Mohun Roy is considered as the pioneer of modern Indian Renaissance for the remarkable reforms he brought in the 18th and 19th century India. Among his efforts, the abolition of the brutal and inhuman Sati Pratha was the most prominent. His efforts were also instrumental in eradicating the purdah system and child marriage. He vehemently opposed the unnecessary ceremonialism and the idolatry advocate by priests. In 1828, he formed the Brahmo Samaj. He was also a great oponent of the rigid caste divisions of his time. Some of his famous publications are Kathopanishad and The Universal Religion.
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